Cozy Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Family Joy

Nestled in my grandmother’s cherished cookbook, this classic green bean casserole recipe brings comfort and nostalgia to every gathering.

Crispy onions and tender green beans create a magical harmony of textures and flavors.

Memories of holiday dinners flood back with each creamy, savory bite.

Generations have celebrated this beloved dish, passing down its simple yet irresistible charm.

Mushroom soup and fresh green beans form the heart of this timeless side.

Rich, golden-brown topping promises a delightful crunch that will make you smile.

You’ll want to savor every delectable spoonful of this heartwarming casserole.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Is a Comfort Staple

• Crush Cravings Easily: Dive into a dessert that combines creamy banana pudding, crispy vanilla wafers, and rich chocolate in one delightful treat.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and simple assembly make this recipe perfect for busy parents wanting to create a crowd-favorite dessert without stress.
• Versatile Crowd-Stopper: Adaptable for parties, potlucks, or casual family dinners, these individual cups guarantee smiles and second helpings from kids and adults alike.
• No-Bake Bliss: Skip the oven and enjoy a refreshing dessert that requires zero baking, making it ideal for warm days or when you want something sweet without heating up the kitchen.

Stock Up on These for Classic Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh, tender green beans that provide the base and main texture of the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a rich, creamy foundation that binds the ingredients together.
• Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a smooth, consistent sauce.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle umami taste to the casserole.
• Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning with a mild, warming heat.
• Garlic Powder: Contributes a classic, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Fried Onions: Crispy topping that adds a crunchy texture and golden brown color.
• Cheddar Cheese (Optional): Provides an extra layer of cheesy richness to the casserole.

Making Classic Green Bean Casserole Is Simple with These Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

• Green beans
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Stir everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and create a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the green bean mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Add First Layer of Crispy Onions

Sprinkle a generous layer of fried onions over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The casserole should become bubbly and heated through.

Step 6: Final Topping and Crisp

Remove the casserole from the oven and add an additional layer of fried onions. For extra richness, you can also sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your classic green bean casserole hot and fresh!

Kitchen Tips for Classic Green Bean Casserole Every Time

• Swap fresh green beans with frozen ones for convenience, ensuring they're thawed and drained completely before mixing.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and low-salt soy sauce for a healthier version.
• Enhance flavor by adding sautéed fresh mushrooms or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra depth.
• Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensuring fried onions are gluten-free.
• Prep casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, adding onion topping just before cooking.

Optional Additions for Classic Green Bean Casserole Fun

• Spicy Southwest Green Bean Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold southwestern-style dish.
• Bacon and Herb Green Bean Casserole: Incorporate crispy crumbled bacon, fresh thyme, and rosemary to create a rich, savory version with enhanced depth of flavor and smoky undertones.
• Mediterranean Green Bean Casserole: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and top with toasted pine nuts for a Mediterranean-inspired interpretation that brings fresh, tangy notes to the traditional recipe.
• Mushroom Lover's Green Bean Casserole: Include sautéed fresh mushrooms like shiitake and cremini alongside the cream of mushroom soup, adding extra earthy complexity and texture to the classic casserole.

Top Sides for Classic Green Bean Casserole Meals

• Thanksgiving Centerpiece Delight: Serve this classic green bean casserole as the star side dish on your holiday table, nestled between roasted turkey and cranberry sauce for a traditional family feast.
• Holiday Potluck Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to community gatherings or office holiday parties, where its creamy texture and crispy onion topping will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Weeknight Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this easy casserole with roasted chicken or beef pot roast for a quick and satisfying dinner that brings warmth and nostalgia to your family meal.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for a convenient make-ahead side dish that saves time during busy weeknights.

Store Classic Green Bean Casserole with Care

• Store the green bean casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer the cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the crispy onion topping separately.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes, adding fresh crispy onions on top just before serving to restore crunchiness.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely! Blanch fresh green beans for 3-5 minutes in boiling water, then quickly cool in ice water before using in the recipe.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions to create a celiac-friendly version of the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole without the final layer of onions, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add onions and bake when ready to serve.

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole brings nostalgic comfort to family dinner tables across America. Home cooks can easily prepare this creamy, crispy side dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 1/3 cups fried onions
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 lbs. (about 4 cups) green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Create a harmonious blend by thoroughly mixing green beans with cream of mushroom soup, introducing depth through milk, soy sauce, ground pepper, and garlic powder until ingredients are perfectly integrated.
3. Transfer the creamy vegetable mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading evenly to promote consistent heat distribution.
4. Generously crown the surface with a layer of crispy fried onions, which will provide a delightful crunchy texture.
5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, watching for the telltale bubbling that signals the dish is heating through.
6. Remove the casserole and enhance its appeal by sprinkling additional fried onions and optional cheddar cheese across the top.
7. Return to the oven for a final 5-10 minutes, allowing the topping to transform into a golden, appetizing crust that signals the dish is ready to serve.

Notes

• Swap green beans for mixed vegetables to create a more colorful and nutritious casserole that appeals to picky eaters.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and replacing soy sauce with herb-infused broth for a lighter version.
• Make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and using certified gluten-free fried onions to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance the dish’s protein content by mixing in cooked diced chicken or crumbled bacon for a heartier meal that satisfies larger appetites.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 185 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg