This Green Bean Casserole is a cozy dish made with fresh green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy fried onions on top. It’s the perfect comfort food for family gatherings!
You know it’s a hit when everyone keeps asking for seconds! I love how easy it is to whip up—just mix, bake, and enjoy this tasty classic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give the best texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, you could use frozen green beans. Just adjust the cooking time since they are often pre-cooked.
Mushrooms: While mushrooms add great flavor, you can skip them if you’re not a fan. You could also substitute with canned mushrooms if fresh ones aren’t available, but fresh will taste better!
Condensed Soup: The canned cream of mushroom soup is what keeps this dish creamy. For a healthier version, try a low-fat or homemade version using a white sauce.
Sour Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt can work as a substitute. It adds a nice tangy flavor too.
Cheddar Cheese: This is optional, but I find it adds a nice richness. Feel free to use a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy or skip it altogether!
Crispy Fried Onions: If you want a homemade touch, you can bake slices of onions in the oven for a healthier alternative! Or use roasted crushed nuts for a crunchy variation.
How Do You Prevent the Green Beans from Getting Mushy?
To keep your green beans crisp in the casserole, blanch them before mixing. Here’s how:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the prepared green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes, just until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer them to an ice bath (a bowl of cold water) to stop the cooking process.
- Drain and then they are ready to be mixed into your casserole!
This blanching technique makes a huge difference in maintaining texture, and the bright green color looks fantastic in your dish!
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (such as French’s), divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Green Bean Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake, making it a quick and easy dish to whip up for your family dinner or holiday feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish so your delicious casserole won’t stick.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add in the green beans and cook them for about 4-5 minutes, just until they’re tender but still have a nice crispness. Drain them, then quickly plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain them again and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Then, toss in the garlic and mushrooms (if you’re using them) and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender and any moisture has evaporated.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it is nice and smooth.
5. Combine with Green Beans:
Add the cooked green beans and the sautéed onion-mushroom mixture to the bowl with the sauce. Mix everything well to coat the beans in that creamy goodness.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the green bean mixture into your prepared casserole dish. If you like cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. This helps it get bubbly and warm throughout!
8. Add Crispy Fried Onions:
After 25 minutes, pull the casserole out and sprinkle 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
9. Finish Baking:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy, adding that lovely crunch!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish as a side at dinner or during special occasions!
Dig in and savor your delightful Green Bean Casserole topped with crunchy fried onions!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans—just make sure they are thawed before using them. It’s best to lightly steam them first to retain some crunch!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Green Bean Casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
Is There a Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Yes! You can make a homemade version using a white sauce (made from butter, flour, and milk) with sautéed mushrooms added, or use a different cream soup, like cream of chicken or cream of celery, for a different flavor profile.