This Green Bean Casserole is a tasty mix of fresh green beans, creamy soup, and crunchy fried onions on top. It’s a classic dish that feels warm and comforting!
I love how easy it is to whip up this casserole for family dinners. And let’s be real, who doesn’t sneak a few extra crunchy onions while cooking? They’re the best part! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans bring crispness to the dish. You can also use frozen if they’re more convenient. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any extra moisture for the best texture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base for the creamy layer. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make a homemade version with sautéed mushrooms and a roux. For a vegan alternative, look for plant-based cream soups.
Milk: I like using whole milk for extra creaminess, but you can substitute it with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just make sure the flavor complements the dish.
French Fried Onions: These add a delicious crunch! If you want to make it healthier, try baking your own onions. Just thinly slice an onion, coat with breadcrumbs, and bake until crispy.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Perfectly Cooked?
The key to making a great Green Bean Casserole is timing. Start by properly prep-cooking your green beans if using fresh ones. Blanching them gives just the right bite and prevents over-cooking when baked.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing your ingredients to save time.
- Layering is crucial. Make sure to mix your green beans well with the soup mixture and spread it evenly in the casserole dish for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the frying onions during the last bake. If they look like they are browning too fast, put a piece of aluminum foil over the top to prevent burning.
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (or use frozen green beans, thawed)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for umami)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes in the oven. Overall, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes from start to finish before you can dig into this delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven & Green Beans:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you are using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender-crisp. This helps retain a nice crunch! Once done, drain the beans and set them aside. If you’re using frozen green beans, make sure they’re thawed and drained well to avoid a watery casserole.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and soy sauce (if you want a little extra flavor!). Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the delicious creamy base for your casserole.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the prepared green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions to the soup mixture. Gently stir until all the green beans are well coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Pour into the Dish:
Take a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and pour in the green bean mixture. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it bakes evenly.
5. Bake Until Bubbling:
Put the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbling. It’s going to smell amazing!
6. Add Fried Onions:
After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top. This adds the perfect crunchy texture!
7. Finish Baking:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, just until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to set a bit. Dig in and enjoy every comforting bite of your Green Bean Casserole!
Can I Use Different Types of Beans?
Absolutely! While green beans are traditional, you can experiment with other beans like haricots verts, wax beans, or even mixed beans. Just make sure they’re tender-crisp for the best texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, ensure you’re using a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup. For a vegan version, look for dairy-free cream soups and use plant-based milk. Also, check that your fried onions are vegan-friendly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge, just hold off on adding the fried onions until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and add the onions in the last 5-10 minutes of baking.