This Green Bean Casserole is a warm and cozy dish made with fresh green beans, creamy soup, and crunchy onions on top. It’s super easy to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser!
I love serving this dish during family gatherings. Those crispy onion bits are the best part—everyone ends up fighting for the last bite! 😂
Making this casserole is a breeze; just mix, pour, and bake. It’s perfect to pair with your favorite meat or enjoy as a hearty veggie dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are ideal for this dish because they keep their crunch. If you’re short on time, you can use canned green beans, just make sure to drain them well. Frozen green beans work too; just thaw and drain before adding.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is what gives the casserole its creaminess. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a homemade mushroom sauce, or substitute with cream of chicken or even cream of celery for a different flavor.
Milk: Regular milk is perfect, but for a dairy-free version, almond milk or oat milk works well too. Just ensure they’re unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor.
French Fried Onions: These add a nice crunch! You can use homemade crispy onions if you prefer, or for a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs mixed with a little oil and seasoning.
How Do I Get My Green Beans Perfectly Tender Without Losing Their Color?
Blanching is key here! Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for just 5 minutes until they’re vibrant green and tender-crisp. After that, immediately plunge them into ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps them maintain their bright color.
- Boil water and add salt for flavor.
- Cook the beans for 5 minutes.
- Drain and quickly transfer to ice water for a few minutes.
- This step is crucial for keeping your green beans looking and tasting great in the casserole.
Delicious Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions (divided)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Green Bean Casserole will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to cook, making for a total of around 45 minutes to get this comforting dish on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly hot and bubbly.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
If you’re using fresh green beans, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Then drain the beans and set them aside. If you’re using canned beans, just make sure to drain them well.
3. Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt (if using). Stir well until everything is smooth and well combined—this will be the delicious sauce for your casserole.
4. Combine It All:
Add the prepared green beans into the bowl with the soup mixture. Gently stir everything together until the green beans are evenly coated with the creamy soup.
5. Transfer and Spread:
Pour the green bean mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Pop the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
7. Add the Topping:
After 25 minutes, carefully take the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top. They’ll add that delightful crunch we all love!
8. Finish Baking:
Return the casserole to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Dig in and enjoy this creamy, savory dish—perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole. Blanching isn’t necessary if they’re already pre-cooked.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole assembly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be aware that it may require a few extra minutes in the oven since it will be cold when you bake it.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you want to switch things up, you can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade cream sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and broth. This will add a nice fresh flavor to your casserole!