Easy Green Bean Casserole

Introduction

Sometimes, you just need a dish that’s as simple as it is comforting, and that’s exactly what you get with this Easy Green Bean Casserole. It’s a timeless side dish that combines tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crunchy topping of fried onions—everything you need for a dish that’s both satisfying and effortless.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, holiday meals, or potlucks where you want to serve something everyone will love without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy, savory sauce pairs perfectly with the crisp onions on top, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful with minimal effort.

The best part? You only need a few basic ingredients, and it’s ready in no time, so you can focus on other parts of your meal or enjoy some extra time with family and friends. If you’re craving a quick and delicious side that checks all the boxes, this Easy Green Bean Casserole is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Easy Green Bean Casserole will be a hit:

• Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to track down fancy ingredients—just a few basics that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Quick to Make: With just a few steps, this casserole is ready to serve in less than an hour.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, savory, and topped with crispy onions—what’s not to love?
• Versatile: It pairs perfectly with just about any main dish, from roast chicken to steak to turkey.
• Make Ahead: This casserole is great for prepping in advance, so it’s one less thing to worry about when you’re planning a meal.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 3g, Fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

You’ll need just a few ingredients for this simple casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained (or 4 cups of fresh/frozen green beans)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or any cream of mushroom soup)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups French’s® Fried Onions (or another crispy fried onion brand)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the Campbell’s® Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, and black pepper until smooth.

3. Add Green Beans

Stir in the drained green beans, making sure they’re fully coated in the creamy mushroom sauce.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the green bean mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.

5. Bake

Bake the casserole for 25 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly.

6. Add Fried Onions

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top.

7. Bake Again

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy.

8. Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve

This Easy Green Bean Casserole is a perfect side dish for almost any main course. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

1. With Roast Chicken or Turkey: It’s a classic pairing with poultry dishes, especially for holidays.
2. For Potlucks: This casserole is always a crowd-pleaser at potluck gatherings or barbecues.
3. With Steak: It’s a great complement to a juicy steak or other grilled meats.
4. As a Side: Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes or salad, this casserole makes any meal feel like a special occasion.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your Easy Green Bean Casserole turns out perfectly:

1. Use Fresh Green Beans: If you want to elevate the dish, swap canned green beans for fresh or frozen beans. Just blanch them for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
2. Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mushroom soup mixture before baking.
3. Customize the Topping: If you want a crunchier topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers along with the fried onions.
4. Add Garlic or Onion Powder: To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the soup mixture.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole mixture before baking for a cheesy version.
• Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Add crispy bacon bits to the casserole for extra savory goodness.
• Spicy Green Bean Casserole: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Mushroom Lovers’ Casserole: Sauté some fresh mushrooms and add them to the casserole for an even richer mushroom flavor.

Freezing and Storage

You can store leftovers or prepare this casserole in advance:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
• Freezing in Portions
• To make reheating easier, consider freezing the casserole in smaller portions:
• Use individual containers or Ziploc freezer bags to divide the casserole into meal-sized portions.
• Be sure to label the containers with the date and contents for easy reference.

Special Equipment

You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe:

• Casserole Dish: A 1 1/2-quart baking dish is perfect for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two to mix the soup mixture and the green beans.
• Measuring Cups: To measure out the soup, milk, and fried onions.
• Spoon or Spatula: For stirring everything together.
• Serving Spoon: A large serving spoon will make it easy to scoop and serve the casserole once it’s baked and ready.
• Grater (Optional): If you’re adding cheese to the casserole, a grater can be used to shred your favorite cheese fresh instead of buying pre-shredded.
• Basting Brush (Optional): If you’re adding extra butter or cheese to the top of your casserole for a golden, crispy finish, a basting brush will help spread it evenly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This is the standard size for most green bean casserole recipes and provides plenty of space for even baking and mixing.
• Mixing Bowls: Use a medium or large mixing bowl for combining the soup, green beans, and seasonings. A larger bowl will give you enough room to mix everything together without making a mess.
• Can Opener: If you’re using canned green beans and mushroom soup, a sturdy can opener is essential for easily opening the cans.

FAQ Section

Here are some answers to common questions about this Easy Green Bean Casserole:

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned? Yes! Fresh green beans work wonderfully here. Just blanch them for a few minutes and drain before adding them to the casserole.
• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add the fried onions before the final bake.
• What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup? You can substitute Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup for a slightly different flavor.
• Can I add cheese to the casserole?
• Absolutely! For a cheesy twist, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle cheese on top for a golden, cheesy finish along with the fried onions.
• How can I make the topping extra crispy?
• For an extra-crunchy topping, you can add a layer of crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crumbled bacon along with the fried onions. This adds a nice texture and extra flavor.
• What can I serve this casserole with?
• This casserole pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, turkey, steak, or even grilled veggies. It’s a versatile side dish that complements almost any main course.
• Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
• Yes! To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free fried onions and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is labeled as gluten-free. There are many gluten-free alternatives available for both ingredients.

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Conclusion

This Easy Green Bean Casserole is the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal without taking up too much time or effort. Whether it’s for a holiday spread or a weeknight dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce combines perfectly with the tender green beans, and the crispy onion topping adds that irresistible crunch. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that everyone will love, making it an easy choice for any occasion.

I love how effortlessly this casserole comes together, allowing you to focus on other parts of the meal while it bakes to perfection. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes just as good the next day, making it great for leftovers!

I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!