Introduction
Green bean casserole: a classic dish gracing tables for generations! This simple yet satisfying recipe is a holiday staple and a comforting side dish any time of year. Get ready to enjoy a perfectly creamy, crunchy, and flavorful green bean casserole that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a timeless comfort food classic that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
- The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it incredibly easy to prepare.
- Perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but also quick enough for weeknight meals.
- This green bean casserole is always a crowd-pleaser, making it a reliable choice for gatherings.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic casserole, perfect for 6-8 servings:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Notes and Substitutions
- Green Beans: You can use fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned green beans for this recipe. Ensure they are cooked until tender before adding to the casserole.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade white sauce can work as an alternative.
- Fried Onions: For a twist, try using panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and your favorite seasonings instead of fried onions.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or soy milk, and use a vegan cream of mushroom soup alternative.
Equipment
- 1.5-quart oven-safe casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
How To Make Green Bean Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the green bean casserole cooks evenly and the topping gets nice and golden.
- In the mixing bowl, gently fold together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, cooked green beans, and 2/3 cup of the fried onions until well combined.
- Season the green bean mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared 1.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully stir the bean mixture to distribute the heat and prevent burning.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Let the green bean casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set slightly.
- Store any leftover green bean casserole in an oven-safe dish for easy reheating later.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
- Be careful not to overcook the green beans. They should be tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole.
- Distribute the fried onions evenly over the casserole to ensure every bite has that satisfying crunch.
- To prevent excessive browning, cover the casserole loosely with foil during the initial baking period, removing it for the last few minutes.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder, dried thyme, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture.
The USDA provides guidance on safe minimum internal temperatures for cooked foods, ensuring your casserole is thoroughly heated.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using too many green beans, which can dilute the creamy sauce. Also, forgetting to stir the casserole before adding the final layer of fried onions can lead to uneven heating.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This classic green bean casserole is a perfect side dish for roasted chicken, turkey, or a hearty vegetarian loaf. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add a layer of shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese before baking.
- Mushroom Lovers: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the green bean mixture for an earthy flavor.
- Herbaceous: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley over the top before serving.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional information per serving of this casserole:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 152 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Sat. Fat | 3 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 2 mg |
| Sodium | 513 mg |
| Total Carb | 14 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Vitamin D | 1 %DV |
| Calcium | 4 %DV |
| Iron | 4 %DV |
| Potassium | 4 %DV |
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the fried onions just before baking.
Can I freeze green bean casserole?
It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled casserole, as the texture can become soggy.
How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Ensure the green beans are well-drained and not overcooked before adding them to the casserole.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
This easy green bean casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any holiday gathering or weeknight dinner. Its creamy texture and crispy topping make it an irresistible casserole recipe that everyone will enjoy. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and experience the joy of making this timeless classic. Don’t forget to rate, comment, and share your delicious casserole creation with friends and family!
The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- 1 1/2-quart oven safe casserole dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) Cream of Mushroom Soup (or Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup or Cream of Celery Soup)
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans
- 1 1/3 cups French’s French Fried Onions divided
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 1 1/2-quart oven safe casserole dish, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, cooked green beans, and 2/3 cup of French fried onions.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking & Serving
- Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbling.
- Carefully remove from the oven, stir the bean mixture, then sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
- Allow the green bean casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to settle.