This Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor! Made with fresh green beans and a smooth mushroom sauce, it’s topped with crispy fried onions for that extra crunch.
It’s a family favorite at my house, and I love how easy it is to whip up. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for holiday dinners or any day you need a tasty veggie dish! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: The stars of the dish! I love using fresh green beans for that crisp texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with frozen green beans; just be sure to thaw and drain them first.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the creamy base of your casserole. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using a homemade version or swap it for cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Vegan cream soups are also available if you have dietary restrictions.
Milk: Regular milk works well, but you can also use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s unsweetened, so it won’t alter the flavor.
Soy Sauce: This is optional but adds depth to the flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, feel free to skip it or use coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Crispy Fried Onions: These give that perfect crunch on top! If you can’t find them, you could use crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil for a similar effect.
How Can I Get My Green Beans Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking green beans just right is key for your casserole to shine. You want them crisp-tender, which means they should be cooked through but still maintain a bit of snap.
- Start with boiling salted water. This helps the green beans stay vibrant green.
- Toss them in the boiling water for 5-6 minutes. Test them for tenderness – you should still feel a slight crunch.
- Immediately drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures they don’t get mushy.
By following these steps, your green beans will shine in this casserole, bringing a lovely color and texture to your dish!
Delicious Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (such as French’s)
What’s the Time Estimate?
This Green Bean Casserole will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-40 minutes to cook, including baking times. Overall, expect to spend about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it super easy to fit into your cooking schedule!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook your casserole evenly.
2. Cook the Green Beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the green beans and cook for about 5-6 minutes. You want them to be crisp-tender, so keep an eye on them! Once done, drain the beans well and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if you’re using it), and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Beans and Sauce:
Add your cooked green beans to the bowl with the mushroom mixture. Toss gently to coat all the beans nicely with the sauce.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Take a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and pour the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. First Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until you see that the mixture is bubbly and hot.
7. Add the Crispy Fried Onions:
After 25 minutes, take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top. This will create that delicious crunchy topping we all love!
8. Final Bake:
Put the casserole back in the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and perfectly crisp. Keep an eye on them during this time!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Then, dig in and enjoy your delicious green bean casserole!
This dish is not just perfect for holiday dinners but also great for any day when you want a taste of home-cooked comfort food!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you use frozen green beans, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with the other ingredients. They may require a slightly shorter cooking time, so keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. If you want to revive the crispiness, reheating in the oven is best!
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! If you want to switch up the toppings, you can use crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even a blend of shredded cheese. Just keep in mind that cooking times for different toppings may vary slightly.
