Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Cream of Mushroom Soup

As the holiday season nears, a classic dish warms our family’s table. It’s the green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup. My grandmother would layer French’s fried onions on top, making it golden and irresistible.

This recipe is more than a side dish. It’s a comfort food that brings families together. With Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and fresh green beans, you can make a dish that impresses everyone.

It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or just when you want something tasty. The mix of green beans, mushroom sauce, and crispy onions is unbeatable. It’s a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ready to learn why this casserole is a favorite for so many? Let’s explore how to make a dish that will have everyone asking for more!

Why This Classic Holiday Side Dish Is a Must-Have

Green bean casserole is a favorite at holiday meals. It’s loved by families all over the United States. This dish is more than just a side; it’s a tradition that brings people together.

Traditional Ingredients That Make It Special

The secret to this dish’s charm is its simple yet tasty ingredients. It combines fresh green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, crispy fried onions, and rich dairy. These elements create a perfect mix of flavors and textures.

Perfect for Thanksgiving and Family Gatherings

Your Thanksgiving green bean casserole can be the highlight of the meal. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 20 minutes, and cooks in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It’s both convenient and delicious.

A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

This dish is special because it brings back memories and comfort. The creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping make it unforgettable. It’s also easy to customize, keeping its timeless appeal.

Essential Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup

Making a tasty homemade green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup is easy. You just need a few key ingredients. These ingredients come together to make a creamy, comforting side dish that’s great for family meals.

• Green Beans: Choose either fresh or canned green beans. Most home cooks prefer canned for convenience
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: The flavor foundation of your casserole
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture
• Crispy Fried Onions: Provides a crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor

When making your green bean casserole, keep these tips in mind. Fresh green beans can be used instead of canned, but they need to be blanched first. Canned soup is quick to prepare, while homemade versions let you customize the taste.

Nutritional insights show that a serving has about 112 calories. It has 11g of carbs and 3g of protein. This makes it a light side dish that goes well with main courses.

Pro tip: For a truly memorable homemade green bean casserole, experiment with ingredient quality and potential flavor enhancements.

How much of each ingredient you use is important. The traditional recipe uses equal parts green beans and cream of mushroom soup. This ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and tasty.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make a tasty homemade green bean casserole, you need the right tools. The right utensils and dishes make cooking easier and more fun.

Recommended Baking Dishes

The best green bean casserole comes from the right dish. A 9×13-inch ceramic or glass dish is perfect. It cooks evenly and looks great on the table.

• Ceramic baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Glass casserole dish
• Sturdy metal baking pan

Time-Saving Kitchen Tools

Make your green bean casserole prep easier with these tools:

1. Sharp chef’s knife for chopping
2. Cutting board
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Can opener
6. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Temperature and Timing Equipment

For a perfect casserole, precision is key. Use these tools for consistent results:

• Oven thermometer
• Digital kitchen timer
• Instant-read meat thermometer

Pro tip: Always preheat your oven to 425°F. Use a reliable timer to avoid overcooking your casserole.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Making an easy green bean casserole recipe is all about precision and care. This classic dish is quick to make with just a few steps. It promises a delicious result every time.

To start your green bean casserole, first gather all your ingredients. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F. The right preparation is key to getting that creamy texture everyone adores.

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim 2 pounds of fresh green beans. Cut them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
2. Create the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, 1 1/4 cups of half-and-half, and seasonings.
3. Mix Ingredients: Fold the green beans into the creamy mixture, ensuring they are completely coated.
4. First Baking Stage: Transfer the mixture to a 2-3 quart baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Add Crispy Topping: Sprinkle remaining crispy fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

“The secret to an amazing green bean casserole is in the layers of flavor and texture.” – Home Cooking Expert

Your green bean casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. It takes about 30 minutes to cook. This makes it a quick and impressive side dish for any meal.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Texture

Making the best green bean casserole needs some skill. The secret to a memorable dish is in its texture and how it’s prepared. With a few expert tips, your creamy green bean casserole can become unforgettable.

Achieving the Right Consistency

The secret to a perfect creamy green bean casserole is balance. Start with a smooth base made of:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup of flour for thickening

Preventing Soggy Green Beans

No one likes a mushy casserole. To keep your green beans perfect:

1. Blanch fresh green beans for exactly 5 minutes
2. Drain them well to remove excess moisture
3. Avoid canned green beans, as they can be too soft
4. Microwave fresh beans with 3/4 cup water for 5-8 minutes until tender

Perfecting the Crispy Onion Topping

The best part of any green bean casserole is its crispy topping. For the ultimate crunch:

• Use French’s fried onions for convenience
• Sprinkle more onions in the last 5 minutes of baking
• Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes
• Watch carefully to get a deep golden brown color

Pro tip: Prepare this creamy green bean casserole a day ahead. Keep the onion topping separate until just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

Planning ahead can make your easy green bean casserole recipe a stress-free experience. You can prepare this delightful dish up to 48 hours before your event. This gives you plenty of time to focus on other holiday preparations.

Here are some key make-ahead strategies for your homemade green bean casserole:

• Prep the casserole ingredients up to 2 days in advance
• Store unbaked casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Keep crispy onion topping separate until just before baking

Storage tips for your delicious casserole include:

1. Cool the casserole completely before refrigerating
2. Store leftovers in an airtight container
3. Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness

Reheating your casserole is simple. For smaller portions, bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Larger servings might require up to 40 minutes. Pro tip: Add the crispy onion topping after uncovering to maintain its crunch for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Remember, fresh green beans provide the best texture, so try to use them when possible. With these make-ahead and storage strategies, your green bean casserole will be a convenient and delicious addition to any meal.

Variations and Customization Ideas

Making the best green bean casserole from scratch lets you get creative. You can change it up by trying new ingredients and methods. This way, you can make it taste just how you like it and fit your dietary needs.

Looking into different green bean casserole recipes can be a fun adventure. You can add new flavors or make it healthier. These ideas will make your classic dish even better.

Adding Bacon and Cheese

Make your green bean casserole even more delicious with these tasty additions:

• Crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor
• Sharp cheddar cheese for extra richness
• Gruyère cheese for a nutty undertone
• Crumbled blue cheese for bold taste

Mushroom Enhancements

Take your green bean casserole to the next level with these mushroom upgrades:

• Fresh cremini mushrooms for earthy depth
• Wild mushroom blend for complexity
• Sautéed shiitake mushrooms for umami
• Truffle oil drizzle for gourmet touch

Dietary Modifications

Make the classic recipe fit your dietary needs:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup
• Low-sodium: Choose reduced-sodium soup and skip added salt
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based alternatives instead of dairy
• Vegetarian: Omit bacon and use vegetable broth

Your green bean casserole can show off your personal taste and dietary choices. Feel free to try new things!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Your classic holiday side dish shines brightest when paired with the right foods. A Thanksgiving green bean casserole is perfect for a traditional holiday meal. It brings a delicious balance of flavors and textures.

Ideal pairings for your green bean casserole include:

• Roasted turkey (the quintessential main course)
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Honey-glazed carrots
• Cranberry sauce
• Herb-infused stuffing

When serving this classic holiday side dish, consider these presentation tips:

1. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color
2. Use a beautiful ceramic baking dish for serving
3. Sprinkle extra crispy onions just before presenting

Pro tip: Warm your casserole dish slightly before adding the green bean casserole to keep it hot throughout the meal.

“A perfectly prepared green bean casserole can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.” – Home Cooking Experts

Your Thanksgiving green bean casserole isn’t just for holidays. It’s great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings all year. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser in any setting.

Conclusion

Your journey through the classic green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup has shown its simplicity and taste. Since Dorcas Reilly created it in 1955, it’s become a favorite in over 20 million homes in the U.S.

This dish is very versatile. Whether you’re new to cooking or experienced, you can make it your own. Add bacon, try different mushrooms, or adjust ingredients for special diets. This way, you can make a casserole that your family loves.

Making the perfect green bean casserole is about more than just a recipe. It’s about creating a meal that brings people together. With simple ingredients and little prep, you can make a dish that everyone will enjoy. It will become a special part of your holiday traditions.

Enjoy the simplicity and savor every bite of your homemade green bean casserole.