Easy Green Bean Casserole: Quick, Creamy, & Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Introduction

This easy green bean casserole is a classic, creamy side dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any gathering. With tender green beans, a savory mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions on top, it’s sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

• 3 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, French style or cut, drained
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 (16 oz) can French fried onions
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using canned green beans, drain them thoroughly, rinse under cold water, and drain again, squeezing out excess moisture. This ensures your casserole won’t be watery.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart (or 11×7-inch) baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until completely smooth.
3. Step 3: Take about two-thirds of the French fried onions and gently fold them into the creamy soup mixture; reserve the remaining one-third for the topping. Add the prepared green beans to the bowl and gently fold until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Spoon the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and heated through.
5. Step 5: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of garlic powder to the mushroom sauce.
• Use fresh or frozen green beans if preferred; blanch fresh beans before using to maintain tenderness.
• Try mixing in shredded cheddar cheese for a richer, cheesier casserole.
• Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or celery soup for a different twist.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and bubbly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Add the crispy fried onions topping just before baking to keep it crunchy.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely. If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain well before adding to the casserole.

Easy Green Bean Casserole: Quick, Creamy, & Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 117 reviews

A classic and easy-to-make green bean casserole combining tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions, perfect for holidays or simple family dinners. This crowd-pleasing dish is quick to prepare and bakes to a bubbly, golden perfection.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
• Total Time: 45 to 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Green Beans

• 3 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, French style or cut, drained

Sauce

• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Topping

• 1 (16 oz) can French fried onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the green beans: Drain the canned green beans thoroughly. Rinse them under cold water and drain again, squeezing out any excess moisture. This step prevents the casserole from being watery.
2. Preheat and mix sauce: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart or 11×7-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.
3. Combine onions and green beans: Take about two-thirds of the French fried onions and fold them gently into the soup mixture. Reserve the remaining one-third for the topping. Add the drained green beans to the bowl and gently fold until they are evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Assemble and bake: Spoon the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the casserole is heated through.
5. Add topping and finish baking: Remove the casserole carefully from the oven. Sprinkle the reserved French fried onions evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
6. Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Serve warm. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat in the microwave or at 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.

Notes

• For a fresher texture, substitute fresh or frozen green beans; steam or blanch before assembling.
• To make the casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions.
• Adding a tablespoon of soy sauce enhances umami flavor; omit if avoiding soy.
• Use low-fat milk for a lighter version.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven without losing much texture.

Keywords: Green bean casserole, holiday side dish, easy casserole, creamy mushroom sauce, crispy onions