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