If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that screams comfort and takes any meal up a notch, this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is sure to win you over. Creamy, crunchy, and beautifully savory, it captures everything you love about a classic casserole, all while staying gloriously simple. Whether you’re gathering for the holidays or just want to add a little festivity to dinner, this dish makes every day feel special.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Green Bean Casserole Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, but don’t be fooled — each item brings something important to the table. From the snap of green beans to the irresistible crisp of fried onions, every ingredient plays a crucial role in taste, texture, and color.

Fresh Green Beans (1 1/2 pounds, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces or 2 cans drained): Fresh beans provide wonderful texture and vibrant color, but canned beans save time and still taste great.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): This classic creamy soup creates the iconic tasty base that ties it all together.
Milk (3/4 cup): Thins out the soup just enough for the perfect, spoonable sauce.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift of savory, garlicky depth without overpowering the dish.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just a nudge of warmth and balances the richness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, optional): For cheese lovers, this makes the casserole even more decadent and gooey.
Crispy Fried Onions (1 1/3 cups): The iconic topping—ultra crispy, buttery, and oh-so-addictive.
Salt (to taste): Essential to bring all the flavors together—but taste before adding, especially if your soup or onions are salty.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans

If you’re using fresh green beans, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in those vibrant green beans and cook for about 5 minutes, just until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite. Drain them and rinse under cold water — this locks in their color and stops the cooking so you don’t end up with mushy beans later.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a big bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and just a hint of salt. This is what makes every bite of this Green Bean Casserole Recipe so luxuriously creamy and comforting. If you want to enjoy that melted, stretchy cheese factor, go ahead and stir in the shredded cheddar at this stage.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Add your green beans to the creamy mixture, along with about 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions. This guarantees that crispy-onion flavor inside every forkful. Mix gently to coat all the beans evenly so every bite is loaded with creamy goodness and subtle crunch.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Slide it into your preheated oven (350°F) and bake uncovered for 25 minutes. This lets the casserole heat through and that rich sauce start to bubble — a sign that it’s melding deliciously.

Step 5: The Crunchy Finish

Now for the grand finale! After that first bake, gently stir the casserole, then scatter the remaining fried onions generously over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, just until the onions are golden and extra-crispy. That’s the moment when the aroma starts spreading through your kitchen, promising something amazing at the table.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish goes a long way here! A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a handful of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a bright, herby aroma that complements the creamy base beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra fried onions on each plate are always welcome.

Side Dishes

This Green Bean Casserole Recipe loves company. It shines next to roast turkey or baked ham, sits happily alongside mashed potatoes, and pairs with stuffing for holiday feasts. For everyday meals, serve it with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty veggie roast — it’s incredibly versatile.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go the extra mile, try baking individual portions in ramekins for a restaurant-style feel. Or, serve it in a rustic, family-style dish at the center of your table — it invites everyone to dig in and share, which is really what comfort food is all about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Green Bean Casserole Recipe stores beautifully. Cover your dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3–4 days, making it a handy addition to lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, assemble the casserole (up to the point just before you add the final fried onion topping) and freeze it, tightly wrapped. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the remaining onions, and bake. It’s a real lifesaver when you want something homemade but quick!

Reheating

To keep that topping crispy, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbling (about 15–20 minutes). A microwave works in a pinch, but the oven really brings back that freshly-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I make this Green Bean Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the final topping), cover, and refrigerate it overnight. Add the fried onions before baking so they stay crunchy.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?

Yes, frozen green beans work great. Thaw and drain them before using, and follow the recipe as you would for fresh beans.

How can I make this dish vegetarian or dairy-free?

For a vegetarian Green Bean Casserole Recipe, just double-check that your soup and onion topping don’t contain meat products. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream soup and milk — it turns out just as creamy and delicious!

Is there a way to add more flavor?

Absolutely! Sauté some fresh mushrooms, onions, or even garlic and stir them in before baking. Or toss in a handful of grated parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost.

What can I do if I don’t have crispy fried onions?

If crispy onions aren’t on hand, try toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a homemade crunchy topping. You can also use crushed crackers or make your own fried onions if you’re feeling adventurous.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a heartwarming, easy, and absolutely delicious addition to your dinner table, you simply can’t go wrong with this Green Bean Casserole Recipe. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday, I hope you give this comforting classic a try — and that it brings you and your loved ones plenty of smiles and seconds!

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic Green Bean Casserole recipe that is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish. Fresh green beans are combined with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, and baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Green Beans:

1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Optional Additions:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling salted water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse.
Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper, salt, green beans, and 2/3 cup fried onions. Add cheese if desired.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes, then top with remaining fried onions and bake for additional 5–10 minutes until golden.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!