Are you looking for the perfect side dish to elevate your holiday meals or special occasions? Look no further! This Green Bean Stuffing Casserole Recipe combines the classic flavors of green beans, savory stuffing, and a rich creamy sauce that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Whether you're preparing a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner, or just a comforting meal for your family, this recipe is the perfect blend of hearty ingredients and delicious flavor. Read on to learn how to make this mouth-watering casserole and ensure your holiday meal is a success!

What Is Green Bean Stuffing Casserole?
Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is a popular side dish that combines green beans with seasoned stuffing mix, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping. It’s often served during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it can be enjoyed year-round. The dish is both hearty and flavorful, with a delightful mix of textures—tender green beans, crunchy stuffing, and a rich sauce that ties everything together.
Ingredients List for Green Bean Stuffing Casserole
Here’s a breakdown of all the essential ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Green Bean Stuffing Casserole:
- Fresh or Frozen Green Beans (4 cups): Fresh is ideal, but frozen works just as well if you're in a pinch.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The foundation of the creamy sauce that coats the green beans.
- Stuffing Mix (1 box, about 6 oz): You can use any brand or type of stuffing, but herb-seasoned stuffing is highly recommended.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Used to moisten the stuffing mix and add extra flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Optional but highly recommended for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Milk (½ cup): To thin out the cream of mushroom soup and make it extra creamy.
- French Fried Onions (1 cup): For a crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): To add richness and to sauté any extra veggies you might want to include.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.
- Optional Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like sautéed onions or mushrooms if you want extra flavor and texture.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
You might not always have all the ingredients on hand, or perhaps you have dietary restrictions or preferences. Don’t worry—this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate substitutions and variations without compromising on flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of the casserole.
- Vegan Substitution: Use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free cheese, and a vegan butter substitute to make the casserole vegan-friendly.
- Low-Carb Variation: You can reduce the amount of stuffing or use a low-carb bread option in your stuffing mix to cut down on carbs.
- Mushroom-Free Version: If you're not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and check that the cream soup you're using is also gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to dive into the cooking process. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your Green Bean Stuffing Casserole perfectly every time.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the casserole.
- Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, wash and trim them. Then, blanch the green beans by boiling them for 5 minutes, and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. If using frozen green beans, simply thaw and drain them.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a large bowl, combine your stuffing mix with chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well-mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the blanched green beans evenly on the bottom. Pour the cream of mushroom mixture over the green beans, spreading it evenly. Then, spread the prepared stuffing over the sauce layer.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the French fried onions and the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the stuffing layer for an extra crunchy, cheesy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it Rest: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Cook Green Bean Stuffing Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of the essential steps to perfecting this recipe:
- Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch or Thaw Green Beans.
- Mix Stuffing with Chicken Broth.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce with Soup, Milk, and Cheese.
- Layer Beans, Sauce, and Stuffing in a Baking Dish.
- Top with French Fried Onions and Extra Cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 Minutes Until Golden Brown.
- Let Rest Before Serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple dish like Green Bean Stuffing Casserole can have pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Green Beans: Be careful not to over-boil your green beans, or they'll turn mushy in the casserole. A quick blanch is all they need.
- Soggy Stuffing: When preparing the stuffing, ensure it’s moist but not too wet. Excess liquid will make the stuffing mushy instead of crispy.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to come together.
- Not Enough Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before layering to ensure it has enough salt and pepper. Undersalting can make the casserole bland.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving your Green Bean Stuffing Casserole, presentation can make all the difference. Here are some tips to make it look as good as it tastes:
- Use a Glass Baking Dish: A clear dish lets everyone see the layers of beans, sauce, and stuffing.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Crisp the Topping: If your French fried onions or cheese topping need extra crispness, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of baking—but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
How to Serve Green Bean Stuffing Casserole
This dish pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. Since it's a hearty dish, you can balance it out by serving it alongside lighter sides like a green salad, cranberry sauce, or roasted carrots. For an extra festive touch, serve it in a decorative dish to enhance your holiday table setup.
Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Stuffing Casserole
To make your casserole stand out, consider the following presentation ideas:
- Individual Servings: Use ramekins or mini casserole dishes for individual servings, which can give a more elegant feel to your dinner table.
- Family-Style Presentation: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a more casual, family-style meal.
- Seasonal Decorations: During the holidays, you can add a few sprigs of rosemary or other seasonal decorations around the dish to enhance its appearance.
Green Bean Stuffing Casserole Recipe Tips
To make your Green Bean Stuffing Casserole even better, here are a few pro tips:
- Prepare Ahead of Time: Assemble the casserole the day before and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven before dinner to save time.
- Add Crunch: If you love extra crunch, mix some chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) into the stuffing layer.
- Extra Cheese: Cheese lovers can mix more shredded cheddar or even parmesan into the sauce for a richer flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use canned green beans, but be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid adding extra liquid to the casserole.
2. How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
3. Can I freeze Green Bean Stuffing Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Conclusion
Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and versatile dish that's perfect for any holiday or family gathering. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy cooks who still want to impress their guests. With the perfect balance of green beans, stuffing, and creamy sauce, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Be sure to follow the recipe tips and avoid common mistakes to make your casserole the star of the dinner table.
PrintGreen Bean Stuffing Casserole Recipe
This delicious Green Bean Stuffing Casserole recipe features fresh green beans and savory stuffing for a hearty dish. Ideal for holiday gatherings or weeknight meals, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Key ingredients include green beans, stuffing mix, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, baked to perfection for a crunchy, creamy bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh or canned green beans
- Stuffing mix
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Chicken broth
- Fried onions
- Butter
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook green beans until tender, drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in stuffing mix, then fold in the cooked green beans.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with fried onions.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for a lighter flavor.
- For extra crunch, add more fried onions to the top layer.
- Fresh green beans add more texture, but canned beans are a quicker option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
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