Green bean casserole is a time-honored dish that graces countless dinner tables, especially during holiday gatherings. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that combines tender green beans with a creamy, savory sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. Whether you're preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving a cozy meal, this traditional green bean casserole recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Read on to discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time.

What is Green Bean Casserole?
Green bean casserole is a classic American comfort food dish that was first created in the 1950s. The recipe is beloved for its simplicity and rich flavor, which is achieved by combining green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and a crispy onion topping. It's often served as a side dish, though it's hearty enough to enjoy as a main course. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this dish is straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Ingredients List for Traditional Green Bean Casserole
To make a classic green bean casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients. These items are easy to find at any grocery store, and most of them are likely already in your pantry.
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of cut green beans, drained – You can also use fresh or frozen green beans if you prefer.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup – The creamy base that adds richness to the dish.
- ¾ cup of milk – This helps thin the soup for the perfect creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce – Adds a depth of flavor with a subtle umami boost.
- ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper – For a hint of spice and seasoning.
- 1 ⅓ cups of crispy fried onions – The signature topping that provides crunch and a golden-brown finish.
Ingredients List for Fresh Green Bean Casserole
If you want to make the casserole with fresh green beans instead of canned, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of fresh green beans – Trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup – Still the go-to for that creamy consistency.
- ¾ cup of milk – To thin the soup and enhance the sauce’s texture.
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce – For additional depth and flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper – Adds a touch of seasoning to balance the creaminess.
- 1 ⅓ cups of crispy fried onions – The must-have crispy topping.
Substitutions and Variations
While the traditional green bean casserole is a classic, there are several ways to switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Fresh vs. Canned Green Beans: If you prefer a fresher taste, you can substitute canned green beans with fresh or frozen green beans. Blanch fresh green beans by boiling them for 5 minutes and then plunging them into an ice bath to preserve their bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
- Mushroom-Free Version: Not a fan of mushrooms? No problem! You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free fried onions and a gluten-free cream soup (or make your own from scratch using cornstarch or gluten-free flour).
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the milk with a non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade dairy-free version.
- Add Some Cheese: For a cheesy twist, mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the casserole mixture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a traditional green bean casserole is straightforward and takes very little time to prepare. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – Start by getting your oven ready, as this dish cooks quickly.
- Combine soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper in a bowl – Stir the ingredients until they are well blended, creating the creamy sauce that coats the green beans.
- Stir in the green beans – Gently fold the green beans into the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Add half the fried onions – Stir in half of the crispy fried onions for a crunchy texture throughout the casserole.
- Pour into a baking dish – Transfer the green bean mixture to an ungreased 1 ½-quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes – Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
- Top with the remaining fried onions – After the initial bake, sprinkle the remaining crispy onions on top.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes – Return the casserole to the oven for 5 more minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy.
- Serve warm – Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Cook Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve never made green bean casserole before, don’t worry! It’s incredibly simple, and this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.
- Gather Ingredients: Before you start, gather all your ingredients, including green beans, soup, milk, soy sauce, and fried onions.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper. Stir well until everything is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Green Beans: Whether you’re using canned or fresh green beans, make sure they’re drained or blanched and ready to go.
- Combine with the Sauce: Stir the green beans into the sauce mixture until they are fully coated.
- Layer the Onions: Mix in half of the fried onions for extra texture.
- Bake: Bake in the oven until hot and bubbly.
- Final Topping: Add the rest of the onions and bake until golden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple dish like green bean casserole can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Using Too Much Liquid: Be careful not to add extra milk or soup, as this can make the casserole watery. Stick to the recipe for the perfect creamy consistency.
- Burning the Onions: Watch your oven closely during the final 5 minutes of baking. Fried onions can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Undercooking Fresh Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, be sure to blanch them beforehand to avoid a tough, chewy texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A beautifully presented dish always makes the meal feel extra special. Here are some tips for serving and presenting your green bean casserole:
- Use a Decorative Baking Dish: Serve the casserole straight from a pretty baking dish. A ceramic or glass dish works well for presentation.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the finished dish with chopped parsley or thyme to add a pop of color.
- Pair with Holiday Staples: Serve alongside classic holiday dishes like mashed potatoes, roast turkey, or stuffing for a complete feast.
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is typically served as a side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a main dish for a lighter meal. To serve, simply spoon out portions directly from the casserole dish, ensuring that each serving gets a nice amount of crispy onions on top.
Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Casserole
For a fancier presentation, consider using individual ramekins for personal servings. This not only looks elegant but ensures everyone gets their own portion with the perfect amount of crispy topping.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, just add the fried onions on top and bake.
- Double the Recipe: If you're serving a crowd, double the recipe and use a larger baking dish to accommodate.
- Crispier Topping: For an extra crispy topping, use an air fryer or oven broiler to quickly crisp up the fried onions just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make green bean casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, minus the fried onion topping. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then top with the onions and bake just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze green bean casserole?
A: Green bean casserole can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it without the fried onions to maintain the crispy texture. Freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Add the onions and bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While green beans are the classic choice, you can substitute or add other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.
Conclusion
Green bean casserole is a timeless classic that brings warmth, comfort, and a sense of tradition to the dinner table. With its creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping, this dish is a must-have for any holiday meal or cozy family dinner. Follow this recipe, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious casserole that your guests will love. Don’t forget to explore the variations to make it your own and enjoy every bite!
PrintTraditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This traditional Green Bean Casserole recipe features fresh green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, creating a delicious side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner. The keyword "Green Bean Casserole" ensures visibility for this classic favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked green beans and ⅔ cup of crispy fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then stir the casserole.
- Top with the remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh beans with canned or frozen.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed garlic or mushrooms.
- Perfect as a holiday side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
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