Green bean casserole has been a staple in my kitchen for years, especially around family dinners and holiday gatherings. I appreciate how it combines simple ingredients into a comforting dish that everyone enjoys. The mix of tender green beans and creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions always hits the right note.

What makes this recipe special is its balance of textures—the green beans stay slightly firm, the sauce is rich but not heavy, and the fried onions add a satisfying crunch. I usually serve it as a side alongside roasted meats or as part of a larger holiday spread. The aroma of mushrooms and onions baking in the oven fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent.

This casserole is straightforward to prepare and can be made ahead, which makes it a practical go-to for busy days. I find it holds up well if reheated, so leftovers are just as good the next day. It’s a reliable recipe that never fails to please my family and guests.

Quick Facts

Why You’ll Love It

This green bean casserole is a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and always well-received. It combines fresh green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and a crunchy fried onion topping, making it a perfect side dish for many occasions.

• Reliable weeknight option
• Minimal ingredients
• Rich, crowd-pleasing flavor
• Scales well for guests

Ingredients

The ingredients list is straightforward and features fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce made with condensed soup and milk, and crispy fried onions for topping. You can find most of these items in your pantry or fridge.

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, for extra mushroom flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the casserole from scratch, starting with blanching the green beans and cooking the mushroom sauce. Then assemble and bake until bubbly and golden on top.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 4-5 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and mushrooms (if using) and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and sautéed onions and mushrooms. Stir well.
5. Add the blanched green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions to the bowl and mix to coat evenly.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions on top.
9. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef Tips

These tips will help you get the best texture and flavor from your green bean casserole.

• Blanch green beans just until tender to keep their bright color and slight crunch.
• Use fresh onions and mushrooms sautéed in butter for a richer flavor.
• Add cheese on top for a creamy, melty variation.
• Don’t add all fried onions at once; adding some at the end keeps them crispy.
• Let the casserole rest before serving to thicken the sauce.

Substitutions

If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand or prefer alternatives, here are some easy substitutions.

• Use frozen green beans instead of fresh; thaw and drain well.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
• Use almond milk or another milk substitute in place of whole milk.
• Replace French fried onions with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crispy shallots.
• Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing to make it dairy-free.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover green bean casserole properly to maintain its texture and flavor. Reheating instructions ensure it tastes fresh the next day.

• Cool the casserole completely before storing in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy on top, about 15-20 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the fried onion crunch.

Perfect Pairings

Green bean casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes and drinks, making it versatile for many meals.

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Mashed potatoes
• Cranberry sauce
• Light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about making and customizing green bean casserole.

Nutritional Note

This green bean casserole provides a moderate amount of calories per serving, with a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates primarily from green beans, cream soup, and fried onions.