The BEST Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This timeless green bean casserole is a beloved side dish bursting with creamy, savory flavors and satisfying crunch from crispy fried onions. Perfect for family gatherings and Thanksgiving, its harmonious blend of textures and traditional ingredients creates a wonderfully comforting, memorable dish that elevates any meal with its classic charm.

I’m excited to share my take on the BEST Green Bean Casserole that I’ve made for a few Thanksgivings now. I use 2 cans of cut green beans that are already drained and mix them with 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, which gives the dish its creamy texture.

Then I stir in 1/2 cup whole milk for richness, add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper to season it just right. The crispy fried onions are my favorite part; I use about 1 1/3 cups, dividing them between the mix and the topping so that each bite is crunchy.

This recipe is based on the kind of legendary versions you read about on famous food sites and blogs. Its simple ingredients bring a balance of nutritional values like vitamins in the green beans and a decent amount of protein while still being a classic side dish everyone loves.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First, it’s super easy to throw together even if I ain’t a master chef. There isn’t much prepping required which helps me get a yummy side dish on the table fast. Second, I love how the creamy mushroom soup mixes with the green beans to make a rich, comforting flavor that reminds me of family dinners. Third, the crispy fried onions add such a nice crunch to every bite and give the dish a cool texture contrast that I just can’t get enough of. Lastly, it always makes me think of Thanksgiving and the warm, cozy vibes that come with it.

Ingredients

• Green beans provide fiber, vitamins, and texture; they offer subtle natural sweetness in every bite.
• Cream of mushroom soup brings creaminess paired with earthy flavor; it adds comforting, rich texture.
• Whole milk improves creaminess while supplying calcium and protein; its richness enhances overall flavor delightfully.
• Soy sauce injects salty umami notes; a tiny splash elevates the dish with savory magic.
• Ground black pepper delivers a kick; it brightens flavors with a hint of warm spice.
• Crispy fried onions contribute crunch and savory depth; their caramelized taste adds extra lovely texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions, divided (some for mixing in and some for topping)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your casserole dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper; mix well.

3. Stir in about 2/3 of the crispy fried onions into the mixture.

4. Pour the bean mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly.

6. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining onions evenly on top.

7. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, so the onions get nice and crisp.

8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy your delicious side dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheat to 350°F)
2. Casserole dish (lightly greased)
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Mixing spoon
6. Can opener (if your cans aren’t already open)

FAQ

The BEST Green Bean Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Cut green beans: Instead of using canned ones, you could use fresh green beans and blanch them for a crisper texture.
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: If you don’t have this on hand, you can make your own by simmering mushrooms in a bit of broth with a slurry of flour and butter.
• Milk: If whole milk isn’t available, try half-and-half or dilute heavy cream with a little water to keep the casserole creamy.
• Soy sauce: If you’re out of soy sauce, tamari works well or you could use a splash of Worcestershire sauce instead.
• Crispy fried onions: In a pinch, you can fry up thinly sliced onions in a bit of oil until they turn crispy rather than using the canned ones.

Pro Tips

1) Make sure you mix most of the crispy onions in the bean mixture, but be careful not to squash them too much cuz you really want them to stay crunchy on top after the second bake.
2) Let the casserole sit aside for a few minutes after you take it out of the oven so the flavors can sort of meld together – this little pause really makes a difference in texture and taste.
3) If you want to switch it up a bit, try sprinkling a pinch of garlic powder or paprika when you mix all the other ingredients together; it gives the dish a nice subtle twist without overpowering the classic flavor.
4) Double-check your oven temperature before you bake; even a small mis-read can make your casserole undercooked or too browned, which is always a bummer when you’re trying to get that perfect hot and bubbly finish.