Name: Easy Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 oz frozen green beans; 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup milk; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 6 oz can of French fried onions

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The holidays are like a magical time where the air is perfumed with rich flavors and hearty textures, and the centerpiece is often a warm, bubbling casserole. Imagine the cozy mingling of creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions that makes every guest smile. It’s a sight—steaming, softly bubbling, and topped with a satisfying crunch that promises comfort with every bite. This Easy Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish to bring nostalgia flooding back, especially if it was a staple at family gatherings. I can still hear the laughter around the dinner table as we eagerly spooned this delectable dish onto our plates. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual Sunday dinner, this casserole captures the essence of home-cooked love. So gather your ingredients, and let’s create something wonderfully delicious together!

Table of Contents

Easy Green Bean Casserole

If you’re craving a dish that’s easy to prepare yet bursting with flavor, this Easy Green Bean Casserole is just what you need.

Simple & Quick: Whip up this casserole in just 5 minutes of prep and let it bake for 40!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy soup and crunchy onions creates a delightful contrast that will make your taste buds sing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its bubbling allure and crunchy topping, this casserole will surely draw everyone to the dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side for holidays or family gatherings, or as a cozy comfort food any day of the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

24 oz frozen green beans: Using frozen beans saves time. They’re pre-washed and trimmed, offering convenience. If using fresh, you may need to blanch them first.
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup: This is the creamy base of our casserole, giving it that rich texture. You can use a low-fat version for a lighter option.
½ cup milk: Milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the casserole, but adjust to taste, especially if you’re watching sodium intake.
½ tsp pepper: A little spiciness brings out all those wonderful flavors in the dish.
6 oz can of French fried onions: These are the crown jewel on top! If you’re feeling adventurous, try homemade fried onions for a personal touch.

How to Make Easy Green Bean Casserole

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This makes serving easier later on, ensuring that every slice comes out perfectly!

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the frozen green beans, cream of mushroom soups, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely mixed and the green beans are evenly coated. The mixture will look rich and creamy, with pops of green from the beans peeking through.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour this delicious mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. This helps the casserole bake evenly and ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully.

Add Toppings: Sprinkle the French fried onions generously over the top. This step brings all the texture and flavor to the casserole, allowing that crunchy topping to develop into a golden brown crust in the oven.

Bake Until Golden: Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy. The aroma will start to fill your home, making the anticipation just delightful!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re saving it for longer, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, just reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 25–30 minutes. The texture might soften slightly, but refreshing it with a sprinkle of fresh fried onions can bring back that lovely crunch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid soggy beans by not overcooking them in the initial mix; frozen beans are perfect as they maintain their texture well.
Make sure to use room-temperature milk for blending; it mixes in more smoothly with the soup.
Don’t skip the French fried onions! It’s where most of the flavor and texture come together beautifully.
For a herbaceous twist, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or a handful of fresh thyme to the mix.
Prep ahead by mixing the casserole in the morning and baking it just before serving for immediate freshness.

Nothing brings people together like food, and this Easy Green Bean Casserole delivers on all fronts—creating memories, filling bellies, and brightening any occasion. Whether served alongside turkey or a comforting meatloaf, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab those green beans and let your kitchen fill with warmth and joy as you make this heartwarming dish. Enjoy the journey and the bounty—after all, the best part of cooking is sharing the love.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh green beans! If you choose fresh, be sure to blanch them first—boil them for about 3-5 minutes until just tender, then shock them in ice water before mixing them into the casserole. This keeps them vibrant and crunchy.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance, just store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes longer than the original baking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Easy Green Bean Casserole, opt for gluten-free canned cream of mushroom soup or make your own using gluten-free flour blends. Always check the label on the French fried onions to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating leftovers is best done in the oven at 350°F. This method helps maintain the crispness of the French fried onions on top, whereas microwaving may make them a bit soggy. Just cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while it warms through.

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Easy Green Bean Casserole

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Easy Green Bean Casserole combines creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions for a comforting dish that’s perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

24 oz frozen green beans
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
6 oz can of French fried onions

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix frozen green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle French fried onions over the top generously.
Bake for about 40 minutes, until edges are bubbly and topping is golden brown.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For freezing, use freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Fresh green beans can be used but should be blanched first.