Delicious easy green bean casserole served in a white dish

Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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why make this recipe

This Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe is fast and fits many meals. It uses few cans or fresh beans and stays simple. You can use a tried and true version for ideas like the Campbell’s-style green bean casserole to guide your timing and toppings.

introduction

This casserole mixes green beans with a creamy soup base and crispy onion topping. It cooks in one dish and makes a warm side for weekdays or holidays. It does not need fancy tools and you can change small parts to fit taste.

how to make Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Follow clear steps and keep it simple. If you want another easy method, see a short step-by-step version at easy green bean casserole steps.

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Green Beans: Use fresh, canned, or thawed frozen beans as listed in Ingredients.
  3. Blanch Fresh/Frozen Beans (Optional): Boil 3–4 minutes, then drain and cool quickly in ice water.
  4. Make the Base: Mix the soup, milk, seasonings, and 1/2 cup of the fried onions until smooth.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Stir the green beans and 1 cup shredded cheddar into the soup mix.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Put the mix into a greased 9×13 inch or similar baking dish.
  7. Add Fried Onions: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of fried onions over the top before baking.
  8. First Bake: Bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  9. Final Topping: Remove from oven and add the rest of the crispy fried onions and more cheese if you like.
  10. Final Bake: Return to oven and bake 5–10 minutes until the topping is golden.
  11. Cool and Serve: Let it sit 5 minutes so it firms up, then serve warm.

Ingredients :

  • 1 lb fresh green beans ((trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)), OR 2 cans ((14.5 oz each) canned green beans (drained)), OR 16 oz frozen green beans ((thawed briefly))
  • 1 can ((10.5 oz)), (Optional: Substitute half with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor)
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions ((divided))
  • 1 tsp (or use Worcestershire sauce as an alternative)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • To taste
  • 2 tbsp (to thin the sauce if desired)

Directions :

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Green Beans: If using canned, drain. If fresh, trim and cut.
  3. Blanch Fresh/Frozen Beans (Optional): Boil for 3–4 minutes, then cool in ice water.
  4. Make the Base: Mix the can of soup, milk or 2 tbsp if needed, and 1 tsp seasoning.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the green beans and half the cheese into the base.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mix into a greased baking dish.
  7. Add Fried Onions: Sprinkle half the fried onions on top before the first bake.
  8. First Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes until the center bubbles.
  9. Final Topping: Add the remaining onions and any extra cheese.
  10. Final Bake: Bake 5–10 minutes until topping is crisp and golden.
  11. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.

how to serve Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Serve it warm as a side with roasted meat, baked ham, or a simple roast chicken. It goes well with dinner rolls and a simple salad. Spoon it into plates and add extra crispy onions on top if you like.

how to store Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Cool the casserole to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or a lid. Store in the fridge up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and bake until hot.

tips to make Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

  • Use fresh beans for firmer texture, or canned for speed and ease. Try a version from Paula Deen’s easy take for a richer style.
  • Don’t overcook the beans before baking; they should be tender-crisp.
  • If the sauce is too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk.
  • Add shredded cheese for a richer taste and extra onions for crunch.

variation (if any)

  • Swap half the cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or celery for a different flavor.
  • Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for more texture.
  • Mix in a small onion, finely chopped and cooked, for extra flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Add final onions and bake just before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Thaw briefly or blanch before using to avoid extra water in the dish.

Q: How do I keep the topping crispy?
A: Add most of the fried onions after the first bake and bake a few minutes more. Serve right away for best crispness.

Q: Is this recipe gluten free?
A: Check the labels on the cream soup and fried onions. Use gluten-free versions if needed.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup and skip Worcestershire sauce if it contains anchovies.