Classic Green Bean Casserole
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The Classic Green Bean Casserole is a staple on many holiday tables. Made with simple ingredients, all you need is a quick 5 minutes for prep and it’s on the table about 30 minutes later. It doesn’t get any easier!
I’m not exactly sure why people wait until the holidays to make this family favorite casserole. We should be putting this easy side dish in the regular meal rotation.
It’s a great recipe and goes with just about any main course meat like chicken or pork chops. Of course, the number one favorites in my house are ham and turkey.
We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
In addition to tasting fantastic, I appreciate that I can make this dish ahead of time. That’s particularly helpful when you’re making a big holiday meal. And it’s easy to double (and triple!) the recipe when you’re feeding a crowd. Or if you’re short on oven space make this air fryer green bean casserole version.
If you love classic holiday recipes you’ll want to check out these 42 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes and 40 Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes the Whole Family Will Love.
If you need to cut your holiday dinner costs, be sure to check out our post on How To Host Thanksgiving Dinner on a Budget for ways to cut costs and still have a fantastic time.
Classic Green Bean Casserole Ingredients
- Cream of mushroom soup – the base of the creamy sauce.
- Milk – I use 2% but you can use whole or skim if preferred.
- Black pepper – I like using fresh cracked pepper for this recipe.
- Canned green beans – see below if you want to use fresh green beans.
- French Crispy Fried Onions – adds crunch and flavor, look for these at the grocery store.
Get the complete ingredients & directions in the recipe card below.
How to Make French’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Heat your oven while you assemble the casserole. Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
Place the soup, milk and pepper in a large bowl and stir.
Drain the beans then add to the soup mixture.
Stir in 1/2 cup of the French’s onions.
Transfer to the greased dish and bake until heated through.
Top with the reserved onions and continue baking for 5 more minutes or until golden brown.
Tips for Making Casserole with Green Beans
- You can use either regular cut or French-style green beans.
- Make sure you drain the beans well to avoid a watery casserole.
- If you want to add salt, give the sauce a quick taste before adding it.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger groups – use a 13×9 baking dish and increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is a classic, some people may view classics in a different way. Here are some popular add-ins you may want to try.
- Sliced mushrooms – sauté them first for extra flavor.
- Diced onions
- Sliced water chestnuts – adds a crunchy texture.
- Shredded cheese – mozzarella or cheddar
- Substitute cream of chicken soup for the mushroom soup.
- Slivered almonds
- Soy sauce – add a splash or two for more umami flavor.
How To Make Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans
If you’re using fresh beans you’ll need about 2 pounds, give or take. Start by boiling a large pot of water. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, prep the green beans by rinsing them, trimming the ends, removing the strings (if needed), then cutting into bite size pieces.
Once your water starts to boil, add the green beans and cook until tender and bright green (about 5 minutes). Quickly drain and pat dry if needed. Add the cooked beans to the soup mixture and follow the rest of the recipe instructions.
What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole
This classic recipe is a popular side dish at holiday meals and goes well with turkey and ham. Or serve it for a family dinner alongside crispy Southern baked chicken thighs or million dollar chicken bake.
How To Store Leftover Casserole with Green Beans
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I use frozen green beans to make this casserole?
Yes! You’ll need about 16-18 ounces of frozen beans. Simply allow the beans to thaw at room temperature, or microwave until thawed, then drain any liquid before adding to the soup mixture. Follow the remaining instructions as directed.
Can I make this vegetable casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish up to a day early. Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking, then cover and store in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to bake it, remove the dish from the frig about 30 minutes before starting and let it sit on the counter. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
The reason this classic green bean casserole recipe has stood the test of time is because it’s simple and tasty every time you make it. And that means you can serve it with confidence your people will love it.
More Classic Side Dishes You’ll Love:
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
- Homemade Skillet Creamed Corn
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Slow Cooker Butternut Squash
This post was originally published on 11/3/2020 and updated with new photos on 1/14/26.
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Classic Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can (10.75 ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- cracked black pepper, a couple of cranks
- 2 cans (14.5 ounce each) cut green beans, drained
- 1 can (6 ounce) Frenchs crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine soup, milk & pepper until well combined. Add the drained beans.1 can (10.75 ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, cracked black pepper, 2 cans (14.5 ounce each) cut green beans
- Stir in ½ cup fried onions.1 can (6 ounce) Frenchs crispy fried onions
- Pour into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake until bubbly, about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with remaining fried onions and bake for 5 minutes longer.
Notes
- Recipe can be easily doubled – cook in a 13×9 casserole dish and increase the bake time by 5-10 minutes.
- Substitute fresh green beans (about 1 1/2 pounds) or frozen, thawed green beans (about 16-18 ounces).
- This dish can be made a day ahead of time. Prepare up to baking and store in the refrigerator. Allow to set out for 30 minutes prior to baking. May require additional baking time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
This sounds good and easy to make. I will be making this
Thanks for sharing.
I hope you like it as much as my family does, Eunice!