Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This classic green bean casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food for holiday gatherings and family dinners. With its creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onion topping, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. For more delicious side dishes, try this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe or this popular Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe to complete your meal.

Ingredients

This classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe combines tender green beans in a creamy, savory sauce topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect comforting side dish.

• 4 cups frozen cut green beans (or fresh, trimmed and halved)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Green Bean Casserole Recipe is ready in about 20% less time than many traditional versions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Green Beans

Trim the ends from 1½ pounds of fresh green beans and cut them into 1- to 2-inch pieces. If using frozen green beans, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

Blanch fresh beans in boiling salted water for 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Step 2 — Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden and fragrant.

Gradually whisk in 1½ cups of whole milk and 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth until smooth. Simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3 — Season the Sauce

Stir in ½ cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. The sauce should be well-seasoned since it will be diluted slightly by the green beans.

Step 4 — Combine Beans and Sauce

Add the prepared green beans and 1 cup of fried onions to the sauce, folding gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the beans.

If the mixture seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of additional broth. The consistency should be creamy but not soupy.

Step 5 — Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. For easier cleanup, you can line the dish with parchment paper.

At this stage, the Green Bean Casserole Recipe can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking if preparing ahead.

Step 6 — Add the Topping

Sprinkle 1½ cups of fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. For extra crunch, mix the onions with ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

Reserve about ¼ cup of onions to add during the last 5 minutes of baking for maximum crispiness.

Step 7 — Bake the Casserole

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.

The casserole is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F (74°C). If the topping browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Step 8 — Rest and Serve

Let the Green Bean Casserole Recipe rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve warm as a perfect side dish for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	11g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Fresh or frozen green beans — Swap canned beans for better texture and lower sodium content.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream — Replace cream of mushroom soup for a protein boost and tangy flavor.
• Almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs — Use instead of traditional fried onions for a crispy, gluten-free topping.
• Coconut milk or cashew cream — Substitute for dairy components to create a rich, dairy-free version.
• Roasted mushrooms with herbs — Make a homemade mushroom sauce to control sodium and enhance earthy flavors.
• Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles — Mix in to lower carbs while adding volume and nutrients.
• Turkey bacon or smoked tofu — Add for a smoky, savory element with leaner protein options.
• Nutritional yeast — Sprinkle on top for a cheesy flavor without dairy or excess sodium.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe with roasted turkey or baked ham for a traditional holiday meal.
• Serve alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for a complete comfort food dinner.
• Offer with grilled chicken or pork chops for a satisfying weeknight family meal.
• Bring to potlucks in a decorative baking dish for easy transport and serving.
• Garnish with extra fried onions and fresh parsley for an attractive presentation.
• Serve in individual ramekins for elegant portion control at dinner parties.

This versatile Green Bean Casserole Recipe adapts beautifully to both casual gatherings and formal occasions, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish year-round.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned green beans, which become mushy. Fix: Opt for fresh or frozen green beans to maintain a crisp-tender texture and better flavor.
• Mistake: Overcooking the casserole, causing a watery sauce. Fix: Bake just until bubbly and golden to preserve the creamy consistency of your Green Bean Casserole Recipe.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of sautéing aromatics like onions or garlic. Fix: Sauté them first to build a deeper, more complex flavor base for the sauce.
• Mistake: Using a thin, runny cream soup as the base. Fix: Choose a condensed, cream-style soup or make a thick roux-based sauce from scratch.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the sauce adequately before baking. Fix: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg or soy sauce for umami depth.
• Mistake: Adding soggy or store-bought fried onions only at the end. Fix: Stir half into the casserole for flavor, then top with the rest for maximum crunch.
• Mistake: Using a shallow baking dish that spreads the mixture thin. Fix: Use a deeper dish to keep the casserole moist and prevent the topping from burning.
• Mistake: Not blanching fresh green beans before assembling. Fix: Briefly boil and shock them in ice water to set their vibrant color and ideal texture.
• Mistake: Overmixing the ingredients, which can break the beans. Fix: Gently fold everything together just until combined to keep the structure intact.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Green Bean Casserole Recipe completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze this casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-30 minutes. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Always ensure your Green Bean Casserole Recipe reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F when reheating to prevent foodborne illness.

Conclusion

This Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe is the perfect side dish for any holiday meal. For more delicious sides, try our Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe or Ultimate Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make this Green Bean Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this Green Bean Casserole Recipe a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake it just before serving. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely. Using fresh green beans will enhance the flavor of your Green Bean Casserole Recipe. Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Green Bean Casserole Recipe, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute fried onions with a gluten-free version or toasted nuts. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.