For a classic holiday side dish, this Green Bean Casserole brings creamy, savory comfort to the table. Featuring tender green beans and a rich mushroom sauce, it’s finished with a golden-brown crispy onion topping that bakes to perfection. An ideal make-ahead option, it’s the quintessential addition to any festive feast that your family will look forward to every year.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy .
You’ll Adore This Cozy Classic!
- Effortless Prep – You’re just 10 minutes from popping it in the oven.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – That creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion combo is always a hit.
- Perfect For Holidays – It’s the ultimate nostalgic side dish that makes any meal feel special.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it hours ahead for a stress-free dinner or potluck.
What You’ll Need for Green Bean Casserole
For the casserole
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup – This classic pantry staple forms the creamy, savory base.
- Whole milk – Adds just the right amount of richness to the sauce.
- Soy sauce – A little goes a long way to deepen the flavor profile.
- Black pepper – Freshly ground is ideal for that subtle kick.
- Frozen cut green beans – Thaw them first for the perfect texture.
For the topping
- French fried onions – Divided for double the crunchy goodness – inside and on top!
How Much Time This Green Bean Casserole Needs
I know how busy weeknights can get, especially around the holidays, so I love that this classic side comes together without a fuss. You’ll spend about 10 quick minutes getting everything mixed and into the dish.
Then, it bakes for 35 minutes, which is just enough time to finish setting the table or whip up another simple side like my favorite sweet potato casserole. In under 45 minutes total, you’ll have a hot, bubbling, and incredibly comforting holiday side dish ready to share.
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounce)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups frozen cut green beans thawed
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions divided
Equipment
- oven
- casserole dish
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Stir the thawed green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions into the soup mixture, folding gently until the beans are evenly coated.
- Pour the green bean mixture into an ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and stir it. Then, sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the onions on top are golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I love making sure everyone at the table can enjoy a meal together. If you’re sugar conscious or looking for a diabetic-friendly option, this Green Bean Casserole is a great place to start. You can easily manage the glycemic impact with a couple of smart swaps.
For a lower glycemic index, consider using a low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to help with overall sugar content. You can also swap the regular fried onions for a homemade version using whole-wheat breadcrumbs baked until crispy for better glycemic control. Portion size is your friend here, too—a small serving alongside a lean protein makes for a balanced, blood sugar friendly plate.
My Favorite Pro Tips for Perfection
After making this Green Bean Casserole more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better every single time.
- Flavor Boost: For a deeper, richer taste, I sometimes add a splash of Worcestershire sauce instead of soy sauce—it gives the mushroom sauce an amazing umami kick.
- Texture Tip: To keep your green beans from getting mushy, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before mixing them into the creamy sauce.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the entire casserole (minus the final onion topping) the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time when you’re ready to cook. Discover more make-ahead wonders with this thanksgiving casserole.
- Reheating Right: Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F to keep the topping crisp. The microwave will make the onions soft, so I avoid it. For another fantastic leftover idea, check out this cowboy casserole recipe.
Nutrition and Health Perks of Green Beans
This creamy Green Bean Casserole isn’t just delicious—it also offers some solid nutritional benefits. Green beans are a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate, supporting everything from digestion to immune health.
While the creamy sauce and onions add indulgence, you’re still getting a serving of veggies in a way everyone will love. For a deeper dive into the history of green bean casserole, you can see how this dish became an American staple. If you’re looking for other healthy holiday ideas, my healthy Thanksgiving sides roundup has plenty of inspiration. And this creamy vegetable soup is another great way to enjoy your veggies.
How to Lighten Up Your Green Bean Bake
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this Green Bean Casserole, I’ve got you covered with some easy tweaks that don’t skimp on flavor.
You can use a reduced-fat condensed cream of mushroom soup and low-fat milk to cut down on calories. For the topping, try making your own crispy onions by baking thin onion slices with a light spray of oil and whole-wheat panko—it’s a game-changer! For another fantastic lighter casserole, my chicken casserole uses lean protein and lots of veggies. You might also love this spinach manicotti for a delicious and satisfying meal.
How to Serve This Holiday Favorite
This Green Bean Casserole has been a star at my family’s Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember. I can still see my grandma carefully pulling the bubbling dish from the oven, the smell of toasted onions filling the entire house. It’s the taste of celebration and togetherness for me.
It’s the perfect partner to a juicy roasted turkey or a baked ham. I love serving it alongside other classic sides like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for the ultimate comfort food plate. For a beautiful and hearty holiday spread, pair it with this potato squash casserole or this rich meatball casserole.
Common Green Bean Casserole Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes have their pitfalls! Here’s how to avoid a few common ones and ensure your Green Bean Casserole turns out perfect every time.
- Skipping the Thaw: Using frozen green beans straight from the freezer will water down your creamy sauce. Always thaw and pat them dry first!
- Soggy Topping Syndrome: Don’t add all the fried onions at the beginning. Stirring half into the mix is great, but save the other half for the last 5 minutes of baking to keep it gloriously crispy.
- Underseasoning: The soup and milk base needs a little help. Don’t forget the pepper and soy sauce (or Worcestershire)—it makes all the difference between bland and brilliant. For more on technique, consider Alton Brown’s cooking method.
I learned about the topping timing the hard way at my first Friendsgiving years ago—let’s just say we had a very soft, albeit tasty, casserole! For another classic preparation, you can always refer to the French’s original recipe.
How to Store and Enjoy Your Leftovers
This casserole always brings back memories of the day after Thanksgiving, when my brother and I would race to the fridge for the leftovers. We’d happily eat it cold straight from the container!
To store it properly, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for the best results to re-crisp those onions. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, though the green beans may be a bit softer upon reheating. For more fantastic casserole ideas that store well, try this baked ziti or this comforting baked manicotti.
Try This Classic Casserole Tonight!
I really hope you give this cozy Green Bean Casserole a try. It’s the kind of reliable, feel-good recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a special occasion. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
If you’re looking for more family-friendly casserole inspiration, I have so many favorites to share. You might love this hearty hamburger green bean casserole, this elegant cottage cheese lasagna, or this incredibly easy slow cooker ravioli lasagna. For another squash option, this squash casserole is absolutely delicious.
More Cozy Casserole Creations You’ll Love
If you adore the comfort of a warm, bubbly casserole straight from the oven, you have to try these other family favorites. They’re perfect for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike.
Easy Chicken Casserole – A creamy, satisfying dinner that comes together in a flash.Hearty Cowboy Casserole – Packed with savory ground beef and cheese for the ultimate comfort food.
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole – The perfect sweet and hearty side dish for your holiday table.
Cheesy Baked Ziti – A crowd-pleasing pasta bake that’s always a hit with kids and adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients to green bean casserole?
The classic ingredients are simple! You’ll need condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, a dash of soy sauce, black pepper, frozen green beans (thawed), and French fried onions for that signature crispy topping. It’s a pantry-friendly recipe that’s easy to whip up anytime.
Is it better to use fresh or canned green beans for green bean casserole?
I recommend frozen green beans that you thaw, as they hold their texture and bright green color better than canned beans, which can become quite soft. Fresh beans are great too—just blanch them first so they cook evenly in the oven with the sauce.
Do you put soy sauce or Worcestershire in green bean casserole?
Traditional recipes often call for soy sauce to add a deep, savory umami flavor to the creamy mushroom base. However, Worcestershire sauce is a fantastic swap if that’s what you have on hand—it gives a similarly rich and complex flavor that works beautifully. For another saucy, baked dish, try this baked manicotti.
How to make Paula Deen green beans?
Paula Deen’s famous recipe is known for its rich, Southern twist, often incorporating ingredients like butter, bacon, and brown sugar for a sweet and salty profile. While different from the classic creamy mushroom version, it’s a delicious alternative if you’re craving something decadent!
