This Green Bean Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that brings everyone together. It’s made with green beans, creamy soup, and topped with crunchy fried onions. Yum!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. Plus, it’s a hit at family gatherings. Who can resist that crispy topping? 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star of this dish. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you prefer a healthier option or want to avoid canned soups, you could make your own creamy mushroom sauce or use cream of chicken soup instead for a different flavor.
Milk: Whole milk is best for creaminess, but you can substitute it with low-fat milk or even broth for a lighter version.
Soy Sauce: It adds a nice umami flavor. You can replace it with tamari for a gluten-free option, or simply skip it if you want a milder flavor.
French Fried Onions: These give a wonderful crunch. If you can’t find them, you can use crushed potato chips or make your own crispy onions by frying thinly sliced onions in oil. It’s a bit more work, but totally worth it!
Cheddar Cheese: Adding cheese is optional, but it brings extra creaminess and flavor. You can use different cheeses, like mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese alternative, if needed.
How Do I Cook Green Beans to Keep Them Crisp?
Cooking green beans perfectly is key to a great casserole. You want them tender, but not mushy. Follow these simple steps:
- Boil a large pot of salted water—this helps season the beans.
- Add the green beans and boil for about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately drain the beans and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their beautiful color and crispness.
- Make sure to drain them well to avoid excess water in the casserole.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Green Bean Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 50 minutes to have a delicious casserole ready to serve. Perfect for a cozy side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important so your casserole bakes evenly and becomes perfectly bubbly.
2. Cook the Green Beans:
Grab a large pot and fill it with water, adding a little salt for flavor. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook them until they’re tender-crisp, which will take about 3-4 minutes. After that, drain the beans and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking. Make sure to drain them well to avoid extra water in your casserole!
3. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy mixture is what will hold everything together.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, add the cooked green beans and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions to your bowl with the creamy mixture. If you’d like to include cheese, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese at this point. Gently mix everything until the beans are well coated.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Pour all of the green bean mixture into a 1 ½ quart casserole dish. Spread it evenly so it cooks nicely and finishes looking great!
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbling—just the way you want it!
7. Add the Crispy Onions:
Take the casserole out and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and beautifully crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This dish is a fantastic comforting side that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole to maintain the right texture.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you want a lighter option or to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade creamy mushroom sauce using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and seasonings. Alternatively, cream of chicken soup works well for a different flavor profile.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to help keep it creamy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like sliced mushrooms, carrots, or even corn to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding to the casserole to ensure they are tender when baked.
