It’s simple, comforting, and dependable green bean casserole is the kind of recipe that shows up year after year because everyone truly loves it. There are a handful of dishes that instantly take me back to family gatherings around a crowded farmhouse table, and green bean casserole is always one of them.
This classic green bean casserole is creamy, savory, and topped with that irresistible crunchy onion layer that makes each bite just right. Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or putting together a cozy Sunday supper, this recipe fits right in at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole
- Timeless comfort food that never goes out of style
- Easy to prepare with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Perfect make-ahead dish for busy holidays
- Crowd-pleasing side that pairs well with almost any main course
- Flexible recipe with room for homemade or shortcut options
Traditional Green Bean Casserole Everyone Loves
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Green Beans fresh, trimmed and cut in half, or 4 cans French style green beans
- 21 Ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 Cup Milk or half-and-half
- ½ Teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, for depth of flavor
- 1½ Cups Crispy Fried Onions divided
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese shredded, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the green beans. If using fresh beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain well. You can also use canned beans. Just make sure to drain out the excess water. Frozen beans also work just thaw and drain the water before adding.2 Pounds Green Beans
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.21 Ounces Cream of Mushroom Soup, 1 Cup Milk, ½ Teaspoon Salt, ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Stir in the green beans and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. Add cheese if using.1½ Cups Crispy Fried Onions, 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Add topping. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup crispy onions over the top and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Variations & Add-Ins
From-scratch version. Swap canned soup for a homemade mushroom cream sauce.Homemade Cream Soup Option
If you prefer to skip canned soup, you can substitute our Cream of Anything Soup Mix. To replace one can of condensed soup:- ⅓ cup soup mix
- 1¼ cups water
- Extra savory. Add sautéed mushrooms or diced onions.
- Cheesy casserole. Mix in cheddar, Colby-Jack, or Gruyère.
- Lighter option. Use evaporated milk or reduced-fat soup.
- Crispier topping. Add buttered breadcrumbs along with the fried onions.
Nutrition
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead. Assemble the casserole (without the onion topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add onions just before baking.
- Refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer. Freeze baked casserole without onion topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven. Reheat at 325°F, covered, until warmed through. Add fresh crispy onions at the end.
- Microwave. Heat individual servings in short intervals, stirring gently.
Can I use canned or frozen green beans?
Yes. Use four14.5-ounce cans of green beans (drained) or about 24 ounces of frozen green beans, thawed and drained. If you just add them frozen, it takes longer to cook, and the green bean casserole can be too watery.
How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?
Make sure green beans are well drained and avoid overcooking before baking.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
A Homestead Favorite
Green bean casserole may be simple, but it carries a lot of tradition. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down, tweaked, and shared across generations. We love dishes like this. Reliable, comforting, and made to be enjoyed together. If you’re building a holiday menu or just craving a classic side dish, this green bean casserole deserves a spot on your table.
This is just so good. Not sure why we don’t make this more throughout the year.