Green Bean Casserole

Ah, Green Bean Casserole—the classic comfort dish that brings a sense of home with every bite. You know the one: creamy, savory, with just the right amount of crunch from those crispy fried onions on top. It’s a dish that can transform any meal into something extra special, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner. There’s something about the combination of tender green beans, rich cream of mushroom soup, and that crispy topping that makes this casserole irresistible.

Let’s be honest, we all love a good casserole. But this one? This Green Bean Casserole is the stuff of legends—it’s quick to prepare, wonderfully comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And did I mention it’s also easy? Yes, you can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Trust me, this one will become a staple in your recipe box!

Why You’ll Love Green Bean Casserole

There’s a reason Green Bean Casserole is a go-to side dish for so many occasions. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

• A Comforting Classic: The creamy, savory base mixed with crisp, tender green beans will bring a smile to your face every time you dig in.
• Quick & Easy: You can get this casserole in the oven in about 10 minutes, with minimal prep work. Perfect for busy nights or big gatherings.
• Make-Ahead: It’s a great dish to prep ahead of time, saving you valuable time on the day of your meal. It reheats beautifully, too!
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish fits any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. There’s something about that crispy fried onion topping that just takes it to the next level.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to bring this tasty casserole to life:

• Green Beans: Fresh, frozen, or even canned work great. If you’re using fresh, be sure to blanch them first.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy base that makes the casserole rich and comforting. You can use low-fat if you’re watching your calories.
• Milk: Helps make the soup mixture smooth and creamy.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: Gives the casserole that savory, aromatic kick.
• Onion Powder: A little extra flavor to complement the garlic.
• Fried Onions: These crispy bits are the star of the dish! You’ll need them for the topping to create that perfect crunch.
• Pepper: A pinch of freshly ground black pepper to season the casserole.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to dig into this deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly and that crispy topping gets nice and golden.

Prepare the Green Beans

If you’re using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside. If you’re using frozen, just let them thaw. For canned green beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly.

Make the Soup Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Combine the Beans and Soup Mixture

Add the prepared green beans to the soup mixture, stirring gently until the beans are coated evenly.

Transfer to a Baking Dish

Transfer the green bean mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Add the Fried Onion Topping

Top the casserole with a generous handful of fried onions. The crispy onions will bake into the casserole, forming that irresistible topping.

Bake

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. If you want even more crunch, sprinkle some additional fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serve and Enjoy

Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it up and watch everyone go for seconds!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutrition breakdown for one serving (1 cup of Green Bean Casserole):

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 180 calories
• Total Fat: 10g (15% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (10% DV)
• Cholesterol: 10mg (3% DV)
• Sodium: 480mg (20% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g (6% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (16% DV)
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 6% DV
• Vitamin C: 12% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole

This dish is the perfect side for so many meals! Here are a few ideas for pairing:

• Roast Turkey: The richness of Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with turkey, especially for holidays like Thanksgiving.
• Mashed Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes as a side. Add gravy for an extra comforting touch.
• Grilled Chicken: Serve this casserole alongside grilled or roasted chicken for a simple, satisfying meal.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, sweet contrast to the savory casserole is just what you need to complete the plate.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover casserole sauce.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
• Use Fresh Green Beans: If you have the time, using fresh green beans will elevate the dish and give it a fresher, crunchier texture.
• Adjust the Toppings: If you love extra crunch, go wild with more fried onions on top—or even sprinkle in some grated cheese for a cheesy twist!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen or canned?

A1: Absolutely! Fresh green beans are great for this recipe. Just make sure to blanch them before adding them to the casserole.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Q3: Can I use a different type of soup?

A3: While cream of mushroom is traditional, you can substitute it with cream of celery or even cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.

Q4: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A4: You can use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute the milk with almond or coconut milk. Use dairy-free fried onions for the topping.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?

A6: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just assemble it and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake it directly from the freezer, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q7: Can I add cheese to this casserole?

A7: Yes! Grated cheddar cheese works wonderfully. Add a layer of cheese on top before baking for a cheesy, bubbly crust.

Q8: What if I don’t have fried onions?

A8: If you don’t have fried onions, you can top the casserole with crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers for a crunchy topping.

Q9: Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?

A9: Yes, you can use a smaller baking dish, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. It may bake faster in a smaller dish.

Q10: Can I use low-fat cream of mushroom soup?

A10: Definitely! Low-fat or even fat-free versions of cream of mushroom soup can be used without compromising the flavor too much.

Conclusion

Green Bean Casserole is a timeless dish that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re serving it as part of a festive holiday spread or simply as a comforting side for dinner, it’s always a hit. With its creamy, savory flavors and crispy onion topping, it’s no wonder this casserole is a beloved classic. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up this delicious dish that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!

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