BEST GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE EASY

Golden, crispy fried onions atop a creamy, comforting mixture of green beans – is there anything that screams “holiday side dish” quite like it? Forget dry, bland casseroles of the past; we’re diving headfirst into a Green Bean Casserole experience that will have everyone begging for seconds, and I promise, this is one you’ll make again and again!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

What You’ll Need:

• Green Beans: 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of cut green beans, drained OR 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 (10.75 ounce) cans. I recommend using a good quality brand for the best flavor.
• Milk: ½ cup. Whole milk or 2% works great.
• Soy Sauce: 1 teaspoon. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor!
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon. Freshly ground is always best.
• French Fried Onions: 1 (6 ounce) can, divided. We’ll use some inside the casserole and the rest on top.
• Optional: 4 oz sliced mushrooms, sauteed.

The Magic Behind the Ingredients

Okay, let’s talk ingredients. It might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect Green Bean Casserole experience.

Fresh vs. Canned Green Beans: The Great Debate

I know, I know, fresh is *usually* best, right? And while fresh green beans definitely have a brighter flavor, canned green beans are a total time-saver, especially during the busy holidays. If you’re using fresh, make sure you blanch them until they’re tender-crisp. Nobody wants crunchy green beans in their casserole!

Cream of Mushroom Soup: The Heart of the Casserole

This is where the creamy goodness comes from. A good quality cream of mushroom soup is key. Don’t skimp here! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch (but let’s be real, who has time for that during the holidays?).

The Secret Ingredient: Soy Sauce

Yep, you read that right! A tiny bit of soy sauce adds a *serious* umami boost. It deepens the flavor and balances the richness of the cream of mushroom soup. Trust me on this one!

Fried Onions: The Crowning Glory

These are the star of the show, right? That crispy, crunchy topping is what makes Green Bean Casserole so irresistible. Make sure you don’t add them all at once – we want to reserve some for the very end to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Prepping is Key

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prep Beans: If using canned green beans, drain them well. If using fresh, blanch them and then drain well.

Mixing the Magic

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and half of the French fried onions. If using sauteed mushrooms, add them here as well. Mix everything together until well combined.

Baking to Perfection

1. Pour into Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.

The Grand Finale

1. Add Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top.
2. Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn!
3. Rest: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Tips and Tricks for Casserole Success

Preventing a Soggy Casserole

Nobody wants a soggy casserole! The key is to make sure your green beans are well-drained. Excess liquid will make the casserole watery. You can also add a tablespoon of flour to the soup mixture to help thicken it up.

Keeping the Onions Crispy

The trick to crispy fried onions is to add them at the very end. If you add them too early, they’ll get soggy. Also, make sure you spread them in a single layer on top of the casserole.

Make-Ahead Magic

Green Bean Casserole is a great make-ahead dish! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the fried onions and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the casserole mixture for a cheesy twist. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top along with the fried onions.

Spicy Green Bean Casserole

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole mixture for a little kick.

Mushroom Lover’s Green Bean Casserole

Sauté extra mushrooms and add them to the casserole. You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it’s also great for any occasion! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Roasted Turkey or Ham
• Mashed Potatoes
• Stuffing
• Cranberry Sauce
• Mac And Cheese

Other Delicious Recipes to Explore

If you’re looking for more comforting and delicious recipes, check out these:

• Chicken Tortellini Soup
• Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
• Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
• Velvet Vegetable Dream Soup
• Crock Pot Potato Soup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them completely and drain them well before using them in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

While not ideal, you can make it in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients (except the fried onions) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Sprinkle the fried onions on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I store leftover Green Bean Casserole?

Store leftover Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Let’s Casserole!

So there you have it – my ultimate guide to making the BEST Green Bean Casserole! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Best Green Bean Casserole Easy

This green bean casserole is a creamy and comforting classic holiday side dish topped with golden, crispy fried onions. It’s an easy recipe that skips the dry, bland casseroles of the past, promising a flavorful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup milk whole or 2%
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, sauteed optional

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener (if using canned green beans or soup)
• Colander (if using canned green beans)
• Pot (if using fresh green beans)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If using canned green beans, drain them well. If using fresh, blanch them and then drain well.
3. In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and half of the French fried onions. If using sauteed mushrooms, add them here as well. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
6. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top.
7. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn!
8. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

To prevent a soggy casserole, ensure green beans are well-drained. Add a tablespoon of flour to the soup mixture to help thicken it. For crispy fried onions, add them at the very end and spread in a single layer. The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.