Easy Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green bean casserole wasn't always a Thanksgiving staple—it was actually invented by Campbell's Soup Company in 1955 as a marketing strategy. You're about to discover a foolproof recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side dish. Whether you're a novice cook or seasoned home chef, this classic recipe will elevate your holiday spread with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Want to learn how to create a dish that'll have your family asking for seconds?
Recipe Highlights
- Use convenient canned green beans and cream of mushroom soup to simplify the classic holiday recipe.
- Combine green beans, soup, milk, and pepper in a mixing bowl, then transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top the casserole with French-fried onions before baking to create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Bake at a standard oven temperature until heated through and onions are golden, typically 25-30 minutes.
- Prepare the casserole in advance and add the final onion topping just before the last bake for optimal freshness.
History
Though green bean casserole might seem like a timeless tradition, it actually has a relatively modern origin. You might be surprised to learn that this beloved dish was created in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company's home economist, Dorcas Reilly.
She developed the recipe to help busy home cooks create a quick, delicious side dish using convenient pantry ingredients. Her goal was simplicity: combining green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions into a comforting casserole.
The recipe quickly became a holiday staple, spreading through community cookbooks and word-of-mouth. By the 1960s, it was a must-have at Thanksgiving tables across America, transforming from a marketing recipe to a cherished family tradition that continues to bring warmth and nostalgia to holiday meals.
Recipe
Green bean casserole is a quintessential Thanksgiving side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any holiday gathering. Its creamy, savory flavors and satisfying crunch have made it a beloved tradition for generations of families across America.
This simple yet delicious recipe captures the classic essence of the dish, combining tender green beans, rich mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions into a crowd-pleasing casserole that comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 4 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
- 2 cups French-fried onions
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Add the drained green beans and 1 cup of fried onions, stirring gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cup of fried onions over the top of the casserole.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
For the best results, make sure to drain the green beans thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the casserole. You can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, but wait to add the final layer of fried onions until just before the last 5 minutes of baking.
If the mixture seems too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Cooking Steps
You'll start by gathering and precisely measuring all your ingredients, ensuring each component is ready for the casserole creation.
Next, combine the cream of mushroom soup with milk and pepper in a large mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
Once the base is prepared, you'll fold in the green beans and initial batch of fried onions, mixing carefully to guarantee even coating before transferring the mixture to your waiting baking dish.
Step 1. Gather and Measure Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let's make sure you've got all the necessary ingredients measured and ready to go for this classic Thanksgiving green bean casserole. Gather your kitchen tools: a large mixing bowl, measuring cups, and a 9×13 inch baking dish. Line up your ingredients on the counter:
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 4 cans green beans
- 2 cups French-fried onions
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Carefully drain the green beans in a colander, shaking off excess liquid to prevent a watery casserole. Measure each ingredient precisely, using level cups and spoon-leveled measurements. Double-check that all components are within easy reach, ensuring a smooth, stress-free preparation process. Your mise en place is key to a successful holiday dish.
Step 2. Combine Soup With Milk
With your ingredients prepped and ready, grab your large mixing bowl and start blending the creamy base for your classic green bean casserole.
Pour the two 10.5-oz cans of cream of mushroom soup directly into the bowl, then slowly add 1 cup of milk. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, consistent mixture, making sure no lumps remain. The color should be a uniform, light tan with a creamy texture.
Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, stirring gently to distribute the seasoning evenly. This step adds a subtle warmth and depth to the soup base, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your casserole.
The mixture should now look glossy and well-combined, ready to embrace the green beans and create that classic holiday comfort food.
Step 3. Add Green Beans to Mixture
After whisking the creamy soup base to silky perfection, drain your green beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from diluting the casserole's rich texture.
Carefully open each can of green beans and use a colander to remove all liquid, gently shaking to eliminate lingering moisture. You'll want to add the entire 14.5 oz can quantity, which translates to 4 cans total for this recipe.
Fold the green beans into the soup mixture with a gentle stirring motion, ensuring every bean gets evenly coated with the creamy mushroom sauce. Pay close attention to distributing the beans uniformly throughout the mixture, which helps guarantee a consistent flavor in every bite.
Mix in 1 cup of French-fried onions at this stage for an added layer of crunch and depth.
Step 4. Transfer to Baking Dish
The trusty 9×13 inch baking dish awaits its starring role in transforming your green bean mixture into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
Carefully pour the entire mixture into the center of the dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Ensure the mixture reaches the corners and creates a uniform layer, about 1-inch thick. The even distribution helps guarantee consistent cooking and prevents dry or undercooked spots.
Position the dish in the center of the oven rack to promote balanced heat circulation. Check that the mixture looks moist but not overly runny, with green beans fully coated in the creamy mushroom soup.
A well-prepared baking dish sets the stage for a delectable Thanksgiving side that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 5. Top With Fried Onions
Sprinkle the remaining cup of French-fried onions across the top of your green bean casserole, creating a golden, crispy landscape that'll transform your dish from simple to spectacular.
The key is even distribution, ensuring every bite offers that signature crunch. Aim to cover the casserole's surface uniformly, using your fingers or a large spoon to spread the onions gently.
Press them lightly into the creamy mixture, but don't submerge them completely. When you return the dish to the oven for the final 5 minutes, those onions will caramelize beautifully, developing a rich, toasted amber color.
Watch carefully to prevent burning, as the difference between perfectly golden and overdone is just moments. Your guests will be impressed by the professional-looking finish.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a holiday novice, this green bean casserole recipe offers a foolproof way to bring a touch of tradition to your Thanksgiving table.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize it by adding crispy bacon bits, swapping in fresh green beans, or experimenting with different cream soup varieties.
Remember that precise timing and temperature are crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown topping. Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own, but respect the classic flavor profile that makes green bean casserole a beloved holiday staple.
With minimal effort, you'll create a side dish that connects generations and sparks nostalgic memories around the dinner table.
