Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Just like a warm family hug, green bean casserole connects generations through its creamy, crispy comfort. You'll want to master this classic side dish that transforms simple ingredients into a nostalgic masterpiece. Whether you're a kitchen newbie or seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to elevate your holiday spread with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Curious about creating a crowd-pleasing dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds? Let's uncover the secrets behind this timeless American classic.

Recipe Highlights

• Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish featuring green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French-fried onions, baked to creamy, crispy perfection.
• Ingredients include 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, 2 cans of green beans, 1 container of French-fried onions, milk, and black pepper.
• Prepare by mixing soup, milk, and pepper, folding in green beans, baking at 350°F for 25 minutes, then topping with remaining onions for a crispy finish.
• Created in 1955 by Campbell's Soup Company home economist Dorcas Reilly, this dish became a beloved Thanksgiving and family gathering staple.
• Serve as a comforting side dish that pairs well with holiday meals, bread, or salads, creating nostalgic memories of traditional home cooking.

History

Though its origins might surprise you, green bean casserole is a relatively modern American culinary invention. The dish was first created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working for Campbell's Soup Company.

She developed the recipe as part of a marketing campaign to encourage creative uses for cream of mushroom soup. Reilly's goal was to craft a simple, affordable side dish that home cooks could easily prepare.

The recipe quickly became a Thanksgiving staple, spreading across American households through community cookbooks and word-of-mouth. Its ingredients were deliberately chosen for convenience: canned green beans, condensed soup, and readily available French-fried onions.

What began as a corporate recipe promotion transformed into a beloved national comfort food, representing mid-20th century American home cooking traditions.

Recipe

Green Bean Casserole is a beloved American side dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table. Its creamy texture, crispy topping, and savory flavor have made it a staple at holiday gatherings and family meals for generations.

This simple yet delicious recipe captures the essence of the classic dish, combining tender green beans, rich mushroom soup, and crunchy fried onions into a mouthwatering casserole that's sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
• 1 container (6 oz) French-fried onions
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 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.

Gently fold in the drained green beans and half of the French-fried onions, ensuring an even coating.

Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

When preparing green bean casserole, it's important to avoid overcooking, which can result in mushy beans and soggy onions.

For added flavor, consider using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup or adding a pinch of garlic powder to the mixture. If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them first by cooking in boiling water for 5 minutes and immediately cooling in ice water before incorporating into the recipe.

Cooking Steps

You'll start your green bean casserole preparation by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F, ensuring the right temperature for even cooking.

Next, you'll create the base by combining cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl, whisking the ingredients until they're smoothly blended.

Finally, you'll gently fold in the drained green beans and half of the French-fried onions, transferring the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spreading it evenly before sliding it into the waiting oven.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

A standard oven preheated to the right temperature ensures your green bean casserole will cook evenly and develop those perfectly crispy, golden-brown edges.

You'll want to set your oven rack in the middle position, allowing optimal heat circulation around your baking dish. Grab your oven mitt and carefully turn the dial to 350°F, giving the oven about 10-15 minutes to reach the correct temperature.

Pro tip: Use an oven thermometer to verify the actual internal temperature, as some ovens can be slightly inaccurate.

While waiting, prep your casserole ingredients, ensuring everything is measured and ready. Position your 9×13 inch baking dish nearby, so you can quickly transfer the assembled casserole once the oven reaches the ideal cooking temperature.

Step 2. Combine Soup, Milk, Pepper

Once your oven hits that perfect 350°F, grab a large mixing bowl and prepare to build flavor foundations for your green bean casserole.

You'll want to pour in the two 10.5-oz cans of cream of mushroom soup, then whisk in the 1/2 cup of milk until smooth.

Sprinkle in the teaspoon of black pepper, stirring constantly to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Watch for a creamy, consistent mixture that looks silky and well-integrated.

• Use a medium whisk or large spoon
• Ensure no lumps remain in the soup base
• Mix ingredients thoroughly but gently
• Look for a uniform, light tan color

The goal is creating a rich, seasoned liquid that'll bind your casserole ingredients perfectly, setting the stage for a delicious comfort food classic.

Step 3. Add Green Beans Mixture

Gently fold the drained green beans into your creamy soup mixture, ensuring each bean gets a luxurious coating of the mushroom sauce.

Use a large spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly, creating an even distribution of flavors and textures. Don't overmix; you'll want the beans to remain distinct and not break apart during stirring.

• Add half of the French-fried onions directly into the mixture
• Stir carefully to incorporate the crispy onions without crushing them
• Distribute the onions evenly throughout the green bean and soup base

The goal is to create a harmonious blend where every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender green beans, and crunchy onion pieces.

Your careful mixing technique will ensure a delectable casserole that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 4. Transfer Mixture to Dish

Carefully select your 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring it's clean and dry, and prepare to transform your green bean mixture into a delectable casserole masterpiece. Make sure the dish is large enough to accommodate your mixture without overcrowding, which can impact even heating and crispy texture.

• Use a non-stick baking dish or lightly grease the surface
• Spread the mixture evenly with a spatula
• Aim for a uniform layer about 1-2 inches thick

Gently pour your prepared green bean mixture into the dish, using smooth, controlled motions.

Press the mixture softly to create an even surface, which'll help the casserole cook uniformly. Your goal is a consistent depth that allows the cream of mushroom soup to bind ingredients while creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Step 5. Bake 25 Minutes First

Your first 25 minutes of baking are crucial for developing the foundational flavors and textures of this classic green bean casserole.

Place the baking dish in the preheated 350°F oven, ensuring it's centered for even heat distribution.

During this initial baking period, the cream of mushroom soup will begin to bubble and thicken, while the green beans absorb the rich, creamy sauce.

Watch for subtle signs of transformation: slight browning around the edges, a gentle bubbling texture, and a fragrant aroma that signals the ingredients are melding together.

At the 25-minute mark, the casserole will have developed a slightly set consistency—not completely solid, but no longer liquid.

This stage prepares the dish for its final crispy topping, creating layers of texture and depth of flavor that make green bean casserole a beloved comfort food.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this green bean casserole recipe offers a foolproof way to bring a classic comfort dish to your table. It's a crowd-pleasing side that'll transform your dinner from ordinary to memorable, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. You'll find the technique is simple: combine ingredients, layer carefully, and bake strategically. The key is watching your timing and temperature, ensuring crispy onions without burning and beans that remain tender, not mushy. By following the recipe's precise steps—adding onions in two stages, monitoring bake times, and using quality ingredients—you'll create a dish that honors the traditional casserole's beloved roots. Your family and guests will appreciate the homemade touch and comforting flavors.