Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, flavorful classic perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. With crispy fried onions on top and a cheesy, savory filling, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of green beans, drained (or 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (divided)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the green beans are evenly coated.
3. Step 3: If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, fold it into the mixture.
4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
7. Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
8. Step 8: Place it back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce instead of soy sauce.
• Fresh green beans work great; blanch them first to keep their color bright and texture tender-crisp.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.
• Mix in cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier casserole.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the fried onions and bake just before serving for the best texture.

Is it necessary to use canned soup?

While canned cream of mushroom soup is traditional and convenient, you can use a homemade mushroom sauce for a fresher taste and fewer preservatives.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a classic, creamy, and comforting side dish featuring tender green beans mixed with a savory mushroom soup base, enhanced by soy sauce and garlic powder, topped with crispy fried onions and optional cheddar cheese for extra richness. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an ideal addition to any holiday feast or family dinner.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Green Beans

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) green beans, drained or 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched

Casserole Mixture

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Toppings

• 1 cup crispy fried onions, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat all the green beans with the creamy mixture.
3. Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese to add richness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
5. Top with Fried Onions: Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole to create a flavorful crust.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
7. Add Remaining Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top for added crunch and flavor.
8. Return to Oven: Bake the casserole again for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can meld and it can set slightly for easier serving.

Notes

• For a fresher taste, use fresh green beans trimmed and blanched instead of canned.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute milk with a plant-based milk alternative.
• Adding cheddar cheese is optional but adds a nice depth and richness to the dish.
• Make sure to spread the fried onions evenly for a consistent crispy topping.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, classic casserole, vegetable casserole, comfort food