Green bean casserole is a beloved classic in American households, especially during the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. This creamy, savory side dish combines tender green beans with a rich mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a perfect contrast of textures.
Ingredients List
-
Fresh or canned green beans: 1 pound fresh (trimmed) OR 2 cans (14.5 oz each)
-
Cream of mushroom soup (homemade or canned): 1 can (10.5 oz) OR about 1 ½ cups if homemade
-
Milk or cream: ½ cup
-
Fried onions (store-bought or homemade): 1 ½ cups total (usually split: half added before baking, half after)
-
Salt and pepper: To taste (usually about ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper)
-
Optional:
-
Shredded cheddar cheese: ½ cup
-
Garlic: 1-2 cloves, minced
-
Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon (for extra umami, optional)
-
Fresh mushrooms: 1 cup sliced (if making homemade sauce)
-
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
How to Prepare Green Beans for the Casserole
If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Then drain and cool in ice water to stop cooking. This step preserves bright color and texture.
Making the Creamy Mushroom Sauce from Scratch
Instead of using canned soup, try making a homemade mushroom sauce for a fresher, richer flavor.
Ingredients for Sauce
-
Butter
-
Sliced mushrooms
-
Garlic
-
Flour (to thicken)
-
Milk or cream
-
Salt and pepper
Method
Sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until soft. Stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
How to Assemble Green Bean Casserole
-
Combine the green beans with the creamy mushroom sauce.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish.
-
Sprinkle half of the fried onions on top.
Baking the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for about 25 minutes, until bubbly and heated through. Then add the remaining fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp them.
Fresh vs. Canned Green Beans: Which to Use?
Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans offer a crisp texture and vibrant flavor but require trimming and blanching before baking.
Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans are convenient and reduce prep time, but can be softer in texture.
Frozen Green Beans
Frozen green beans are a great compromise: they retain good texture and flavor and require minimal prep.
Tips for Crispy Fried Onion Topping
-
Use fresh store-bought fried onions for convenience.
-
For homemade onions: thinly slice onions, toss with flour, and fry in oil until golden.
-
Add fried onions at the last few minutes of baking to keep them crispy.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
-
Casserole is watery: Make sure to drain canned or thawed green beans well; thicken sauce properly.
-
Topping is soggy: Add fried onions at the last few minutes of baking.
-
Sauce is too thick: Add extra milk or cream to loosen.
Variations to Elevate Your Green Bean Casserole
Cheese Lovers’ Green Bean Casserole
Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.
Mushroom Lovers’ Version
Use a variety of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or portobello for a deeper flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and gluten-free fried onions.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Use plant-based butter, mushroom soup made with coconut milk, and vegan fried onions.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole Ahead of Time
Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding extra time if chilled.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Green bean casserole pairs beautifully with:
-
Roasted turkey or chicken
-
Mashed potatoes
-
Cranberry sauce
-
Dinner rolls
It also works well as a vegetarian main course alongside grains or salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
-
Calories: Approximately 220-250
-
Protein: 5-6g
-
Fat: 12-15g
-
Carbohydrates: 18-20g
-
Fiber: 3-4g
-
Sodium: 450-600mg
FAQs
Can I make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! Use a homemade mushroom sauce made with butter, mushrooms, flour, and milk or cream.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Thaw and drain well before mixing into the casserole.
How long does leftover green bean casserole last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze green bean casserole?
Yes, but texture may change. Freeze before baking and thaw overnight before cooking.
Conclusion
Green bean casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that is easy to make and loved by many. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or want to try a new variation, this casserole will add warmth and flavor to any meal. Its creamy sauce, tender beans, and crispy topping make it a must-have on your holiday table or any time you want a delicious vegetable side.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a homemade version of this American classic.