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Classic Green Bean Casserole

Featured in Vibrant Vegetarian Dishes That Satisfy.

Enjoy tender green beans covered in a rich mushroom sauce, topped off with crispy onion bits. Whether for Thanksgiving or a casual family gathering, this dish is comforting and simple to prepare ahead. You can use canned, fresh, or frozen green beans based on what you have on hand.

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Updated on Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:36:08 GMT
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Green beans topped with crispy onions | linacooks.com
This family favorite side brings together soft green beans smothered in mushroom cream sauce and finished with crunchy onion topping. It's super simple to throw together and fits right in at Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas feasts, or weeknight meals - the rich taste works with just about any main dish.

What You'll Need

  • Mushroom Soup Concentrate: Forms the rich, velvety foundation that gives this dish its comfort food status.
  • Milk: Makes the sauce pourable and silky, helping it coat every green bean perfectly.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Cuts through the richness with just enough warmth to wake up your taste buds.
  • Green Beans (Your Choice): The star veggie can be fresh for extra snap, frozen for convenience, or canned when you're in a hurry.
  • Crunchy Onion Topping: Creates that unmistakable crispy crown that everyone fights over - it's what makes this casserole iconic.

Let's Cook

Step 1: Get Your Oven Hot
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gentle heat will bubble the filling without burning your topping.
Step 2: Mix Your Base
Grab a 1 1/2-quart baking dish and stir together your mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper until they're completely combined. This creates the yummy sauce that'll hug your beans.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Fold your drained beans into the creamy mixture, making sure they're all coated. Then mix in 2/3 cup of the crunchy onions, saving the rest for later. These inside onions will add flavor throughout.
Step 4: Initial Baking
Slide your dish into the warm oven and let it cook for about 30 minutes until you see bubbling around the edges. This helps all the flavors get friendly with each other.
Step 5: Top It Off
Take the dish out and give it a quick stir. Now's the fun part - scatter the remaining 2/3 cup of crispy onions all over the top in an even layer.
Step 6: Final Crisping
Pop it back in the oven for just 5 more minutes to get those onions golden and extra crunchy. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn.
Planning Ahead
Want to prep early? Complete Steps 1-3, wrap the dish tightly with plastic and foil, and freeze it. When you're ready, thaw it overnight in your fridge, then pick up with Step 4. If you're cooking straight from frozen, let it sit out for 10 minutes first, then bake until the center hits 160°F, adding 15 minutes at a time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

  • This dish tastes best right out of the oven while the top is still super crispy. It goes great with turkey, ham, or a nice roast.
  • Got some left? Keep it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 3 days. You can warm it up in your oven at 350°F or zap it in the microwave if you're in a rush.
  • Need to plan ahead? Make the whole thing early and freeze it. Just follow the make-ahead tips and let it thaw overnight before baking.

Quick Tips

  • Pick the beans that work for your schedule - fresh ones need more prep but have a nice crunch, while canned ones save tons of time.
  • Want it even more luscious? Add a tiny bit of heavy cream to your soup mix.
  • You can boost the flavor with a sprinkle of onion or garlic powder mixed into the sauce.

Pro Chef Advice

  • Julia Child always gave fresh green beans a quick dunk in boiling water first to keep their bright green color and some bite.
  • Alton Brown says splurging on fancy crispy onions makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture.
  • Ree Drummond throws in some cheese with her beans for extra gooey goodness.

What Makes This Special

  • The combo of smooth, savory beans with that irresistible crispy onion crown makes this a dish everyone reaches for first at holiday meals.
  • You only need a handful of ingredients and minimal effort to pull it together.
  • The contrast between the soft, creamy inside and crunchy top gives you the perfect bite every time.

Mix It Up

  • Sprinkle some shredded cheddar into the mix for a cheesy twist that kids especially love.
  • Go fancy by replacing the canned soup with real mushrooms cooked in butter until golden.
  • Switch up the topping - try crushed potato chips, crumbled bacon, or buttered breadcrumbs for something different.

Green Bean Dish

Tender green beans mixed in a savory mushroom sauce and finished with crispy onions on top. A well-loved part of holiday dinners you can prep in advance.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) of mushroom soup (condensed).
02 3/4 cup of milk.
03 A pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of ground black pepper.
04 2 cans of green beans (14 1/2 ounces each, drained). Use any style you like.
05 Crispy fried onions: 1 1/3 cups, split into two portions.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F to preheat. Combine the mushroom soup, milk, and a sprinkle of black pepper in a baking dish (1 1/2-quart size). Mix until it looks smooth.

Step 02

Add the green beans (make sure they’re drained) and 2/3 cup of the crispy onions. Stir it together. Quick tip: Fresh beans should be blanched first, but canned or thawed frozen beans can go right in.

Step 03

Put it in the oven for 30 minutes. Once it’s heated through, give it a quick stir.

Step 04

Sprinkle the rest of the crispy fried onions on top. Pop it back in the oven for five more minutes till they’re crisp and golden. Plan-Ahead Suggestion: Make everything up to the baking step, then tightly cover the dish with plastic and foil before freezing.

Step 05

Thaw it overnight in the fridge and pick up at Step 2. Or bake it straight from frozen by letting it sit out at room temperature first for 10 minutes. Then, follow Step 2 and add more baking time (in 15-minute chunks) till the center reaches 160°F.

Notes

  1. This comforting green bean dish combines creamy mushroom sauce with a crunchy onion topping. It's a crowd-pleaser for any holiday table.
  2. You can make it early, freeze it, and bake it later. It’s a simple way to ease holiday prep.
  3. Canned, fresh (blanched), or frozen beans (thawed) all work here. Pick what’s easiest or fits your taste.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 4 g