Name: Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup (cream of chicken soup can be used as an alternative); 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; Black pepper to taste; 5 (14.5 ounce) cans green beans, drained; 2-3 cups French fried onions (such as French’s)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

I absolutely adore this Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe because it brings such a cozy, nostalgic feeling to the table every single time I make it. With just a handful of pantry staples—canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions—it’s incredibly simple but always delivers that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. For me, it’s the kind of side dish that instantly makes any gathering feel like a warm celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

I love how this dish balances creamy richness from the mushroom soup with the fresh snap of green beans, while the fried onions provide an irresistible crispy topping that keeps me coming back for more. The soy sauce adds just a subtle depth of umami that takes the flavor beyond basic, which I think is a game changer. It’s comfort food at its finest, yet it never feels heavy or overpowering.

What’s so fantastic is how incredibly easy this recipe is to pull together. I can have it ready to bake in under 10 minutes, making it a go-to for busy holiday dinners or last-minute potlucks. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just want a tasty side for a cozy weeknight dinner, it always fits the bill. The Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe stands out because it’s timeless, fuss-free, and just downright delicious every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a white dish filled with a green bean casserole showing three main layers: bright green fresh green beans forming the bottom and middle layers, creamy white mushroom sauce mixed throughout the green beans creating a smooth light layer, and golden crispy fried onion strings scattered thickly on top, adding texture and color. A wooden spoon is lifting some of the casserole, holding a mix of green beans with creamy sauce and crispy onions, held over the dish. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this recipe are super straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor that makes this dish so beloved. From the savory cream of mushroom soup to the crunchy fried onions, everything works in harmony to create a comforting classic.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the creamy base that brings everything together with rich, savory flavor.
Milk: Helps set the perfect creamy consistency without making the casserole too thick or dry.
Soy Sauce: Adds a subtle umami boost that elevates the dish beyond ordinary.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch to season and balance the flavors nicely.
Canned Green Beans: The main star, bringing that tender, classic green bean taste and texture.
French Fried Onions: The signature crunchy topping that everyone eagerly looks forward to.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. This sets the perfect temperature to cook the casserole evenly and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: In a 13×9 inch baking dish, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and the drained green beans. Stir everything gently until evenly mixed but be careful not to mash the beans.

Step 3: Bake the mixture uncovered for 25 minutes. You’ll notice the casserole bubbling gently around the edges, signaling it’s just about ready for the crispy topping.

Step 4: Sprinkle 2 to 3 cups of French fried onions evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes to get those onions delightfully golden and crunchy.

Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions.

Servings and Timing

This Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe yields about 12 servings, making it ideal for large family gatherings or holiday feasts. The prep time is just 10 minutes, with a bake time of 30 minutes for a total of around 40 minutes. There’s no complicated resting time needed, but I like to let it cool briefly after baking for optimal texture and serving ease.

How to Serve This Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

When I serve this casserole, I love pairing it with hearty mains like roast turkey, baked ham, or even grilled chicken to complement its creamy, savory flavors. It also balances beautifully alongside mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for a true holiday spread that feels both comforting and festive.

For presentation, I like to garnish with a few extra fried onions on top for an inviting crunch and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a pop of color. Serving it straight from the oven while it’s warm keeps the onions crispy and the beans tender, which is the best way to enjoy that classic texture combo. Portion-wise, spooning out half a cup per person usually hits the right note for a side dish.

As for drinks, I recommend pairing this casserole with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir if you prefer red. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling apple cider or chilled herbal iced tea also complement the flavors beautifully. I find this dish shines during festive dinners, cozy family meals, or any time I want something quick yet satisfying on the table.

Variations

I love experimenting with this classic, so I often swap ingredients depending on dietary needs or what I have on hand. For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute the fried onions with crispy gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. It’s just as delicious!

If you want to make it vegan, I’ve successfully used vegan cream of mushroom soup and plant-based milk, topped with store-bought vegan fried onions or toasted coconut flakes for crunch. Adding a pinch of nutritional yeast can boost the savory flavor, too.

For a flavor twist, sometimes I add minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce in place of soy sauce, and for texture, mixing in slivered almonds or crispy bacon bits on top gives it a fun new dimension. You can even swap the canned green beans for fresh steamed ones if you prefer a fresher vegetable bite though it changes the cook time slightly. Baking the casserole in individual ramekins is a charming way to serve guests personally and keep things neat at the table.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy again without sacrificing taste or texture. Keeping the fried onions separate until reheating helps preserve their crispness.

Freezing

This casserole freezes pretty well if you want to save some for later. I recommend freezing it without the fried onion topping to avoid sogginess. Use a freezer-safe container and it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover green bean casserole is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Add fresh fried onions on top before reheating or right before serving for that perfect crunch. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dish watery and the fried onions lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! If using fresh green beans, trim and blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients. This will ensure they cook properly and maintain a tender-crisp texture once baked.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes! You can substitute low-fat or plant-based milk and use a reduced-fat or homemade cream of mushroom soup. Reducing the amount of fried onions or opting for a crunchy topping made from toasted nuts or whole-grain breadcrumbs can also lighten it up.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

You can definitely assemble the casserole a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add the fried onions right before baking to maintain their crispy texture.

What can I use as an alternative to French fried onions?

If you don’t have fried onions on hand, crispy shallots, toasted breadcrumbs, or even crushed crispy tortilla chips can make a tasty substitute. Just toast them lightly to enhance the crunch and flavor.

Does this recipe work for smaller or larger groups?

Yes, this recipe is easily scalable. For smaller groups, you can halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller dish. For larger gatherings, just double the quantities accordingly and use a bigger baking dish to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe a try because it’s one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring warmth and joy to the table. It’s easy to make, endlessly comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser in my experience. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays, a family dinner, or just craving a cozy side dish, this casserole is sure to become one of your favorites too.