Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green Bean Casserole is a beloved comfort dish that has graced countless dinner tables, especially during the holidays. Its creamy texture, savory flavor, and satisfying crunch make it a standout side dish that everyone looks forward to. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a casual dinner, this recipe brings warmth and joy to any meal.
Ingredients Breakdown
The heart of this Green Bean Casserole is its essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its flavor profile. The cream of mushroom soup provides a velvety base that coats the green beans in a savory sauce, while the milk adds a smooth, creamy consistency. Soy sauce introduces a subtle umami flavor that deepens the overall taste, and a touch of black pepper and seasoning salt enhances the dish with a balanced seasoning.
For those looking to add a personal touch, consider incorporating optional ingredients like shredded cheese for a richer, more indulgent casserole. A sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of nutmeg can also introduce new layers of flavor. When selecting green beans, fresh is always a great choice, but frozen green beans are a convenient alternative that retains the vegetable’s natural flavor and texture. Canned green beans can work in a pinch, but they may require a bit of extra seasoning to bring out their best.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before diving into the casserole preparation, it’s important to prep the green beans. Fresh or frozen green beans should be boiled briefly until they reach a tender-crisp state. This ensures they retain their vibrant color and pleasant bite, adding to the overall texture of the casserole. Canned beans, while convenient, should be thoroughly drained and possibly rinsed to remove any excess sodium or preservatives.
Once the green beans are ready, it’s time to combine them with the other ingredients. Mixing the beans with cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and seasonings in a casserole dish creates a rich and cohesive mixture. If you’re opting to include cheese, now is the time to blend it in, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce as it bakes.
The baking process is where the magic happens. By cooking the casserole uncovered, the top layer has a chance to develop a beautifully golden and crispy crust, thanks to the crispy fried onions. Midway through baking, stirring the casserole helps to distribute the flavors evenly. After adding the remaining crispy onions on top, a final round in the oven ensures a perfectly browned, crunchy finish.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Experiment with different seasoning levels to suit your palate. A dash of hot sauce can add a spicy kick, while a pinch of sugar might balance the savory flavors.
- Substitutions: Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. Vegetarian versions of these soups work well for a meat-free dish.
- Make ahead and store: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. Reheat leftovers in the oven to retain the crispy topping.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pairing this Green Bean Casserole with the right dishes can elevate your entire meal. Roasted turkey or glazed ham are classic mains that complement the creamy, savory flavors of the casserole. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or a simple baked fish.
When it comes to side dishes, mashed potatoes and gravy are natural companions, offering a smooth contrast to the crispy onions. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also help balance the richness of the casserole. To round out the meal, choose beverages that enhance the dish’s flavors, such as a crisp white wine or a light, fruity iced tea.
Variations and Customizations
Adding protein to this Green Bean Casserole can turn it into a heartier main dish. Sliced grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, or even browned sausage can be mixed in with the green beans for a more substantial meal. For vegetarians, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or diced tofu for added texture and protein.
If you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, this recipe is quite adaptable. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. Dairy-free adaptations can be achieved by substituting the milk and cream of mushroom soup with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and a vegan cream soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent dish for preparing in advance of a busy event or holiday meal.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping.
- What are the best types of green beans to use? Fresh green beans provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen beans are a close second for convenience. Canned beans are also an option but may require additional seasoning.
- Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? Absolutely. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure it cooks evenly.
This Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. Its simplicity, combined with the rich, savory flavors, makes it a favorite year after year. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe—whether adding a new ingredient or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste, this casserole invites creativity. Serve it alongside your favorite dishes, and enjoy the comforting warmth it brings to your table.
Ingredients
- 10 ½ ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 4 cups frozen green beans, thawed (see notes for canned or fresh beans)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt, or adjust to taste
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
If you’re using fresh or frozen green beans, bring them to a quick boil until they’re just tender but still crisp.
In a casserole dish, combine the green beans with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, seasoning salt, and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. If you’re adding cheese, mix it in as well.
Place the casserole dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
Take the dish out of the oven and give it a good stir. Sprinkle the remaining crispy onions evenly over the top, then return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions turn a rich golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ½ ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 4 cups frozen green beans thawed (see notes for canned or fresh beans)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon seasoning salt or adjust to taste
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- If you’re using fresh or frozen green beans, bring them to a quick boil until they’re just tender but still crisp.
- In a casserole dish, combine the green beans with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, seasoning salt, and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. If you’re adding cheese, mix it in as well.
- Place the casserole dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
- Take the dish out of the oven and give it a good stir. Sprinkle the remaining crispy onions evenly over the top, then return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions turn a rich golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use 2 (14 ½ ounce) cans of green beans, drained
- Substitute with 1 ½ pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and simmered for about 7-8 minutes
- 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (a popular favorite!)
- Sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and/or shallots for extra flavor