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 works well too!); 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; Black pepper to taste; 5 (14.5 ounce) cans of green beans, drained; 2-3 cups French fried onions such as French's

I absolutely adore this Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe because it brings such a comforting, nostalgic vibe to any meal. Whenever I make it, the combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions creates that perfect mix of textures and flavors that feels like a warm holiday hug. This dish is straightforward, quick to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser in my family, making it a staple on my table year-round.

Why You'll Love This Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

What really gets me excited about this Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe is the way the flavors all come together seamlessly. The earthy richness of the cream of mushroom soup blends so beautifully with the fresh yet soft green beans, while the soy sauce adds just the right umami kick that makes it taste homey and satisfying. And don't even get me started on those golden, crispy fried onions on top—they add a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base.

Beyond its incredible taste, I love how quick and simple this recipe is. With only a handful of classic pantry ingredients, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Sometimes I make this dish as a last-minute side during busy weeks, and it never disappoints. The ease of preparation means I can spend more time enjoying good company instead of stressing over complicated cooking steps.

This casserole truly shines during festive occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but honestly, I think it’s worth whipping up any time you want to impress friends or family with a delicious comfort food side. What sets this recipe apart is how it strikes a balance between creamy and crunchy elements, classic American flavors, and effortless cooking. Every time I serve it, I get so many compliments and requests for the recipe.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows five separate dishes and bowls placed on a white marbled surface. At the top right is a white bowl filled with bright green cut green beans, smooth and evenly sized. To the left is a wooden bowl filled with golden brown crispy fried onions, showing a crunchy texture and uneven shapes. Below the green beans bowl is a smaller dark bowl filled with creamy white sauce with bits of darker brown in it, looking thick and smooth. To the right of the sauce is a clear glass filled with white milk. Below the milk is a small white dish holding seasonings in three sections: black pepper, white salt, and a light yellow powder, all finely ground and placed side by side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient adds its own special touch. From the savory cream of mushroom soup to the crispy fried onions, every ingredient contributes to the dish’s comforting flavor, creamy texture, or appealing appearance.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Cream of mushroom soup: The creamy base that delivers rich, savory depth to the casserole.
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth sauce consistency.
Soy sauce: Brings a subtle, savory umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice note to balance the dish.
Green beans (canned): Provides tender vegetable texture and color throughout the casserole.
French fried onions: The iconic crispy topping that adds crunch and a burst of flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake the casserole.

Step 2: In a 13x9 inch baking dish, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to blend everything smoothly.

Step 3: Add the drained canned green beans into the mixture and gently fold them in, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the cream sauce will thicken nicely.

Step 5: After 25 minutes, sprinkle the french fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will toast the onions to a gorgeous, crunchy golden brown.

Servings and Timing

This Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe serves about 12 people, making it ideal for large gatherings or holiday dinners. The prep time is a quick 10 minutes, which is perfect when you're short on time. The total cook time is 30 minutes, so from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in about 40 minutes. No resting or cooling time is necessary, so you can serve it as soon as it’s out of the oven for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve This Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy green bean casserole. The bottom layer shows tender, green beans covered in a light, creamy sauce. On top, there is a thick layer of golden brown crispy fried onions, giving a crunchy texture. A wooden spoon lifts a scoop of the casserole, showing the mix of green beans and sauce underneath the crispy topping. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe, I love pairing it with hearty mains like roasted turkey, baked ham, or juicy roast chicken. The creamy texture and mild flavors make it an excellent complement to richly seasoned meats. For a full holiday spread, I often add mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce on the side to complete the classic experience.

For a pretty presentation, I like to place the casserole in a rustic ceramic dish and garnish it with a handful of fresh parsley leaves or a sprinkle of chopped chives just before serving. This little touch adds a pop of green and freshness that brightens the dish visually and on the palate.

When it comes to drinks, this casserole pairs wonderfully with a buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Riesling if you're leaning toward wine. For non-drinkers or casual meals, a sparkling apple cider or a lightly brewed iced tea works perfectly. I usually serve the casserole warm straight from the oven to keep that crispy onion topping at its best and the creamy layers soothingly warm.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy about this Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want to make it gluten-free, look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions – many brands offer these now. To make it vegan, substitute the soup with a homemade or store-bought dairy-free mushroom sauce, use plant-based milk, and swap in crispy fried shallots or crushed nuts for the onion topping.

If you're in the mood to experiment with flavors, I sometimes add a bit of garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle boost. Another variation I tried recently was mixing fresh green beans blanched until just tender instead of canned — it made for a fresher crunch and a brighter color!

For a different cooking method, I’ve even used an air fryer to toast the fried onions separately until perfectly crunchy before sprinkling them on top just before serving. It maintains the crispiness without sogginess, which I loved.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this dish, I store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. I find glass containers with tight-fitting lids are best because they don’t absorb odors and keep the casserole tasting fresh. Leftovers typically keep well for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. When storing, I recommend separating the fried onion topping if possible or adding them fresh when reheating for extra crunch.

Freezing

This casserole freezes nicely, which is perfect if you want to make it ahead. To freeze, assemble the casserole but hold off on adding the fried onions. Cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in the freezer. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking and adding fresh fried onions at the end.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer using the oven over the microwave because it helps maintain the casserole’s creamy texture and crisp topping. Cover the dish with foil and warm it at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Then, add fresh fried onions on top and pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes for that perfect crispy finish. Avoid reheating fried onions ahead of time to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans work wonderfully. I recommend blanching them in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender, then draining and shocking them in ice water to retain their bright green color before adding them to the casserole.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you want to avoid canned soups, you can make a simple homemade mushroom sauce by sautéing mushrooms with butter, flour, and milk or broth until thickened. Alternatively, cream of chicken soup also works well in this recipe for a different flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

By swapping the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free version, using plant-based milk, and replacing fried onions with crispy shallots or nuts, you can make a delicious vegan version of this casserole that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add the fried onions just before baking to keep them nice and crispy.

How do I avoid the casserole becoming soggy?

To keep your casserole from getting soggy, be sure to drain the canned green beans really well, preheat your oven properly, and add the fried onions toward the end of baking so they stay crisp.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe enough if you’re looking for that perfect comfort food side that’s quick, delicious, and always well-received. It’s a timeless dish that brings warmth to the table and makes mealtime feel special without any fuss. Give it a try soon – I’m sure it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites too!