Create amazing traditional flavors for your holiday feast with this Easy Green Bean Casserole. The creamy mushroom sauce, your choice of fresh, canned, or frozen green beans, and a crispy onion topping will be a family favorite that you can prepare and serve with only 5 minutes of hands on time. Whether you’re cooking for a small group or a huge crowd, this classic casserole can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Green Bean Casserole – The EASY Way!
Green bean casserole is such a staple holiday side dish for families all over, and mine is no exception. This is my super easy version of the traditional classic, and it has appeared on our dinner table for many Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter celebrsations. It’s super creamy, comforting, delicious, and best of, it really is SO easy.
The holidays are always so busy, and I love having a traditional recipe that tastes great but can also be whipped up without much time or effort. It’s full of simple flavors that I know will make my kids and family really happy, and I didn’t have to spend tons of time trying to create it from scratch. It only takes six ingredients and you can even skip a prep bowl if you want to. In five minutes quick minutes it’s ready for the oven!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Quick and easy – 5 minutes to prep, no chopping needed, and it can be mixed right in the dish it bakes in!
- 6 ingredients – The super simple ingredients in this recipe are common and really easy to find anywhere.
- Adjustable portions – Whether you’re serving four or twelve, you can easily adjust the recipe to make plenty for everyone.
- Classic family favorite – Green bean casserole is one of those iconic dishes that’s always associated with Thanksgiving because it’s delicious!
Recipe Notes
This easy green bean casserole recipe is as simple as promised! Just 5 minutes of prep and 6 ingredients for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use when making this recipe to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Green beans – You have your choice of green beans because any type will work! I prefer to use frozen, thawed green beans. But you can use them while still frozen, canned beans, or even fresh ones. Keep in mind you’ll need to pre-cook fresh green beans a little in order to make them tender enough.
- Cream of mushroom soup – The condensed soup is the main creamy component and adds lots of flavor super easily. I like traditional Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, but you can use cream of onion or chicken and still have really tasty results.
- Milk – Any type of milk you drink, or even half and half, will work to make the sauce.
- Soy sauce – I like soy sauce for it’s salty punch, but you can also use tamari, or liquid or coconut aminos. Worcestershire can work as well.
- Garlic powder
- French fried onions – You can find these crispy onions near the salad dressings and toppings at the grocery store. If you can’t find them, crushed croutons, seasoned breadcrumbs, or ritz crackers make good alternatives.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Green Bean Casserole.
Combine the green beans, soup, milk, soy sauce, and garlic powder together.
Mix all ingredients until well combines.
Top the green beans with french fried onions.
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the onions are crisp.
Recipe Tips
- Pre cook fresh green beans – If you choose to use fresh green beans then you’ll want to precook them so they’re tender when the casserole has finished baking. You can sauté green beans pretty easily, or blanch them in a pot of boiling water. Let them boil them in the water for 2-3 minutes, then scoop them out into a bowl of ice water. Once you drain and dry them, they’ll be ready for your green bean casserole.
- Double up on beans – We like our casserole really saucy, but if you prefer more beans you can add more. Feel free to double the amount of green beans without altering anything else on the recipe.
- Mix in the casserole dish – Holiday meals create tons of dishes but this recipe won’t contribute to it. You can mix everything right in the casserole dish you plan to bake in!
- Let it cool briefly – Once it’s bubbling on the sides you’ll know it’s done, and that also means the liquid in the dish is really hot. I recommend letting it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving which gives it a chance to thicken up a little.
- Double, triple, or more! – If you have a large group to feed, you’ll definitely want to increase the recipe size. I recommend tripling it for holiday meals and baking it in a 9×13 pan. That should serve at least 12, depending on how many other dishes you’re preparing with it.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Use canned green beans– Canned green beans are already super tender. Just drain them, pop them in the sauce, and bake until hot. You’ll be guaranteed soft beans without the risk of needing extra baking time.
- Mix the base ahead– You can prepare this classic green bean casserole the day before. Mix everything and pour it into the casserole dish, but leave off the onions. Then when you’re ready to bake, sprinkle the onions on and bake. I’d recommend using thawed frozen green beans or canned beans if you know you’ll be prepping ahead.
- Microwave frozen beans– If you have frozen green beans you can use them still frozen but it’ll take a bit longer. To save time, microwave the green beans for a few minutes so they’re soft. Then continue with the recipe as written.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Green Bean Casserole with Bacon– Cook and chop 4 slices of bacon, or use 1/4 cup of bacon bits. Mix half into the cream and green bean mixture. Sprinkle the remaining half over the top with the French fried onions and cook as directed.
- Green Bean Casserole with Cheese– Shred 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix half in with the cream of mushroom soup and green beans. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup over the top then add the French fried onions. Bake until done.
- Cream Cheese Green Bean Casserole– Double the amount of green beans and combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with the cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and milk. Pour into a large casserole and add 2 cups of French fried onions to the top. Bake according to the recipe.
What to Serve with Classic Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter holiday dinners, but it also makes a great side dish to pair with many meals year round since it is so easy and delicious! Here are a few other main dish ideas to serve this easy green bean casserole with.
Main Dish Ideas
- Honey Glazed Ham – This is another classic recipe, and the honey pineapple glaze would be SO good with a scoop of creamy green bean casserole on the side.
- Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast – Tender juicy turkey every time plus a gravy in just minutes makes this a super easy way to have a tasty main to serve with your casserole.
- Baked Rotisserie Chicken – Get all the classic flavor and juiciness you love in a rotisserie chicken, but from your oven instead!
- Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes – A traditional southern main that has additional vegetable sides baked right in. It would make such a hearty meal with the casserole beside it.
- Garlic Herb Steak – Green beans and steak are delicious together! Treat the family to a nice steak dinner and a comforting side.
- Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast – You get the most flavorful and tender turkey breast this way!
Other Side Dish Ideas
- Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese – If you’ve ever eaten southern food, you know green beans and mac and cheese are sides dishes that love to hang out together!
- Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic Butter – These would so perfectly compliment the mushroom flavor in the casserole.
- Brown Butter Broccoli – A roasted vegetable side that has a nutty brown butter finish is always welcome at dinner.
- Jiffy Corn Casserole – This is so addictive! The creamy, cheesy, corn custard is easy to make and will be a hit with the whole family.
- Extra Creamy Mashed Potatoes – It’s not a holiday table without mashed potatoes right? This recipe is extra creamy and delicious.
- Homemade Buttermilk Corn Bread – If you’re looking for a fantastic bread side this classic recipe is it. You’ll want to make plenty, it’ll go quick!
These are a few other sides that go well with Green Bean Casserole to round out a meal. You can choose one or add a few sides to make a wholesome, well rounded dinner.
Green Bean Casserole Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this easy green bean casserole, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
More EASY Casserole Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my delicious side dish recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Southern Squash Casserole
- Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with Vegetables
- Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole with Bacon
- Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen green beans, thawed (see note)
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions, (2.8 ounce container)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and garlic powder together in a mixing bowl and mix to combine.
- Transfer green bean mixture to a small casserole dish and spread evenly.Top the green beans with french fried onions.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the onions are crisp.
- Let sit 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- I recommend using thawed frozen green beans. By using thawed green beans, it cuts down the cook time. If they are still frozen you can either:
- Microwave the green beans for a couple of minutes until they are soft. OR
- Use frozen green beans and cook 30-40 minutes in the oven.
- You can also use canned green beans that have been drained. These are softer than the frozen and don’t have quite as much texture to the dish.
- This recipe as written makes a saucy green bean casserole. If you prefer a more veggie heavy green bean casserole, you can add additional green beans. You can add up to double the amount listed, based on the sauce ratio you prefer.
Green Bean Casserole for a Crowd
- This recipe feeds a small family. If you want to make green bean casserole for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a potluck, or a crowd, use these measurements and bake in a 13×9 or large casserole dish.
- 36 ounces frozen green beans (3 bags)
- 3 can cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups French fried onions
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