Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Some dishes are more than just food; they're tradition, comfort, and a signal that the holidays have truly begun. For many families, that dish is the humble green bean casserole. Born in a test kitchen in 1955, this creamy, crunchy side has graced countless Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. It’s a classic for a reason: it's simple, satisfying, and brings everyone together.

But what if you could elevate this classic? This ultimate green bean casserole recipe respects its simple roots while offering a from-scratch path for those who want a fresher, more gourmet experience. We’ll cover both the quick, traditional method and a homemade version that will blow your guests away. Get ready to create the most requested side dish at your next gathering.

If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy –

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe

Masala Corn Chaat Street Style in 10 Minutes

Homemade Egg Noodles Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Cooking Method: Baking, Sauteing

Cuisine: American

Courses: Side Dish, Thanksgiving

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 8

Description

Discover the ultimate green bean casserole recipe! Easy, creamy, and delicious, with classic and from-scratch options. Find your new holiday favorite now!

Ingredients

2 pounds Green Beans (Fresh, trimmed (or 4 cans, 14.5 oz each, drained))
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz, condensed (or use homemade sauce))
½ cup Milk (Any kind works)
1 teaspoon Soy Sauce
½ teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
1 ⅓ cup French Fried Onions (Divided (⅔ cup for mixing, ⅔ cup for topping))
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For homemade mushroom sauce)
8 ounces Mushrooms (Cremini or button, sliced (for homemade sauce))
2 cloves Garlic (Minced (for homemade sauce))
¼ cup All-Purpose Flour (For thickening homemade sauce)
1 ½ cups Milk (For homemade sauce)
½ cup Vegetable Broth (For homemade sauce)
Salt & Pepper (For seasoning homemade sauce)

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart or 9x9-inch baking dish.
2
If using fresh green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook (blanch) for about 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender and bright green. Immediately drain them and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and set aside. This keeps them from getting mushy.
3
If using canned green beans: Simply drain the beans well.
4
Classic Method: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until smooth.
5
From-Scratch Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir for one minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and vegetable broth until smooth. Simmer, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6
In your prepared baking dish (or the bowl you mixed in), combine the blanched or canned green beans, the mushroom sauce, and ⅔ cup of the french fried onions. Stir everything together until the green beans are fully coated.
7
Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
8
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ⅔ cup of french fried onions evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, just until the onions are golden brown and extra crispy. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 185kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g17%
Sodium 450mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Protein 4g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Make-Ahead Plan: You can assemble the casserole (without the final onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the initial baking time. Add the top layer of onions at the end as directed.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Add a Cheesy Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese with the green beans and sauce.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mushroom sauce for a little kick.

Did you like this recipe?

Want more delicious recipes like this? Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration!

Click here to Follow me on Pinterest

Keywords: Green bean casserole, homemade green bean casserole, Thanksgiving side dish