Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings together tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions on top. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. The rich and creamy texture paired with those crunchy onions makes every bite just right.
I love making this casserole because it’s so simple to prepare, yet always impresses everyone at the table. I like to use fresh green beans when I can, but the canned version works perfectly and saves time. One little tip I have is to toast the fried onions just a bit before topping the casserole to give them an extra crunch that stays crispy longer.
This dish always reminds me of cozy dinners spent around the table with my family, sharing stories and laughter. I usually serve it alongside roasted turkey or baked chicken, but honestly, it’s delicious enough to stand on its own. If you’re looking for a quick, tasty side that feels a bit special, this green bean casserole is a great go-to for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give the best texture and brightness, but canned or frozen ones work well for convenience. If using fresh, blanch them briefly to keep that tender-crisp bite.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The classic base for this casserole. If you prefer, use a homemade mushroom sauce or swap for cream of chicken soup for a slight flavor change.
French Fried Onions: These bring that signature crispy topping. If you want fewer calories, try breadcrumbs toasted with a bit of butter or crispy shallots as a substitute.
Soy Sauce: This is optional but adds a nice umami kick. If you avoid soy, a small splash of Worcestershire sauce or tamari (gluten-free) can work well.
How Can I Get Crispy Fried Onions on Top Without Them Getting Soggy?
The crunchy onion topping is what makes this dish special! To keep them crisp:
- Sprinkle the fried onions on top only in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to avoid sogginess.
- For extra crunch, toast the onions lightly in a dry pan before topping the casserole.
- Don’t cover the casserole while baking at the end—this lets the onions stay crispy.
- If needed, you can add a few fresh fried onions right before serving for a perfect crunch every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I find it easy for mixing the soup, milk, and green beans smoothly.
- Baking dish (1 1/2 quart casserole) – it’s the perfect size to hold everything and bake evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – these keep your ingredients just right and make the process smooth.
- Spatula or spoon – handy for mixing ingredients and spreading evenly in the dish.
- Oven – essential for baking and crisping the onions on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Rosemary or thyme: Add fresh herbs to the mix for extra flavor and freshness.
- Cheese: Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or Swiss into the mixture for a richer casserole.
- Crunchy toppings: Substitute fried onions with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for a different crunch.
- Protein: Add cooked bacon bits, chopped ham, or shredded cooked chicken to make it more filling.
Mouthwatering Campbells Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained (or about 4 cups fresh green beans, blanched)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 to 35 minutes to bake. So, in just under 45 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting casserole ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Oven Ready:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when your casserole is ready to bake.
2. Mix the Creamy Sauce and Green Beans:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce (if you want to add it), and black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth. Then, gently add in the drained green beans, mixing so they’re coated evenly.
3. Add Crispy Onions & Assemble:
Next, stir in 2/3 cup of the French fried onions into the green bean mixture. Pour this mixture into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Bake and Add Topping:
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly. Carefully take it out, and sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top.
5. Finish Baking for Crispy Topping:
Put the casserole back in the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let your casserole cool for a few minutes before serving — this helps it set a bit and makes it easier to dish out. Enjoy your creamy, crunchy green bean casserole!
Can I Use Fresh Green Beans Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Just blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain well before using in the recipe.
How Do I Keep the Fried Onions Crispy?
Add the French fried onions only during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. For extra crunch, you can toast them lightly in a dry pan before sprinkling on top.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the point before adding the topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the onions and bake just before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to help crisp the topping again.