ULTIMATE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

I can almost smell the holidays just thinking about it! Growing up, Thanksgiving wasn’t complete without my Aunt Carol’s signature dish: Creamy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole – A Classic Favorite. The bubbly, creamy sauce, the tender green beans, and that satisfyingly crunchy fried onion topping… it was pure comfort on a plate. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Creamy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole – A Classic Favorite you’ll ever make!

Creamy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe is a Thanksgiving staple for a reason: it’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I’m going to walk you through each step, so you can create a perfect casserole every time. Don’t be intimidated; it’s truly simpler than you think! Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) cut green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1/2 cup milk (I prefer whole milk for extra creaminess!)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided (like those from French’s®)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure even cooking and a bubbly, golden-brown top.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the drained green beans, Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, and pepper. Make sure everything is well incorporated. The mixture should look creamy and slightly thick. The aroma of the mushroom soup at this stage is a comforting preview of what’s to come!
3. Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. A standard 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch dish works perfectly. You want the casserole to be about 2-3 inches deep.
4. Bake for 25 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the sauce to bubble gently. Keep an eye on it; ovens can vary.
5. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 1/3 cups of French fried onions evenly over the top. This is what gives it that signature crunch! Don’t be shy with the onions.
6. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Watch closely so the onions don’t burn. You’re looking for a rich, golden-brown color. The smell at this point is absolutely irresistible!
7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

Success Tips for a Perfect Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Want to guarantee a show-stopping Creamy Green Bean Casserole? Here are my top tips for absolute success. These little tricks will elevate your casserole from good to unforgettable!

• Don’t Skip the Milk! The milk thins out the condensed soup, creating that perfectly creamy texture we all crave. Using whole milk adds richness, but 2% works fine too.
• Season to Taste: While the recipe calls for pepper, don’t be afraid to add a pinch of salt if you feel it needs it. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust accordingly. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away!
• Crispy Onion Topping is Key: The French fried onions are crucial for the texture of this casserole. Make sure they’re evenly distributed over the top and watch them carefully in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Get Creative with Toppings: While French fried onions are classic, feel free to experiment! Try adding some chopped pecans or slivered almonds for extra crunch. A sprinkle of paprika before baking also adds a lovely color and subtle smoky flavor.

Elevating Your Creamy Green Bean Casserole: Variations and Add-ins

The beauty of this classic casserole is its versatility! While the traditional recipe is beloved, there are tons of ways to customize it and make it your own. Let’s explore some exciting variations and add-ins to take your Creamy Green Bean Casserole to the next level!

Adding Extra Vegetables:

Want to sneak in some extra nutrients and flavor? Consider adding these vegetables to your casserole:

• Sliced Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with a little butter and garlic before adding them to the casserole mixture. This will enhance the mushroom flavor of the soup and add a lovely earthy note.
• Diced Water Chestnuts: These add a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness. Drain them well before adding them to the casserole.
• Frozen Peas or Carrots: Thaw and drain frozen peas or diced carrots before adding them. They add a pop of color and extra vitamins.
• Sautéed Onions and Celery: Sautéing diced onions and celery in butter before adding them to the casserole base adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way. This is a great way to build a savory foundation for the whole dish.

Spice It Up!

For those who like a little kick, here are some ways to add some spice to your Creamy Green Bean Casserole:

• A Pinch of Cayenne Pepper: Just a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth without making it overly spicy.
• Diced Jalapeños: For a more noticeable kick, add some finely diced jalapeños. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will add a fiery touch.

Cheese Please!

Everything is better with cheese, right? Here are some cheesy additions that will make your casserole even more decadent:

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. It will melt into a gooey, cheesy topping.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Stir in a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese for an extra creamy and tangy flavor.

Creative Toppings:

While French fried onions are the classic topping, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some other topping ideas:

• Crushed Potato Chips: Crushed potato chips add a salty, crunchy topping.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and herbs for a crispy and flavorful topping.
• Fried Shallots: Fried shallots add a delicate, slightly sweet flavor.
• Bacon Bits: Because everything is better with bacon!

A Healthier Twist:

If you are looking for a healthier option, these substitutions may work for you:

• Fresh Green Beans: Instead of canned, use fresh green beans that have been steamed or blanched until tender-crisp.
• Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: Using a homemade version of cream of mushroom soup will give you more control over the ingredients and sodium content.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute some of the milk with plain Greek yogurt for added protein and a tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Green Bean Casserole is the perfect side dish for any holiday meal, but it’s also delicious served alongside roasted chicken, pork, or beef. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. And don’t forget a warm, crusty roll to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Equipment to Simplify Casserole Creation

While the recipe itself is wonderfully simple, a few key pieces of equipment can make the process even easier and more efficient, ensuring consistent results every time. Here’s a breakdown of my favorite tools for making the perfect Creamy Green Bean Casserole:

Essential Tools:

• Casserole Dish: A 1.5-quart casserole dish (approximately 8×8 or 9×9 inches) is ideal. Opt for a ceramic or glass dish, as these distribute heat evenly and are easy to clean. A dish with a lid is also handy for storing leftovers.
• Mixing Bowls: A set of nesting mixing bowls is indispensable for any kitchen. I recommend having at least one medium and one large bowl for combining the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is crucial for baking success. Invest in a good quality set of measuring cups and spoons, and be sure to level off dry ingredients for precise measurements.
• Can Opener: A sturdy can opener is a must for opening the canned green beans and cream of mushroom soup. A smooth-operating can opener will save you time and frustration.
• Oven Mitts or Pot Holders: Protect your hands from the heat with a good pair of oven mitts or pot holders. Look for ones that are heat-resistant and provide a secure grip.

Nice-to-Have Tools:

• Vegetable Steamer (if using fresh green beans): If you prefer using fresh green beans, a vegetable steamer is a convenient way to cook them until tender-crisp.
• Food Processor (for homemade fried onions): If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own fried onions! A food processor will help you slice the onions thinly and evenly.
• Silicone Spatula: A silicone spatula is perfect for scraping the sides of the bowl and ensuring that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Serving Spoon: A sturdy serving spoon is essential for dishing out the casserole.

By investing in a few quality pieces of equipment, you can streamline the casserole-making process and enjoy consistent, delicious results every time. Remember, the right tools can make all the difference!

Conclusion

There you have it! My secrets for making the most amazing Creamy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. It’s a classic for a reason, and with these tips and variations, you’ll be able to create a casserole that your family and friends will rave about. So go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!

Lady Maria

ULTIMATE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe delivers creamy, comforting flavors with tender green beans and a satisfyingly crunchy fried onion topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple steps, you’ll create the ultimate version of this beloved dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
• Salt to taste optional
• Butter or cooking spray for greasing the casserole dish

Equipment

• 1.5-quart casserole dish (8×8 or 9×9 inch)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Oven mitts or pot holders
• Vegetable steamer (if using fresh green beans)
• Food processor (for homemade fried onions, optional)
• Silicone spatula
• Serving spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the drained green beans, Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Taste and add salt if needed.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
6. Bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top.
8. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, use whole milk. Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings like chopped pecans, slivered almonds, or a sprinkle of paprika. To make ahead, assemble the casserole (without the fried onions) up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.