Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Green Bean Casserole is a simple yet delicious take on the classic. The creamy mushroom sauce, made from scratch with just a few ingredients, perfectly complements the crisp, tender green beans. The dish is topped with a golden, crunchy layer of fried onions, adding texture and flavor that makes each bite irresistible. This casserole is quick to prepare, requires minimal cooking time, and is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead dish, saving you time when hosting.
Ingredients
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1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
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1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
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1/2 cup of milk
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1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
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1 cup of fried onions (divided)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Green Beans:
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If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Drain and set aside. If you’re using canned green beans, simply drain and rinse them.
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Make the Casserole Sauce:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. If you’d like, add in the shredded cheddar cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy layer.
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Assemble the Casserole:
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Add the prepared green beans to the bowl with the soup mixture. Stir to coat the beans evenly in the sauce.
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Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
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Add Fried Onions:
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Sprinkle half of the fried onions on top of the casserole.
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Bake:
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Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the sauce is thickened.
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Top with More Fried Onions:
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Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
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Serve:
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Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
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Servings and timing
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Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 30-35 minutes
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Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
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Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the sauce for an extra creamy and cheesy casserole.
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Mushroom Variation: If you prefer a more mushroom-packed casserole, sauté fresh sliced mushrooms and add them to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
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Vegan Version: Use a vegan cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free milk, and substitute the fried onions with a vegan-friendly option.
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Crunchy Topping: Swap the fried onions for crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a different crunchy topping.
Storage/reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it as instructed before serving.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. Simply thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole.
How do I make the casserole more flavorful?
For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions and garlic to the sauce, or season with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Can I add protein to this casserole?
You can add cooked chicken or turkey to the casserole for a heartier dish. Just mix it in with the green beans before baking.
How do I make the casserole crispy without fried onions?
If you prefer not to use fried onions, you can top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy topping.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
Conclusion
This Easy Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy mushrooms, tender green beans, and a crispy onion topping. It’s simple to prepare, yet it delivers rich, satisfying flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Easy Green Bean Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort dish that’s been a staple on holiday tables and family gatherings for decades. This easy version takes the traditional casserole to new heights with minimal effort, combining fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup of fried onions (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Drain and set aside. If you’re using canned green beans, simply drain and rinse them.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. If you’d like, add in the shredded cheddar cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy layer.
- Add the prepared green beans to the bowl with the soup mixture. Stir to coat the beans evenly in the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the fried onions on top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the sauce is thickened.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the casserole mixture.For added flavor, cook some sautéed onions and garlic and add them to the sauce.If you’d like a lighter version, use a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup and low-fat milk. You can also use a healthier topping like panko breadcrumbs.Frozen green beans can also be used, just thaw and drain before adding them to the casserole.This casserole can be made ahead of time. Just prepare it up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.For a vegan version, use a vegan cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free milk, and substitute the fried onions with a vegan-friendly option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg