Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole — Classic Easy Side Dish
I’ve been making Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole since I was a kid — it was the dish that signaled Thanksgiving had officially begun in my family. My mom would always open the cans, mix everything in the big glass bowl she kept for holidays, and before long the whole house smelled like comfort. Over the years I’ve learned to appreciate its nostalgia: it’s simple, reliable, and somehow always brings everyone to the table. This casserole also has a fun bit of history — it was invented by Dorcas Reilly at Campbell’s in 1955 as a quick, pantry-friendly side for busy hosts, and it’s been a holiday staple in American kitchens ever since.
Who is this recipe for?
- This recipe is perfect for busy parents, weeknight cooks, holiday hosts, and anyone who loves a comforting, easy-to-make classic side.
Core ingredients overview:
- This dish combines green beans, condensed mushroom soup, fried onions, milk, and soy sauce to create a creamy, savory casserole with crunchy topping — an easy, nostalgic side everyone recognizes.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools
- Large mixing bowl — for combining ingredients evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons — to ensure balanced flavors.
- Mixing spoon or rubber spatula — for gentle folding.
- 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish — for even baking.
- Oven — to cook and crisp the casserole.
- Can opener — to open canned ingredients.
Ingredients
- Green beans — provide fresh, bright texture and a healthy vegetable base.
- Condensed mushroom soup — creates the creamy, savory sauce that defines the casserole.
- Fried onions — add crunchy, caramelized topping and signature flavor contrast.
- Milk — thins and smooths the condensed soup into a velvety sauce.
- Soy sauce — boosts umami and deepens the savory profile with a pinch of saltiness.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, condensed mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce. Stir gently until evenly coated.
- Stir in half of the fried onions to incorporate some crunch throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and top with the remaining fried onions.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the fried onions are golden brown and crisp. Serve warm.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
- A: Yes. Assemble the casserole through step 4 (but don’t bake), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake for about 35–40 minutes, adding the fried onions for the last 5–10 minutes to crisp.
Q: What can I use instead of condensed mushroom soup?
- A: You can substitute homemade cream-of-mushroom sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk, or use a low-sodium condensed soup alternative to control salt and flavor.
Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
- A: Absolutely. Blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then shock in ice water before adding. This keeps them tender-crisp and avoids overcooking.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a holiday meal?
- A: Yes — prepare and bake as directed, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat covered at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, adding extra fried onions just before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use whole or cut green beans depending on preference; blanching fresh beans preserves color and texture.
- Taste before baking: because condensed soups and fried onions can vary in saltiness, adjust soy sauce sparingly.
- Add a little garlic powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth if you like a stronger savory note.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a 1/2 cup of sour cream or shredded cheddar before baking.
Conclusion
For the official Campbell’s version and history of this classic, check out Green Bean Casserole | Campbell’s® Recipes. If you’d like to see a popular, user-tested variation and reader reviews, visit Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe. For a regional take with serving ideas and photos, see Campbells Green Bean Casserole (Thanksgiving Classic) – Upstate ….
Enjoy this timeless side — pass it around the table, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!
Always add
tag after Directions.
Campbell's Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cans Green beans, drained Use whole or cut green beans based on preference
- 1 can Condensed mushroom soup Creates the creamy, savory sauce
- 1/2 cup Milk Thins the soup into a sauce
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce Boosts umami flavor
- 1 cup Fried onions Half incorporated in the mix, half for topping
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the green beans, condensed mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce. Stir gently until evenly coated.
- Stir in half of the fried onions to incorporate some crunch throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and top with the remaining fried onions.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the fried onions are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve warm.
