Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole — Easy Classic Side Dish

I grew up with the smell of bubbling green bean casserole wafting through the house every holiday — a simple, comforting dish that meant family and togetherness. My grandmother always reached straight for a can of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup and a crisp can of French-fried onions; the result was reliably delicious and almost ceremonial. Over the years I’ve learned to appreciate the casserole not just as a holiday staple but as a quick, satisfying side to pull together any night you want something warm and nostalgic. Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole has a long-running place in American food culture — it was first popularized in the 1950s as an easy, pantry-friendly dish that brought convenience and flavor into home cooking.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is for busy parents, weeknight cooks, beginners looking for a forgiving dish, and anyone who loves classic comfort food.

Core ingredients overview:

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained, 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, 3/4 cup milk, 1 1/3 cups French-fried onions, Salt and pepper to taste. This dish combines canned green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions to create a flavorful, easy-to-make side that’s perfect for holidays or simple dinners.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools

• Mixing bowl – to combine ingredients easily.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate proportions.
• Spoon or spatula – to stir the casserole mixture.
• 1-quart (or similar) casserole dish – to bake the casserole evenly.
• Oven mitts – for safe handling when removing the dish from the oven.
• Can opener – to open cans quickly and safely.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained – a convenient vegetable base that provides fiber and a fresh, crisp bite when baked.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – creates a creamy, savory sauce that binds the dish.
• 3/4 cup milk – lightens the soup to a pourable consistency and adds creaminess.
• 1 1/3 cups French-fried onions – add crunchy texture and a salty, caramelized flavor contrast.
• Salt and pepper to taste – essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, the can of cream of mushroom soup, and 3/4 cup of milk. Stir until well mixed.
3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and stir gently to distribute the seasoning.
4. Pour the green bean mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, until it begins to bubble around the edges.
6. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and stir in 2/3 cup of the French-fried onions, folding them into the mixture.
7. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and hot throughout.
8. Remove the casserole, top with the remaining French-fried onions for a crispy finish, and serve warm.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: You can freeze the casserole before baking (cover tightly), but the fried onions will get soggy if frozen. For best results, freeze the baked casserole without the final crispy topping, then add fresh fried onions after reheating.

Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can substitute a homemade mushroom cream sauce or a low-sodium condensed cream of chicken or celery soup if you prefer a different flavor profile or want to control sodium.

Q: Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
A: Yes. Blanch fresh or thawed frozen green beans first so they are tender-crisp; adjust baking time as needed since they won’t have the same canned texture.

Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Use a dairy-free milk (such as unsweetened almond or oat milk) and a suitable dairy-free condensed mushroom soup alternative, then proceed as directed.

Tips & Tricks

• Drain the canned green beans well to avoid a watery casserole; pat them lightly with paper towels if needed.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of soy sauce to the mix for extra umami depth without overpowering the classic flavor.
• Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan before the second bake if you like a cheesy variation — add lightly so it doesn’t mask the mushroom flavor.
• Wait to add the final layer of fried onions until right before serving to keep them crisp.

Conclusion

For an authentic take on this holiday favorite, check out Campbell’s official recipe at Green Bean Casserole | Campbell’s® Recipes, compare variations and user tips at Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe, or read a nostalgic write-up about the dish at Campbells Green Bean Casserole (Thanksgiving Classic) – Upstate …. These resources are great for variations, history, and extra tips.

Enjoy this warm, classic dish with friends and family — and don’t forget, Always add

tag after Directions.