INTRODUCTION
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a simple, old-fashioned side dish. It uses green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. This dish is quick to make and tastes like a warm, home meal. It is great for holidays and weeknight dinners. If you want a sweet and simple veg side to go with it, try a dish like honey glazed carrots and green beans for a nice balance of flavors.
This article will guide you step by step. I will tell you why people love it. I will list the tools and the exact ingredients. I will show clear steps to make it. I will also give serving ideas, storage tips, and simple variations. The words are plain and easy. You will find helpful tips to make a good, steady casserole every time.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast and forgiving. It uses few ingredients that you likely already have. The cream of mushroom soup makes a smooth sauce without extra steps. The fried onions add crunch and make the top golden. This casserole pairs well with many main dishes. It feeds a group and keeps well. It is a safe choice for holiday tables and weeknight meals. The taste is mild, so both kids and adults often enjoy it.
The recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd. You can add a small twist if you want more flavor. Yet the classic version stands on its own. It gives a warm, familiar taste that many people expect at holiday meals.
HOW TO MAKE Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
This section shows the full method in plain steps. Follow them as written and you will end with a creamy dish and a crisp topping. The oven time is short, and most work is just mixing.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Casserole dish (about 1.5 to 2 quarts)
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Oven mitts
- Colander (to drain the cans)
These tools are common in most kitchens. A metal or glass casserole dish works fine. Use a dish that fits in your oven with room for air to circulate.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 2 cans of green beans, drained
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the French fried onions.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Top with the remaining French fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
HOW TO SERVE Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Serve this casserole hot from the oven. Spoon it onto a plate as a side next to roasted meat, turkey, or ham. It also pairs well with simple mains like roasted chicken or baked fish. The creamy texture and crunchy top add two kinds of mouth feel to a meal. For a bright contrast, serve some lemon slices or a light salad on the side. This dish is also good as part of a buffet. Use a warm chafing dish if you need to keep it hot for a long time.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
To store leftovers, cool the casserole to room temperature. Then cover tightly and place in the fridge. It will keep for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, use a low oven (about 325°F / 160°C) until heated through. If you want the top to stay crunchy, add a few fresh fried onions before serving.
To freeze: Assemble the casserole up to the step before the final topping. Wrap it well with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight. Add the final fried onion topping and bake as listed, adding a few extra minutes if the dish is still cold.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This dish fits many menus. Serve it at holiday meals with roast turkey and mashed potatoes. For a weekday meal, pair it with a simple grilled chicken breast and steamed rice. For a vegetarian table, pair with hearty grain dishes and baked squash.
For a comfort-food plate, add creamy mashed potatoes and warm rolls. If you want a bright side, serve a green salad or a simple slaw. If you want a richer plate, pair it with a main like baked Philly cheesesteak casserole, which offers a strong, savory contrast.
VARIATIONS
You can change this recipe in small ways to suit taste or diet.
- Use fresh or frozen green beans: Blanch fresh beans for a few minutes, or thaw frozen beans before mixing.
- Add cheese: Mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté fresh mushrooms and mix them in for more mushroom flavor.
- Use low-sodium soup and low-fat milk: These lower salt and fat for a lighter dish.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Make a low-carb version: Omit fried onions or use a low-carb crispy topping.
If you like richer or bolder casseroles, try a low-carb main as a match. A recipe to try is the cheesy keto ground beef casserole which pairs well for a hearty, low-carb table.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
A: Yes. Trim and blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well before mixing in the soup.
Q: Can I use a different cream soup?
A: You can. Cream of chicken or cream of celery both work. The flavor will change, but the dish will still be creamy and good.
Q: How can I make the top crispier?
A: Add the fried onions near the end of baking or broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely so they do not burn.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Not as written. Many French fried onions contain wheat. Use gluten-free fried onions or make a gluten-free crumb topping to make it safe for a gluten-free diet.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger casserole dish or two pans. Bake time may increase by 5-10 minutes. Check that the center is hot.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can mix it and refrigerate before baking. See the make-ahead tips below for details.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Make-ahead helps when you plan a big meal. You have two good choices.
- Assemble and refrigerate:
- Follow the recipe up to the point of baking.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Keep in the fridge up to 24 hours.
- When ready, remove the wrap, top with onions, and bake. You may need 5 extra minutes if cold.
- Assemble and freeze:
- Put the mixed casserole (without the top onions) in a freezer-safe dish.
- Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Add the topping just before the last bake so it stays crisp.
Extra tips:
- Keep the fried onions in a separate bag until you are ready to bake. This keeps them crisp.
- If you must bake from frozen, allow extra time and check the center reaches hot temperature.
Notes on timing:
- If you bake the day before, reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Add fresh fried onions before serving for the best texture.
By planning, you can make the day of a meal easier. The casserole holds well and keeps its flavor when you use these steps.
