Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

---

INTRODUCTION

This easy green bean casserole recipe keeps things simple and tasty. You will make a creamy dish with green beans and crunchy onions. It cooks in one baking dish and takes little time. This dish works for weeknights and big meals. If you like simple casseroles, you may also enjoy a similar easy bake like this gluten free taco casserole for another quick family meal.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe because it is quick, low fuss, and full of comfort. It uses few ingredients that you can find in the store. You can use fresh, canned, or frozen green beans. The sauce is creamy and mild. The fried onions add a crunch that kids and adults enjoy. You can make it ahead and heat it when you need it. This dish fits holidays, weeknight dinners, potlucks, and simple lunches.

HOW TO MAKE Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This recipe blends beans, a creamy soup base, and cheese. You will mix the hot beans and sauce, bake the dish, add more onions, and bake again. Keep the steps clear and work at a calm pace. The result is a warm and smooth casserole with a crisp top.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• 9×13 inch baking dish or similar size
• Large pot for blanching (optional)
• Strainer or colander
• Large bowl for mixing
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Knife and cutting board (if using fresh beans)

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 1 lb fresh green beans ((trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)), OR 2 cans ((14.5 oz each) canned green beans (drained)), OR 16 oz frozen green beans ((thawed briefly))
• 1 can ((10.5 oz))
• (Optional: Substitute half with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor)
• 1 cup crispy fried onions ((divided))
• 1 tsp (or use Worcestershire sauce as an alternative)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• To taste
• 2 tbsp (to thin the sauce if desired)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give steady heat for the casserole to cook through and brown on top.
2. Prepare the Green Beans: If you use fresh beans, trim the ends and cut them into 1-inch pieces. If you use canned beans, drain them well. If you use frozen beans, let them thaw briefly and drain any excess water.
3. Blanch Fresh/Frozen Beans (Optional): For bright color and a tender bite, boil fresh or frozen beans for 3 to 4 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. This step helps the beans keep their color and texture in the oven.
4. Make the Base: In a large bowl, mix the can ((10.5 oz)) with 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions. Add 1 tsp (or Worcestershire sauce) and salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in 2 tbsp to thin it a little.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add your prepared green beans to the bowl with the sauce. Stir gently until the beans are fully coated with the creamy mix.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the bean and sauce mix into your 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out so it cooks evenly.
7. Add Fried Onions: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions and the rest of the shredded cheese across the top of the casserole.
8. First Bake: Put the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This warms the dish and cooks the flavors together.
9. Final Topping: After the first bake, add another small handful of crispy onions on top if you like extra crunch.
10. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake 5 to 10 more minutes. Bake until the cheese melts and the onions turn golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm and watch it go fast.

HOW TO SERVE Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Serve this green bean casserole hot from the oven. Spoon it onto plates beside a main dish like roast chicken, baked ham, or turkey. It also works well in smaller side dishes for one or two people. For a casual meal, place the casserole in the middle of the table so people can serve themselves. Add a light salad to balance the meal.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

To store leftovers, cover the dish with a lid or wrap it tightly in foil. Place it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also heat single servings in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.

To freeze, bake the casserole fully and let it cool. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbling.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Pair the casserole with mashed potatoes or simple roasted potatoes for a cozy plate.
• Serve with a bright salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to cut the creaminess.
• Add steamed rice or a crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• For dessert after this savory dish, try a light cookie like the apple pie cookies recipe to end the meal on a sweet note.

VARIATIONS

• Cheese Swap: Use Swiss, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different melt and taste.
• Soup Swap: Replace half the cream soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a new flavor mix.
• Add Protein: Stir in diced cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier main dish.
• Crunch Change: Try crushed crackers or panko with butter instead of fried onions for a different crunchy top.
• Herb Lift: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the sauce for a fresh taste.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soup and add salt to taste to keep the sodium down.
• Vegetarian Boost: Use a plant-based cream soup and plant-based fried onions for a vegetarian version.
• Sweet Finish: For a simple sweet side note at the end of the meal, serve a small treat like brownie mix truffles with coffee.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen?
A: Yes. Fresh beans give the best texture if you blanch them briefly. They also keep a nice color when you cook the casserole.

Q: Do I have to use crispy fried onions?
A: No. You can use breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed crackers if you prefer. The fried onions add a classic crunch, but other toppings work well.

Q: Can I make this dairy free?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free cream soup and dairy-free cheese. Choose dairy-free crispy onions if needed. The dish will still bake well.

Q: How do I stop the casserole from being watery?
A: Drain canned beans well. If you use frozen beans, thaw and drain any extra water. You can also reduce the sauce by stirring in only 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid if it seems too thin.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can mix the beans and sauce and keep the dish covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the crispy onions at the last bake to keep them crisp.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use two casserole dishes or a larger dish. Keep the bake time similar, but watch the center to make sure it heats through.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

• Mix and Store: Combine the beans and the sauce in the baking dish. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Prepare Toppings: Keep the fried onions in a sealed container on the counter. Add them in the last minutes of baking for a fresh crunch.
• Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Quick Reheat: For busy nights, bake the dish before guests arrive and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes before serving. Add fresh onions on top when reheating.

---

Print