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Few side dishes capture the taste of comfort and tradition like a classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. This creamy, crunchy, and savory dish has been a holiday staple on American dinner tables for generations. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this casserole delivers that familiar warmth everyone looks forward to.
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Made with Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, tender green beans, and a crispy onion topping, it’s the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Best of all, this recipe comes together in just minutes and can be baked in either the oven or air fryer—ideal for busy cooks who still want to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This timeless dish isn’t just easy—it’s practically foolproof. Here’s why home cooks love it year after year:
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- Quick to prepare: Just a few minutes of prep and the oven does the rest.
- Creamy and comforting: A smooth mushroom sauce coats every bite of tender green beans.
- Crispy topping: The golden French fried onions add the perfect crunch.
- Versatile: Works with canned, fresh, or frozen green beans.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: A side that never goes out of style, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient plays a special role in creating the creamy, savory magic of this casserole:
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy base that ties everything together, giving the dish its signature flavor and texture.
- Milk: Thins the soup to the perfect consistency for coating the beans.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a subtle umami flavor that enhances the richness.
- Green Beans: The star of the show—use canned for convenience, frozen for texture, or fresh for the best flavor.
- Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Crispy French Fried Onions: Provide that irresistible crunch and classic onion flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Get the most flavor and perfect texture every time with these expert tips:
- Dry the green beans well: Removing excess moisture prevents a watery casserole.
- Use high-quality soup: Campbell’s brand gives the richest, most authentic taste.
- Mix thoroughly: Ensure all beans are evenly coated for consistent creaminess.
- Don’t overbake: Too much time in the oven can dry out the sauce.
- Add onions at the end: This keeps them crisp and golden rather than soggy.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs:
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan for extra richness.
- Bacon Twist: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory touch.
- Garlic Lovers’ Version: Mix in a teaspoon of minced garlic before baking.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free milk, and vegan fried onions.
- Gluten-Free Version: Opt for gluten-free soup and onion toppings.
Pairing Suggestions
This green bean casserole pairs beautifully with all your favorite mains:
- Roast Turkey or Chicken: A traditional pairing for holiday dinners.
- Mashed Potatoes: Complements the creamy texture perfectly.
- Honey Glazed Ham: The saltiness of ham balances the mild, creamy casserole.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet-tart contrast to the savory flavors.
For an everyday meal, it’s also delicious alongside grilled meats, casseroles, or even served with rice or rolls.
Storage Instructions
Make-ahead and leftover-friendly, this casserole keeps its flavor beautifully:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
- Freezer: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a convenient holiday shortcut.
Tip: Add a handful of fresh onions before reheating to bring back the crunch.
Popular Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the onion topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the onions and cook as directed.
Can I use cream of chicken or celery soup instead?
Absolutely. Both options work well, but the traditional flavor comes from Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup.
How can I make it extra creamy?
Add an extra tablespoon of milk or a small splash of heavy cream to the sauce mixture before baking.
What’s the best type of green beans to use?
- Fresh: Best flavor and texture; blanch before baking.
- Frozen: Great balance of freshness and convenience; thaw and drain.
- Canned: Most convenient, but rinse well to remove excess salt
Easy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using fresh beans, wash, trim, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain well. For canned beans, drain and rinse. For frozen beans, thaw and drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Add the green beans and ⅔ cup of crispy fried onions to the sauce mixture. Season with black pepper and stir until evenly coated.
- Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and spread the mixture evenly inside.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes.
Air Fryer: Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, then stir. - Sprinkle remaining onions evenly over the top.
Oven: Return for 5 more minutes until golden.
Air Fryer: Cook 2 more minutes until crisp. - Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Add extra onions on top if you love more crunch.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
- To make cleanup easier, line your casserole dish with foil or parchment paper.
- Always drain green beans thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
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