When it comes to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any good ol’ family gathering in the United States, there’s one dish that seems to always steal the show—Campbell soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of nostalgic vibes. This dish has been a perennial favorite from the 1950s onwards, and for a good reason: it is ridiculously easy to prepare, really delicious, and on all counts, strikes the notes of comfort food.
But guess what? This casserole is not just for the holidays. You make it anytime you feel like consuming something cozy, filling, and quick. If you have never made it before, don’t sweat it. I’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions, tips, tricks, and even a few fun variations to make it your own. Let’s dive in!
What Makes Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe So Special?
Campbell Soup Green bean casserole Recipe was once believed to be above a side dish; it lacked that kind of magic. It was by Dorcas Reilly for the Campbell Soup Company back in 1955 with the objective of being quick, cheap, yet full of flavor.
And let’s face it: There’s just magic in warm, bubbling, grandiose when it’s all combined with green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and fried onions all in one place.
The beauty of this recipe is really so simple. You just use pantry staples, and you have a dish that seems to be a hug on a plate. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and it’s flexible enough for busy weeknights too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following ingredients. These are the classic staples for the original Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe, but I’ll also share some optional upgrades later!
Classic Ingredients
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked or canned green beans (drained)
- 1 can (6 ounces) French-fried onions
Optional Upgrades
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère for extra richness.
- Fresh herbs: Try thyme or parsley to add a pop of freshness.
- Garlic powder: Just a pinch for an added flavor boost.
Step-by-Step of Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Let’s break it down so you can make this casserole with confidence. Even if cooking isn’t your thing, trust me—this is practically foolproof.
- Preheat Your Oven : Set your oven to 350°F. Preheating is essential to guarantee your casserole cooks evenly and comes out golden and bubbly.
- Mix the Sauce : In a great mixing container, Mix together Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, soy sauce, black pepper and milk. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Professionnel Tip: Don’t skip the soy sauce! It adds a savory, umami flavor that makes the whole dish pop.
- Add the Green Beans : Gently fold the cooked or canned green beans into the sauce. Make sure every piece is coated in that creamy mixture.
- Fresh vs. Canned: If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them first by boiling them for 2–3 minutes, then plunging them into ice water to keep them crisp.
- Assemble the Casserole : Pour the green bean mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish (or something close in size). Spread it out evenly.
- Add the Crunch : Sprinkle about 2/3 of the can of French-fried onions on top of the casserole. Save the rest for the final touch.
- Bake the Casserole : Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing around this point—it’s the kind of aroma that makes people poked their heads into the kitchen to ask. What’s cooking.
- Top It Off : Pull the casserole out of the oven, scatter the remaining fried onions over the top, and bake for 5 minutes. This step gives you that perfectly crispy, golden topping everyone loves.
- Serve and Enjoy : Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. But let’s be honest—nobody waits that long.
Tips for Making Amazing Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Here are some tried-and-true tips to guarantee your casserole is the star of the meal:
- Use the Right Dish: A glass or ceramic baking dish works best for even heating and easy cleanup.
- Drain the Beans: Whether you’re using canned or frozen green beans, make sure they’re well-drained to avoid a watery casserole.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a big group, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Add a handful of shredded cheese to the sauce for extra richness.
- Keep It Crunchy: Save some fried onions to sprinkle on top before serving. They’ll stay crispier that way.
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to put your own spin on the classic recipe:
- Spicy Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Add some cayenne powder or a splash of hot sauce to that sauce mixture just to give it a little bit of pep.
- Vegetarian Version
Replace the traditional cream of mushroom soup with some other plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat. There are even vegan fried onion options available now!
- Garlic and Herb Casserole
Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme or rosemary for a more gourmet flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Almost every dish can be matched with green bean casserole. Here are a few ideas:
- Holiday Favorites: Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Everyday Dinners: Serve it alongside roast chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.
- Vegetarian Meal: Pair it with a hearty grain dish like quinoa or wild rice.
This provides a complete meal with a salad, and maybe some dinner rolls to complete the meal.
Last Thoughts
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is not just a recipe but a lifetime tradition. This is one of those recipes where people gather around it, either at the holiday table or spending some cozy time at home. It’s easy to make, and it can assist in a multitude of ways, but it never fails to please.
So go on—grab all those ingredients and try it. And don’t forget to sneak in a few fried onions straight from the can while you’re at it. It’s practically a rule. 😉
Happy cooking and making memories, one casserole at a time!
Questions about the recipe? Go ahead and write them in the comments below! Or do you have a version you love? I’d love to hear it. Let’s keep spreading the green bean casserole love!
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1-How many cans are 4 cups of green beans?
Typically, one 14.5-ounce can of green beans equals about 1 ¾ cups of drained green beans. So, 4 cups of green beans would be approximately two cans (or slightly more).
2-Which is better in green bean casserole: canned or frozen?
Both canned and frozen green beans work well in a casserole, but the choice depends on your preference:
- Canned: Softer texture, ready to use, and traditional for classic recipes.
- Frozen: Fresher taste and firmer texture after cooking. They may require steaming or thawing first.
3-Can I use heavy cream instead of milk in my green bean casserole?
Of course, you can use heavy cream instead of milk for a more prosperous and creamier casserole. However, heavy cream will make the dish heavier, so adjust the quantity if needed.
4-How do you keep Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe from being runny?
- Drain the green beans thoroughly (if using canned or frozen).
- Use condensed soup or a thickener like a roux or cornstarch.
- Avoid adding too much liquid during preparation.
- Bake the casserole uncovered to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
5-Why is my Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe bland?
Your casserole might be bland due to a lack of seasoning. To improve the flavor:
- Add salt and pepper with garlic powder and onion powder or your favorite seasonings.
- Mix in sautéed onions, mushrooms for extra depth.
- Use flavorful toppings like cheese or seasoned breadcrumbs.
6-What happens if you use heavy cream instead of milk?
Substituting heavy cream for milk results in the following:
- A denser, creamier texture is attributed to its increased fat.
- A thicker consistency can change the overall texture of the casserole.
- A more indulgent flavor, though it may feel heavier to some diners.