The Ultimate Classic Green Bean Casserole: A Double Recipe for Effortless Holiday Entertaining
There’s an undeniable charm to a perfectly prepared classic green bean casserole. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a beloved holiday tradition, a comforting presence on Thanksgiving tables, and a symbol of gathering with loved ones. This particular recipe takes that cherished classic and makes it even better: it’s a generous double batch, perfectly scaled for a 9×13-inch casserole dish, ensuring there’s enough for everyone at your festive celebrations. Featuring tender frozen green beans, a rich and savory cream of mushroom soup base, and an abundance of crispy fried onions, this casserole delivers on all fronts.
Whether you’re a seasoned holiday host or tackling your first Thanksgiving dinner, this recipe is designed for ease and guaranteed success. It eliminates common complexities, making the prep straightforward and allowing you to focus on other aspects of your holiday feast. You can even prepare it ahead of time, freeing up valuable kitchen real estate and precious minutes on the big day. Get ready to impress your guests with a truly delicious and effortlessly festive side dish that will earn its place as a perennial favorite at your holiday meals. For those who love to experiment, consider trying our green bean casserole with bacon or a creamy green bean casserole with Velveeta next year for a delightful twist.
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Recipe Highlights: Why This Green Bean Casserole Shines
- Effortless Preparation: This is truly an easy green bean casserole recipe, designed to simplify your cooking process. The best part? You can skip the extra mixing bowl! All the ingredients are combined directly in your casserole dish, cutting down on cleanup and making it ideal for busy holiday schedules or quick weeknight meals when you crave comfort food.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe is specifically designed as a double recipe, making it ideal for a large 9×13-inch baking dish. This generous quantity is perfect for feeding a big family gathering, holiday party, or even preparing for two separate Thanksgiving meals. You’ll have plenty to share, or delicious leftovers to enjoy the next day.
- Timeless Traditional Flavor: Our recipe pays homage to the beloved Campbell’s green bean casserole, a classic that has graced countless tables for generations. We’ve meticulously adjusted the proportions for a larger dish and, of course, added EXTRA crispy fried onions to ensure every bite is packed with that iconic crunch and savory flavor you expect from a perfect holiday side. It’s comfort food at its finest.
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Essential Ingredients for Your Green Bean Casserole
Crafting the perfect green bean casserole starts with selecting quality ingredients that come together to create that unforgettable flavor and texture. This recipe keeps it simple, relying on staple items you likely already have or can easily find.
- Green beans: This recipe is primarily written for convenience using frozen cut green beans (thawed), which offer a great texture and are readily available. However, we also provide clear instructions for using canned green beans (drained thoroughly for best results) or fresh green beans, ensuring flexibility for your preference and pantry.
- Crispy fried onions, divided: These are the secret to the casserole’s signature crunch and savory flavor. They’re used in two stages: half are mixed into the casserole to infuse flavor and texture throughout, while the remaining half are added as a golden, crunchy topping during the final bake. The term “divided” simply means the total amount listed is split into separate steps in the recipe.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This creamy, flavorful soup forms the luxurious base of the casserole, providing a rich, savory, and slightly earthy mushroom flavor that binds all the ingredients together. Brands like Campbell’s are classic choices, but any good quality store brand will work perfectly to achieve that nostalgic taste.
- Milk: Essential for thinning the condensed soup to the perfect consistency, milk adds a delicate creaminess to the casserole filling without making it too heavy. Whole milk is recommended for its richness, but you can adjust based on your dietary needs or preference.
- Soy sauce: A crucial ingredient for adding a deep umami flavor and a touch of savory saltiness that truly elevates the overall profile of the dish. It brings a complexity that makes the casserole even more irresistible.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle yet essential hint of garlic, enhancing the savory notes of the mushroom soup and complementing the green beans beautifully. It offers a mellow flavor that doesn’t overpower.
- Black pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a touch of warmth and mild spice, rounding out the overall flavor of the casserole. Freshly ground black pepper will offer the most aromatic results.
- Kosher salt: Used to season the dish appropriately, kosher salt has a coarser grain and pure flavor, allowing you to easily adjust to your taste without over-salting.
Refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact quantities and precise measurements for a flawless green bean casserole every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Green Bean Casserole
Creating this delicious side dish is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a bubbly, golden-brown casserole with perfectly tender green beans and a wonderfully crispy topping.
First, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This ensures your casserole starts baking at the correct temperature for even cooking.
In your 9×13 baking dish, combine the thawed green beans, half of the crispy fried onions (reserving the rest for later), the condensed mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Use a sturdy spoon or silicone spatula to stir all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed. This “mix in the dish” method saves you time and reduces cleanup!
Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. During this initial baking period, the casserole filling will heat through, become wonderfully creamy, and start to bubble gently around the edges. This step ensures the green beans are tender and the sauce is perfectly cooked before the final crispy topping is added.
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Give it a quick stir to ensure the green beans are evenly coated and heated through. Then, generously spread the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the green bean mixture. This layer will transform into a delightful golden, crunchy crust.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during this final stage. The goal is for the crispy fried onions to turn a beautiful golden brown and the creamy filling beneath to be visibly bubbling around the edges. Once achieved, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your perfectly baked, crowd-pleasing green bean casserole!
Expert Tips for a Flawless Green Bean Casserole
- Thaw Green Beans Completely: If using frozen green beans, ensure they are fully thawed and drained of any excess water. This prevents a watery casserole and helps the green beans cook evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Even Onion Distribution: When adding the crispy fried onions both to the mixture and as a topping, try to distribute them as evenly as possible. This ensures every serving gets that delightful crunch and flavor.
- Don’t Overbake the Topping: Keep a close eye on the casserole during the final 10 minutes. French fried onions can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. If they start to brown too fast, you can lightly tent the casserole with aluminum foil.
- Allow to Rest: While tempting to dive right in, letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring a more cohesive dish.
Smart Substitutions for Your Green Bean Casserole
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing for various substitutions to fit your pantry, dietary preferences, or simply to try something new. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these options:
- Frozen cut green beans, thawed: For fresh green beans, use approximately 3 pounds, trimmed and chopped in half. To ensure they’re tender enough for the casserole, blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain well. If using canned green beans, use 4 cans (14.5 ounces each), making sure to drain them thoroughly before adding to the mix to avoid a watery casserole.
- Crispy fried onions, divided: If you’re feeling ambitious or prefer a homemade touch, you can certainly replace store-bought crispy fried onions with homemade crispy-fried onions. Alternatively, a crunchy topping made from buttered breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even a mix of pecans and panko can provide a similar texture.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The beauty of condensed soups lies in their versatility. Feel free to use your preferred “cream of” soup, such as cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of potato. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, offering a new spin on the classic.
- Milk: For an even richer, more decadent casserole, substitute regular milk with half-and-half or heavy cream. These options have a higher fat content, which will contribute to an extra creamy and luxurious texture. Dairy-free milk alternatives like unsweetened almond milk can also be used, though they may slightly alter the final creaminess.
- Soy sauce: If soy sauce isn’t available or you prefer an alternative, Worcestershire sauce is an excellent substitute, offering a similar savory depth and umami kick. Liquid aminos can also be used for a gluten-free option with comparable flavor.
- Seasonings: The garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt are foundational but can be easily adjusted. Feel free to omit them if desired, or experiment by adding a pinch of onion powder, a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth, or even a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth.
Creative Variations to Elevate Your Casserole
While the classic green bean casserole is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for creative modifications. These variations allow you to customize the dish to suit different tastes or occasions:
- Cheesy Delight: For an ultra-creamy and undeniably cheesy version, delve into our dedicated Velveeta green bean casserole recipe. Alternatively, you can easily add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend like Gruyere or Monterey Jack) directly to the green bean mixture before baking for a delightful cheesy pull.
- Smoky Bacon Infusion: Introduce a layer of irresistible smoky, salty flavor by adding cooked, crumbled bacon. Our bacon green bean casserole recipe shows you how. Simply mix some into the casserole filling and sprinkle the rest over the top with the crispy onions for a truly elevated side dish.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Free up precious oven space during busy holidays by preparing your green bean casserole in a slow cooker. This hands-off method ensures a perfectly cooked and creamy casserole. Check out this Crockpot green bean casserole recipe for specific instructions and tips on achieving that slow-cooked perfection.
Essential Equipment for Your Kitchen
To make this green bean casserole, you’ll need just a couple of basic kitchen tools. These items ensure easy preparation and optimal baking results for your holiday side dish:
- 9×13 baking dish – This size is perfectly suited for our double recipe, providing ample space for a large batch that feeds a crowd. If you need smaller portions, you can also use two 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dishes instead.
- Silicone spatula – An invaluable tool for stirring the green bean mixture directly in the casserole dish. Its flexible yet sturdy nature ensures all ingredients are thoroughly combined without scratching your bakeware, making cleanup a breeze.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious green bean casserole even after the initial meal. To store leftover casserole, first allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation and inhibits bacterial growth. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring an airtight seal. Alternatively, transfer the casserole into an airtight food storage container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 to 4 months.
If frozen, remember to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, usually about 20-30 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying. For single servings, the microwave works well. Be aware that the crispy fried onions may lose some of their crunch and become slightly soggy after refrigeration or freezing and reheating; however, the flavor will remain excellent. For maximum crispiness on reheating, you can add a fresh sprinkle of crispy fried onions during the last few minutes in the oven.
Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Holidays
One of the many advantages of this green bean casserole recipe is its excellent make-ahead potential, which can significantly reduce your holiday cooking stress. You can prepare this casserole the day before, or even several weeks in advance, making it a perfect candidate for strategic meal planning.
To make ahead, simply follow all the recipe instructions up to the point of adding the final crispy onion topping. Crucially, hold off on adding the crispy onion topping until the day you plan to bake and serve the casserole. If preparing a day or two in advance, cover the unbaked casserole mixture tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, allow it to come closer to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as instructed, adding the onion topping for the final bake. If freezing, cover the unbaked casserole with two layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking. This method ensures your casserole remains fresh and delicious, and your crispy onions stay perfectly crunchy for serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, a well-prepared green bean casserole, especially one made with condensed soup, should have a thick, rich, and creamy sauce, not a thin or watery consistency. If your filling appears too thin and soupy, it’s likely you’ve added too much milk or another liquid. To remedy this in the future, measure liquids carefully, and consider reducing the amount slightly if you prefer an extra thick sauce. During baking, the sauce will thicken further, becoming wonderfully luscious and coating the green beans beautifully.
The choice between frozen and canned green beans for your casserole largely comes down to personal preference and desired texture. Canned green beans are typically quite soft due to their pre-cooking process and tend to yield a very tender casserole. Frozen green beans, however, generally maintain more of their structural integrity and offer a slightly crisper, fresher bite that holds its shape better. If you prefer the softer texture of canned beans but are using frozen, you can blanch the frozen green beans in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole to achieve a more tender result, without losing all their shape.
While the condensed cream of mushroom soup is key to the classic flavor and ease of this recipe, you can make a version with fresh mushrooms. However, it will require more steps to achieve a creamy base. You would need to sauté fresh mushrooms (like cremini or button) with onions and garlic, then make a béchamel sauce (roux with butter, flour, and milk/broth) to create a homemade creamy mushroom sauce. This adds considerable prep time but offers a more gourmet flavor profile.
Explore More Holiday Side Dishes
If you’re looking to expand your holiday menu or simply want to try a fun and exciting twist on this traditional green bean casserole recipe, check out these other fantastic options for your Thanksgiving table or any festive gathering:
- Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole
- Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
- Velveeta Green Bean Casserole
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Green Bean Casserole Double Recipe
Equipment
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9×13 baking dish
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Silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 8 cups frozen cut green beans thawed
- 3 cups crispy fried onions divided (6 ounce container)
- 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces each)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
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In a 9×13 baking dish, add the thawed green beans, half of the crispy fried onions, the soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Stir to combine thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Bake for 30 minutes, or until the mixture is warmed through and gently bubbling around the edges.
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Carefully remove from the oven, stir once more, then top evenly with the remaining crispy fried onions. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are perfectly golden brown and the filling is fully bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Notes
Storage: Cool the casserole completely to room temperature, then cover it airtight with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. If frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the crispy onions may become soggy upon reheating.
Make Ahead: To prepare in advance, follow all recipe steps but hold off on adding the crispy onion topping until the day you plan to bake and serve the casserole. Cover and refrigerate or freeze the unbaked mixture, then add onions before the final baking step.
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