Classic Green Bean Casserole – A Comfort Food Favorite

Green bean casserole is a classic dish that has graced dinner tables for generations! 🍽️🌱 This savory side dish combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or even weeknight meals.

With its simple ingredients and easy prep, you’ll fall in love with this creamy, crunchy, and delicious casserole. Let’s dive into how to make this beloved dish from scratch! 😋

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Classic Green Bean Casserole

✅ Comfort Food at Its Best – The perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory!
✅ Only a Few Ingredients – Simple ingredients, big flavor!
✅ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy family meal.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it ahead of time and bake when ready!

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate Classic Green Bean Casserole:

🥬 For the Green Bean Base:

• 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 🌱
• 1 tablespoon butter 🧈
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing 🌿

🍄 For the Mushroom Sauce:

• 2 cans (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup 🍲
• ½ cup milk 🥛
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• ½ teaspoon onion powder 🧅
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (adds depth of flavor) 🍶
• Salt & pepper to taste 🧂

🧅 For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade) 🧅
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but delicious) 🧀

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

✔️ Use frozen green beans if you’re short on time – they work great!
✔️ Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
✔️ Add protein by stirring in cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier dish.
✔️ Make it dairy-free by using plant-based cream of mushroom soup and a dairy-free cheese substitute.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

1️⃣ Start by trimming the ends of the fresh green beans and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook them for about 3–4 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
3️⃣ Drain the green beans and set them aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Blanching the green beans before baking helps keep their vibrant green color and crisp texture.

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🍄 Step 2: Make the Mushroom Sauce

1️⃣ In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3️⃣ Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper, then continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream for extra creaminess. 🍶

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🥬 Step 3: Combine the Green Beans and Sauce

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked green beans and the mushroom sauce. Stir until the green beans are well-coated in the creamy sauce.
2️⃣ Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

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🧅 Step 4: Add the Topping

1️⃣ Sprinkle fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
2️⃣ If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it on top of the fried onions for a cheesy, melty finish. 🧀

💡 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a few more fried onions for a crunchier topping. You can also use French fried onions for a classic touch!

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🔥 Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Bake the casserole for about 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
3️⃣ If you like the topping extra crispy, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on it while broiling, as the onions can burn quickly!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Classic Green Bean Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with many meals! Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Serve with roasted turkey for a festive holiday meal 🦃
• Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting family dinner 🥔
• Add alongside a glazed ham for a balanced, flavor-packed meal 🍖
• Serve with a fresh garden salad to balance out the rich casserole 🥗
• Perfect with baked chicken for a cozy weeknight dinner 🍗

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings on high for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

💡 Pro Tip: To restore the crispy topping, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes after reheating.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make Green Bean Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve!

2️⃣ Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a great shortcut and work just as well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.

3️⃣ Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! You can mix in other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or even corn for added flavor and texture.

4️⃣ Is Green Bean Casserole Gluten-Free?
Traditional green bean casserole is not gluten-free due to the use of cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free fried onions and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.

5️⃣ Can I Make Green Bean Casserole Vegan?
Yes! Use vegan cream of mushroom soup and top the casserole with vegan fried onions or homemade breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

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🍴 Conclusion – A Must-Try Comfort Dish!

Classic Green Bean Casserole is a timeless dish that’s always a hit at any dinner table! 🌟 With its creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onion topping, every bite is filled with comfort and flavor.

Whether it’s a holiday tradition, a side dish for a weeknight meal, or a potluck favorite, this casserole is sure to please everyone! Try it out for your next gathering, and you’ll see why this dish has stood the test of time. 😋