Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe: My Family's Tradition (Print Version)

Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe, a holiday staple. Creamy, savory, and topped with crispy onions. So easy, even I can't mess it up!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ The Green Bean Core

01 - Fresh Green Beans (1.5 lbs, trimmed and snapped)

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

02 - Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
03 - Whole Milk (1/2 cup)
04 - Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp, for greasing)

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - Soy Sauce (1 tsp)
06 - Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/2 tsp, or more to taste)
07 - Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp)

→ The Crispy Crown

08 - Crispy Fried Onions (1 can, 6 oz, divided)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those green beans ready. I always wash them thoroughly, then snap off the tough ends. You can either steam them for about 5-7 minutes until they're tender-crisp – you want them still a bit firm, not mushy – or, if you're feeling a bit lazy like I sometimes am, boil them in lightly salted water for about the same time. This is where I sometimes forget to salt the water, and then I'm kicking myself later! Drain them really well; soggy beans are a no-go.
02 - In a big bowl, whisk together that can of cream of mushroom soup with the milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir it until it's smooth, like you're trying to get rid of every single lump. Honestly, this is the easiest part, but don't rush it. You want a nice, uniform base. I once didn't whisk enough, and the sauce was a bit lumpy, which wasn't the end of the world, but it wasn't as silky smooth as I like it. Taste it and adjust the pepper if you like a little more zing!
03 - Now, gently fold those beautiful, tender-crisp green beans into your creamy soup mixture. Make sure every single bean gets coated in that lovely sauce. This step smells so comforting already! I try to be careful here not to smash the beans too much. Sometimes, when I'm in a hurry, I just dump them in, and then I have a few broken beans. No biggie, but gentle is better for presentation!
04 - Time for the first layer of magic! Take about two-thirds of your crispy fried onions and gently fold them into the green bean mixture. This adds an incredible texture and flavor right into the heart of the casserole. I used to just put all the onions on top, but mixing some in? Game changer, honestly! It makes the whole dish more cohesive and ensures every bite has that crunch.
05 - Pour the whole glorious mixture into a greased 1.5-quart casserole dish. I usually use a glass one, it just feels right. Pop it into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You're looking for it to be bubbly around the edges and warmed through. Don't let it bake too long at this stage, or the onions you mixed in might get a bit too soft. I once forgot it in the oven for an extra 10 minutes, and the onions were gone! Oops.
06 - After that initial bake, pull the casserole out of the oven. Now, sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top. This is the moment for that golden, crunchy crown! Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until those top onions are golden brown and extra crispy. Watch it closely, because they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash, and nobody wants burnt onions. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, it's gonna be hot!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh green beans for the best texture; canned ones just don't stand a chance, honestly.
02 - Don't over-bake before adding the final crispy onions, or the ones inside will disappear!
03 - A tiny splash of soy sauce really elevates the savory notes without tasting Asian; it's my secret weapon!
04 - For a truly comforting experience, serve this warm with a side of roasted chicken and good company.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 1.5-quart casserole dish
02 - Large mixing bowl
03 - Whisk
04 - Steamer or large pot

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 5g

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