I adore when simple ingredients combine into a crowd-pleasing easy green bean casserole. My recipe features fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and crispy fried onions for a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy textures. I love sharing this flavorful twist on a classic favorite.

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I want to share with you my twist on one of those classic Thanksgiving side dishes that’s both refreshing and simple to prep. I’ve been wanting to try an Easy Green Bean Casserole that’s not only dreamy in taste but also super convenient.

It has a creamy texture that is balanced nicely with that crunch from the crispy fried onions. I start with 4 cups of green beans, which can be either fresh trimmed ones or the well drained canned ones if you’re in a hurry.

Then I stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup and a splash of 1/2 cup of milk to bring it all together. This Greenbean Casserole Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves tossing together ingredients for easy green beans that remind you of Thanksgiving dinner recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

Trust me, this Bean Casserole will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for any special occasion.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love how this recipe is so simple and only has 4 ingredients. Its cool because I can choose to use fresh or canned green beans and that way its super flexible. I really enjoy the mix of creamy soup and crispy fried onions since it gives me an awesome crunchy and smooth texture at the same time. I also like that it reminds me of family dinners even if its not super fancy, and it makes me feel all nostalgic. Honestly, it feels like an easy comfort food when I whip it up and it warms up the whole kitchen when its baking in the oven.

Ingredients

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Green beans: high in fibre and vitamins, giving crunchy texture and extra nutrition for your dish.
Cream of mushroom soup: creamy, savory, providing moisture and rich flavor though often high in sodium.
Milk: supplies protein and calcium, balancing creaminess with a subtle hint of sweetness.
Crispy fried onions: offer crunch and umami taste; they add contrast in every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups of green beans (either fresh trimmed or well-drained canned ones)

1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup of milk

1 1/3 cups of crispy fried onions

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.

2. In a large bowl, mix the 4 cups of green beans, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk until well combined.

3. Stir in about 2/3 of the 1 1/3 cups of crispy fried onions into the mixture.

4. Pour the mixture evenly in your casserole dish.

5. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until it starts to bubble.

6. Pull the casserole out of the oven carefully and give it a quick stir if needed.

7. Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly on the top.

8. Return the dish to the oven and let it bake for another 5 to 10 minutes so the onions get extra crispy.

9. Remove from the oven, let it cool a bit, and then serve hot. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – you’ll need one to preheat at 350°F and bake the dish
2. 9×13 casserole dish – this is what you’ll use to bake your casserole
3. Large mixing bowl – for combining the green beans, soup, and milk
4. Measuring cups – to measure out 1/2 cup of milk and the crispy fried onions accurately
5. Stirring utensil – a spoon or spatula to mix everything together
6. Can opener – for opening the can of cream of mushroom soup
7. Oven mitts – to safely pull out the hot casserole dish from the oven

FAQ

Can I use either fresh or canned green beans? A: Yep, both works fine. Fresh beans give a firmer crunch, but canned ones are quick and ready to go.

Can I swap the cream of mushroom soup for any other type? A: Sure, you can try cream of celery or even make your own version if you want a different twist.

Should I add the crispy fried onions before baking? A: No, it's best to stir them in just before serving so they stay crispy instead of getting soggy.

What if I don't have regular milk? A: You can use almond or soy milk as a substitute, but it might change the flavor a little.

Can this casserole be made ahead of time? A: Yes, you can mix the green beans, soup, and milk first and reheat later, just add the onions at the end.

Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Green beans: You can swap these with fresh snap peas or even steamed broccoli if you want a twist
Cream of mushroom soup: Try making your own version by simmering sliced mushrooms with a bit of butter, flour, and broth instead of using the canned stuff
Milk: If you don’t have milk around, you could use half-and-half or even a splash of cream to add extra richness
Crispy fried onions: If you’re short on these, crushed cornflakes or toasted breadcrumbs can do the trick instead

Pro Tips

1. If you’re using canned green beans, make sure you drain them really good and pat ’em dry so your casserole doesn’t turn out too watery.
2. Try stirring the cream of mushroom soup and milk together a bit longer before mixing in the green beans. It helps keep the consistency smooth and stops any clumps.
3. Split the crispy fried onions into two parts – mix most into your green bean mix and save some for the top. This way, you get that yummy crunchy texture on both inside and out.
4. Keep an eye on the final bake time since ovens can vary a lot. You want the topped-on onions perfectly crispy without burning them, so check a minute or two early if necesary.