The Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a beloved staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and especially holiday tables. This simple-yet-satisfying casserole combines crisp green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a generous crown of crispy fried onions for the perfect mix of savory, comforting, and crunchy. Its universal appeal and quick prep have made it not just a tradition, but a must-have that never fails to steal the spotlight. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a first-time casserole maker, you’ll be amazed at how this dish brings classic flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how just a handful of pantry staples add up to pure nostalgic magic. Every ingredient in the Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole plays a key role in creating irresistible layers of flavor and texture, making it a dish where simplicity truly shines.
- Fried Onions: Give that mouthwatering, crispy crunch and a rich oniony flavor in every bite—be generous!
- Green Beans: Canned green beans are a time-saver here; they soak up the creamy sauce and stay tender without getting mushy.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy, savory backbone of the casserole, binding everything together with deep umami.
- Milk: Lightens the soup, making the sauce silkier and easier to mix throughout the casserole.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a lovely hint of salt and depth, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- Ground Black Pepper: Just a little goes a long way to add gentle heat and an aromatic finish.
How to Make Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Dish
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s preheating, take a moment to lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish. This ensures nothing will stick, and you’ll get clean, beautiful scoops every time you serve. The right pan size means just the right thickness for maximum crisp and creamy payoff.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine half of your fried onions with the drained green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir until everything is mixed through—this ensures you’ll get a balance of creamy sauce and green beans in every forkful of your Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole.
Step 3: Transfer and Bake
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth out the top for even cooking. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. As your kitchen fills with delicious aroma, you’ll know the flavors are coming together perfectly!
Step 4: Add the Crispy Onion Topping
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and stir it once—this step ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Next, sprinkle the remaining fried onions all over the top. Be generous, as this is what gives the Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole its signature crunch.
Step 5: Finish Baking
Return the casserole to the oven for just 5 more minutes. This quick trip is the secret to those perfectly toasted onions that bring even more flavor and serious crunch. Serve warm for the ideal hearty side or main!
How to Serve Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Garnishes
For a festive flair, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley, a few extra crispy onions, or even a pinch of cracked pepper over your Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole just before serving. These bright pops of color and flavor make the casserole look stunning and taste even better.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, roast chicken, or even grilled steak. For a true comfort-food feast, serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or fresh baked rolls. It shines on holiday buffets, but don’t hesitate to feature it at Sunday dinners, too!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole, try baking and serving it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also scoop generous portions into puff pastry shells or serve it family-style in a rustic cast iron pan—either way, it transforms into a memorable centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure the dish is airtight to keep those onions as crisp as possible for round two.
Freezing
While the creamy base freezes surprisingly well, those fried onions can lose their crunch. If freezing, hold off on the topping until you’re ready to reheat, then add fresh fried onions the day you bake.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the casserole (or a single serving) in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. For a quick option, use the microwave, but the oven preserves the crispy coating for the best version of leftover Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just blanch fresh or frozen green beans until tender-crisp before using. The classic taste remains, but you’ll get a brighter green color and a slightly different texture.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can try cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a twist, or make a homemade mushroom sauce if you’re feeling ambitious. Any will work to create that classic creamy base!
How do I prevent the fried onions from getting soggy?
Keep them stored separately if you’re making the casserole ahead or freezing, adding them just before reheating or serving for maximum crispiness.
Can this be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Look for a plant-based cream of mushroom soup and dairy-free milk alternative. Some brands even offer vegan fried onions, making it easy to adapt Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole for every guest.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely. Simply double or triple all ingredients and use a larger or multiple casseroles. Just allow a little extra baking time if the mixture is deeper.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that bring everyone running to the dinner table, you won’t want to skip the Classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. It’s comforting, effortless, and always a conversation starter—give it a try, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
PrintClassic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Campbell’s green bean casserole is a classic recipe that takes minimal prep work, is ready in a snap, and tastes delicious. Packed with green beans and a creamy sauce, it’s perfect for holidays and topped with crispy French fried onions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fried Onions:
- 1 1/3 cups fried onions
Main Casserole:
- 56 oz green beans, drained
- 21.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine half of the fried onions, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Add Toppings: Remove from oven, stir, sprinkle remaining onions on top, and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 163 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 596mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
