Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (2024)

Elizabeth Van Lierdethanksgiving

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No matter what, green bean casserole is at the top of our Thanksgiving side’s lineup. This ultimate green bean casserole is made with the classics like Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup and French’s fried onions but made decadent with ingredients like fresh golden brown mushrooms and fresh green beans. The perfect pair with thanksgiving turkey, pork roast or tri-tip. Bookmark this green bean casserole recipe for all your Thanksgiving needs.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (1)

I can only speak for myself but is anyone else’s family totally obsessed with green bean casserole!?

It’s the number one requested Thanksgiving side dish at our house and I am happy to oblige. For as long as I can remember I have been in charge of ‘the’ green bean casserole. Or ‘the bean casserole’ as my Dad likes to say.

Looking for a fun and easy twist?! Try this Crispy Prosciutto Green Bean Casserole twist!

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (2)Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (3)Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (4)
Green Bean Casserole Ingredients:

  • FRESH green beans
  • Butter
  • Fresh mushrooms
  • Minced Garlic
  • Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
  • Half and Half
  • Black pepper
  • Soy sauce
  • French’s Fried Onions (the whole can!)

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (5)

How To Make Green Bean Casserole:

  1. Grab a pal (and a glass of wine), a large chopping block and trim a few pounds of green beans.
  2. Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Boil green beans for 3-4 minutes and then transfer to an ice bath (large bowl of ice+water) to stop cooking.
  3. In a large saute pan, brown up your mushrooms until they are golden and tender.
  4. Stir together the soup, half and half, black pepper, thyme, soy sauce and part of the onions. Combine the soup mixture and green beans.
  5. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes covered, remove foil and add the rest of the onions and continue baking until golden brown and bubbly.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (6)

Can I mix up Green Bean Casserole the night before?

Yes, girl! I know that Thanksgiving prep can be bananas and you can totally mix this green bean casserole the night before. You will make it according to the recipe, just be sure to add in the crunchy onions right before baking instead so they don’t get soggy overnight. Mix in the onions and bake accordingly!

I make up the green bean casserole in my extra-large Le Creuset roaster the night before, wrap tightly, and bake right in the same pan the next day. This roaster is perfect for green bean casserole because I ALWAYS double the recipe and it extra large enough to handle it!

What goes with Green Bean Casserole?

I truly think green bean casserole should be instituted all year long BUT it is a Thanksgiving side classic. This creamy, savory casserole pears perfect with roasted turkey, pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, and sweet marshmallow-topped yams.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (7) Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (8)

Tips for The Best Green Bean Casserole:

  • Use fresh beans! I cannot tell you enough! The fresh beans will add such depth and freshness to the casserole. Plus, they hold up WAY better than canned beans and never get mushy.
  • Don’t deviate from the classic too much. I love using the nostalgic items like Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup and French’s fried onions but add in fresh mushrooms for extra added flavor. Bacon is also a great addition for extra flavor!
  • Be sure to blanch your fresh beans and put them right into an ice bath! They will continue to cook in the oven and become perfectly tender. If you don’t blanch your fresh beans they will be hard and crunchy.
  • Reheating for leftovers: tent the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 F or until heated through.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (9)

More Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love:

  • Herb Apple Pecan Stuffing
  • Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
  • Butternut Squash and Spinach White Lasagna
  • Brussel Sprout and Caramelized Leek Gratin

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Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (10)

  • Author: Elizabeth Van Lierde
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 side portions 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This ultimate green bean casserole is made with the classics like Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup and French’s fried onions but made decadent with ingredients like fresh golden brown mushrooms and fresh green beans.

Ingredients

Scale

3 lbs of fresh green beans, trimmed

3 tablespoons of unsalted butter

16 Oz of crimini mushrooms, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup

1 cup of half and half

1 tablespoon of soy sauce
2 Teaspoons of fresh thyme sprigs

2 cups / 1 can of French’s Crispy Fried Onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Bring a large stock pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook green beans for 3-4 minutes and transfer into a large bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process of the beans. Once cooled, drain and transfer beans to a separate large bowl.
  3. In a large sautè pan, melt butter on medium heat. Add in sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-10 minutes or until mushrooms are golden brown. Add in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl, stir together the soup, half and half, black pepper, soy sauce, and thyme sprigs.
  5. Combine the soup mixture, mushrooms, 1/2 crunchy onions and green beans together. Transfer mixture to a large casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

*If making the recipe the night before, make up until step 4, cover with plastic wrap and wait to add the crunch onions until just before baking.

You may also enjoy:

  • Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

  • Goat Cheese Bruschetta

  • Spicy Sausage Pasta

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make green bean casserole not soggy? ›

If you are finding that your green bean casserole is soupy, be sure to drain the green beans really well after blanching so you aren't getting extra water in the casserole that way. Then make sure to thicken the sauce properly by letting the chicken broth and half-and-half simmer long enough to thicken.

Why is my green bean casserole so soupy? ›

The Casserole Is Too Soupy

If you used frozen green beans, but didn't fully defrost and drain them prior to adding them to the casserole, that mistake will surely account for the excess water you're now experiencing.

Are frozen or canned green beans better for casserole? ›

Green beans from a can have already been cooked to death right in the can and harbor plenty of sodium that could make your casserole too salty. Frozen French-cut green beans are a better option. They hold their texture better than canned, and you can cook them straight from their frozen state.

How to fancy up green beans? ›

15 Tips To Add Flavor To Green Beans
  1. Roast green beans. ...
  2. Blanch green beans and add butter. ...
  3. Grill green beans and serve with yogurt. ...
  4. Simmer green beans in chicken broth. ...
  5. Air fry green beans and add garlic powder. ...
  6. Roast in bacon fat and combine with bacon. ...
  7. Jazz them up with cream. ...
  8. Mix green beans into mac and cheese.
Feb 12, 2023

Why isn t my green bean casserole thickening? ›

Add a thickener

While your green bean casserole is on the stove, incorporate a thickener into the vegetables, such as cornstarch or flour. According to The Kitchn, you can combine cornstarch and a small amount of water or broth in a cup and stir until the lumps are gone, and it becomes a thick yet drizzly consistency.

Can you overcook green bean casserole? ›

Overcooking the beans won't just drain them of their appealing color, but it will also make them too soft and mushy, resulting in a less appetizing casserole.

How many cans of green beans equals 4 cups? ›

✿ 4 cups of green beans is about 1½ pounds fresh or 16 ounces frozen or 2 cans (15 ounces each) drained.

Does green bean casserole thicken as cool? ›

Bake until golden brown and bubbling, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool before serving. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Should you rinse canned green beans before cooking? ›

Even if you are not concerned about sodium, in most cases it's a good idea to rinse canned beans. Rinsing beans can improve the flavor and texture of the final dish and can help cut down on how much gas they produce.

Why is green bean casserole so good? ›

Fans love the dish in part because of how simple it is to throw together. It calls for ingredients that could be found in a typical home kitchen pantry: canned or fresh green beans, mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce and black pepper.

How to make Paula Deen green beans? ›

Add green beans to pan and sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add boiling water to pan and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes, just until beans are tender. Add vinegar, butter and salt and pepper and stir.

What is the best flavor to add to green beans? ›

Spices and Herbs that Pair Perfectly with String Beans (These are Organic Too):
  • Garlic (minced, powder or granules)
  • Onion (minced, powder or granules)
  • Parsley as a finisher with some lemons squeezed on top.
  • Toasted sesame seeds.
  • Classic black malabar pepper and salt.
  • Basil.
  • Oregano.
  • Thyme.
Feb 24, 2021

How do you keep green beans crisp? ›

While the beans are cooking, fill a large bowl with cold water and ice. As soon as the beans are done cooking, transfer them immediately to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright green color. Leave the beans in the bowl of ice water for a few minutes before removing them with tongs.

Why are my home canned green beans mushy? ›

To keep home-canned green beans firm, it's important to follow proper canning procedures to ensure that they are processed at the correct temperature and for the correct amount of time. Overcooking or undercooking can cause the beans to become mushy or tough.

How do you make a casserole less watery? ›

10 Tips To Fix Or Prevent Watery Casseroles
  1. Prep Vegetables Ahead Of Time. Vegetables boiling on a stove - Solstock/Getty Images. ...
  2. Add A Starch. ...
  3. Experiment With Pasta Or Grains. ...
  4. Take The Lid Off. ...
  5. Drain Fat From Meat. ...
  6. Choose A Dry Or Low-Fat Cheese. ...
  7. Sprinkle Seeds Into Your Bake. ...
  8. Remove Excess Liquid.
Oct 29, 2023

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