Do Share Recipe

Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe | Creamy, Crispy & Easy

I recently made what I honestly think is the best green bean casserole ever, and I had to share the full recipe with you. Every bite is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. The green beans stay tender without getting mushy, and the crispy onion topping adds the perfect crunch.

It’s one of those dishes that tastes like home and feels like a warm hug on a plate. If you’ve been searching for a dependable, absolutely delicious green bean casserole, this one won’t disappoint. You can also enjoy similar easy weeknight dinners like honey-glazed salmon recipe for a light and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need (for about 8 servings):

4 cups of frozen cut green beans — frozen beans hold their shape well and save time.
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup — creates the creamy, classic base of the casserole.
½ cup milk — thins the sauce to the perfect consistency so it coats the beans smoothly.
1 teaspoon soy sauce — gives a subtle savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
½ teaspoon black pepper — adds light seasoning without overpowering the dish.
¼ teaspoon seasoned salt — helps brighten the flavor; adjust based on your salt preference.
1½ cups crispy fried onions, divided — half adds texture inside, and half creates the crunchy golden topping.

Note: serves about 8 people.

Variations

A few easy ways to customize this recipe:

Swap frozen beans with fresh or canned green beans. Fresh beans should be blanched until tender-crisp; canned beans must be drained well.
Make it dairy-free using plant-based milk and a dairy-free creamy soup substitute.
Add shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture before baking for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
Mix in extras like mushrooms, cooked bacon pieces, or sliced almonds for added crunch and taste. You might also enjoy a dessert pairing like the best fudgy red velvet brownies recipe for a sweet finish to your meal.

Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe — Credit (southernbite.com)

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes + 10 minutes after topping with onions
Total Time: around 50 minutes

Equipment You Need

2-quart baking dish — helps the casserole bake evenly.
Mixing bowl — for combining the beans, sauce, and half the onions.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Here’s how to make this comforting classic, step by step.

Preheat and prepare beans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let frozen beans thaw slightly and drain off excess water. If using fresh beans, blanch them briefly until they’re tender-crisp, then drain well so the casserole doesn’t become watery.

Mix the creamy sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and seasoned salt. Stir until smooth, then add the green beans along with half of the crispy fried onions. Gently mix until everything is coated evenly.

Bake, top, and finish

Spread the mixture into your baking dish and bake uncovered for about 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Remove from the oven, stir lightly, then sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the onions turn perfectly golden and crisp.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few things I’ve learned after making this recipe many times:

I like to let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and slices cleanly.
I sometimes add a handful of shredded cheddar inside for extra richness — it melts beautifully.
If using fresh beans, I make sure they’re thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture.
I’ve found frozen green beans to give the most consistent texture with the least amount of work.

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Serve this casserole warm as a side dish with roasted chicken, turkey, or beef. For a beautiful presentation, use a shallow dish so the golden fried onion topping is visible. Garnishing with fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: ~112 kcal
Protein: ~3 g
Carbohydrates: ~11 g
Fat: ~6 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead:
Assemble the casserole without adding the fried onion topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as usual and add the onion topping during the last 10 minutes.

Storage:
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through so the topping stays crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s what makes this green bean casserole such a favorite:

Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and quick prep make it great for busy days.
Comforting flavor: Classic creamy base, tender beans, and crispy onion topping create a perfect balance.
Versatile: Works with fresh, frozen, or canned beans and can be customized with cheese, nuts, or add-ins.
Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
Make-ahead friendly: Saves time when prepping large meals.

Ben Carraoli