Easy Green Bean Casserole from Canned Green Beans

This easy green bean casserole recipe is a true classic, especially when you need a reliable side dish that comes together quickly.

Using canned green beans makes this comfort food staple even more accessible, perfect for busy weeknights or as a stress-free addition to your holiday table. It’s a dish that consistently pleases a crowd with its creamy texture and crispy topping.

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving dinner or just looking for a simple, satisfying side, this recipe delivers on flavor without requiring extensive effort. Each serving provides about 8 grams of protein. You’ll find that the familiar combination of tender green beans, a rich mushroom sauce, and crunchy fried onions is always a welcome sight on any plate.

Easy Green Bean Casserole

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• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This easy green bean casserole recipe is a true classic, especially when you need a reliable side dish that comes together quickly. Using canned green beans makes this comfort food staple even more accessible, perfect for busy weeknights or as a stress-free addition to your holiday table. It’s a dish that consistently pleases a crowd with its creamy texture and crispy topping. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving dinner or just looking for a simple, satisfying side, this recipe delivers on flavor without requiring extensive effort. Each serving provides about 8 grams of protein. You’ll find that the familiar combination of tender green beans, a rich mushroom sauce, and crunchy fried onions is always a welcome sight on any plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained

1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 (2.8-ounce) can crispy fried onions, divided

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350 F (175 C). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart baking dish to prevent sticking. A standard 8×8 inch square dish or a small oval casserole dish works perfectly.

2. Drain the Green Beans Thoroughly: Open your cans of cut green beans and drain them very well. You can use a colander to ensure all excess liquid is removed, which prevents the casserole from becoming watery. Pat them dry with a paper towel if they still seem too wet.

3. Combine the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the green beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

4. Add the First Layer of Crispy Onions: Gently fold in about two-thirds of the can of crispy fried onions into the green bean mixture. This incorporates that delicious crunch throughout the casserole, not just on top.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire green bean mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent cooking and browning.

6. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.

7. Add the Final Crispy Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.

8. Return to Oven for Final Crisp: Place the casserole back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the crispy fried onions on top are golden brown and perfectly crunchy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

9. Serve Warm: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents burns from the hot filling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: side dish
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Protein: 8

Keywords: casserole, green bean, easy, side dish, comfort food, holiday, thanksgiving, quick, creamy, crispy

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone who wants to enjoy a classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for beginner cooks or those who are juggling multiple dishes for a big meal. The use of canned green beans means no washing, trimming, or blanching, significantly cutting down on prep time. This dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, where you need a dependable side that can be made ahead or assembled quickly. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults with its savory, creamy goodness and satisfying crunch.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this green bean casserole is straightforward, as most items are pantry staples. The key to its simplicity lies in using readily available canned goods and a pre-made crispy onion topping. This approach ensures you can whip up a delicious side dish with minimal fuss, even when time is tight.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (2.8-ounce) can crispy fried onions, divided

For simple substitutions, feel free to use condensed cream of chicken soup or even a dairy-free condensed cream of mushroom soup if you have dietary restrictions. Any type of milk, from whole to non-dairy, will work well in this recipe. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce or omit it entirely, though it does add a nice depth of umami. For the crispy fried onions, store-brand versions are just as good as name brands and often more budget-friendly. You can also find gluten-free crispy fried onions if needed.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This green bean casserole is designed for efficiency, allowing you to get a warm, comforting side dish on the table with minimal waiting.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

The hands-on preparation is very quick, mostly involving mixing ingredients. The majority of the time is spent baking in the oven, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your casserole bakes to perfection.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this green bean casserole is incredibly simple. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly creamy and crispy side dish every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart baking dish to prevent sticking. A standard 8×8 inch square dish or a small oval casserole dish works perfectly.
2. Drain the Green Beans Thoroughly: Open your cans of cut green beans and drain them very well. You can use a colander to ensure all excess liquid is removed, which prevents the casserole from becoming watery. Pat them dry with a paper towel if they still seem too wet.
3. Combine the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the green beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Add the First Layer of Crispy Onions: Gently fold in about two-thirds of the can of crispy fried onions into the green bean mixture. This incorporates that delicious crunch throughout the casserole, not just on top.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire green bean mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent cooking and browning.
6. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
7. Add the Final Crispy Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
8. Return to Oven for Final Crisp: Place the casserole back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the crispy fried onions on top are golden brown and perfectly crunchy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
9. Serve Warm: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents burns from the hot filling.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This green bean casserole is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese along with the final layer of crispy onions for a cheesy, comforting touch. If you want to add a bit more flavor depth, consider sautéing a small amount of diced onion or garlic before mixing it into the casserole base. A pinch of dried thyme or a dash of hot sauce can also elevate the savory profile.

When serving for a party or buffet, this casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. It holds well in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting after baking, making it easy to transport and serve. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, ham, or even a simple weeknight meatloaf. For a complete meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes and a fresh salad. You can also experiment with different toppings; crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even toasted pecans can offer an alternative crunch if you’re out of fried onions.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even a simple recipe like green bean casserole can have a few common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will help you achieve perfect results every time.

One frequent mistake is not draining the canned green beans thoroughly enough. If there’s too much liquid, the casserole can become watery and thin, rather than creamy. To avoid this, drain the beans in a colander and even give them a gentle squeeze or pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Another common issue is burning the crispy fried onions. These onions can go from perfectly golden to charred very quickly. To prevent this, add the final layer of onions only during the last 5 minutes of baking, and keep a close eye on them. If they start to brown too fast, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.

Some people find their casserole lacks flavor. This can happen if you skip the soy sauce or don’t season adequately. The soy sauce adds a crucial umami depth, and a good pinch of black pepper enhances the overall taste. Don’t be afraid to taste the mixture before baking (after combining all ingredients except the final onions) and adjust seasonings if needed.

Finally, overbaking can lead to a dry casserole. While you want it bubbly and hot, baking for too long can evaporate too much moisture, making the green beans mushy and the sauce overly thick. Stick to the recommended baking times and look for the visual cues of bubbling edges and golden topping.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This green bean casserole is excellent for making ahead, which is a huge bonus for busy holidays or meal prep. To prepare it in advance, assemble the casserole completely, but do not add the final layer of crispy fried onions. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Bake as directed, adding the crispy fried onions for the last 5 minutes. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the initial baking time if baking directly from cold.

For storing leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions, or for a larger amount, place it back in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. If the topping has lost its crispness, you can add a fresh sprinkle of crispy fried onions during the last few minutes of reheating in the oven. Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the texture of the green beans and the creamy sauce can become

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.