Easy Green Bean Casserole

Introduction

Easy Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that many families enjoy, especially during the holidays. This dish combines fresh green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions for a comforting and delicious treat. It’s simple to make and is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why Make This Recipe

Making this Easy Green Bean Casserole is a great choice for several reasons. First, it requires only a few ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Second, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures—creamy, crunchy, and savory. Finally, it’s a fantastic way to serve vegetables in a fun and tasty way, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

How to Make Easy Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh green beans (trimmed) or 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
If you are using fresh green beans, blanch them by boiling them in salted water for 5-7 minutes. Drain and set them aside. If you are using canned green beans, you can skip this step.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth.
Add the green beans and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions to the soup mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. After that, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions on top.
Put the casserole back in the oven and bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Easy Green Bean Casserole

Easy Green Bean Casserole can be served as a side dish alongside your main course. It goes well with a variety of dishes, such as roasted turkey, ham, or grilled chicken. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal. Don’t forget to garnish it with extra crispy fried onions for added crunch!

How to Store Easy Green Bean Casserole

To store leftovers, first let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to use an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Easy Green Bean Casserole

For a creamier dish, try adding a bit more milk or cream to the mixture.
If you want to add more flavor, consider sautéing some onions and garlic before mixing them with the other ingredients.
Don’t overcook the green beans if you’re using fresh ones; they should be tender but still have a bit of crunch.

Variation

You can switch things up by using different vegetables in your casserole, such as mushrooms or corn. For a cheesy version, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese before baking!

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

2. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with chicken, turkey, or any other protein. It also goes great with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

3. Can I use frozen green beans instead?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing them into the casserole.