Introduction

This Irresistible Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a timeless comfort dish perfect for gatherings and family dinners. Creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions come together to create a satisfying classic that’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

A close-up view of a creamy green bean casserole in a white bowl, showing three main layers: the bottom layer has tender green beans in a thick, light beige cream sauce with visible slices of soft brown mushrooms, the middle layer is the rich cream sauce holding everything together, and the top layer features a generous amount of crispy, golden-brown fried onions that add a crunchy texture. The steam rising from the hot casserole creates a warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel, and a spoon is scooping some of the dish from the right side. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp soy sauce (adds depth without overpowering)
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (Campbell’s recommended)
4 cups green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned; thawed if frozen)
1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (French’s brand is traditional; divided)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your green beans by thawing frozen beans and draining excess liquid; if using fresh, trim and cut into 2-inch pieces, then blanch briefly in salted boiling water and drain; canned beans should be drained well. Preheat oven to 350°F (or air fryer to the same temperature). Divide fried onions into two portions: about 2/3 cup for the casserole mix and 1/3 cup reserved for topping.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce until smooth and combined. The soy sauce adds subtle umami without overpowering the dish.
Step 3: Add the prepared green beans, 2/3 cup fried onions, and ground black pepper to the soup mixture. Gently fold until the green beans are evenly coated and onions are distributed, taking care not to overmix to keep the onions crispy.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes (or 10 minutes in an air fryer), until bubbling around the edges and heated through.
Step 5: Remove the casserole from the oven and gently stir to redistribute the sauce evenly. Sprinkle the reserved 1/3 cup of fried onions evenly on top as a crispy garnish, then return to the oven for a few minutes to crisp the topping if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the casserole mixture before baking.
Use fresh green beans in season for the best texture and taste, blanching them briefly to soften.
Reserve fried onions in a small bowl to keep them crispy and avoid moisture absorption before topping.
Try substituting soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce for a different umami note.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness of the topping. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the topping soggy.

How to Serve

A creamy green bean casserole is shown in a white oval dish. The dish has several layers visible: at the bottom there is a creamy white sauce mixed with sliced mushrooms and green beans. On top of this, there is a thick layer of golden brown crispy fried onions, giving a crunchy texture. The green beans are bright green and scattered evenly through the sauce and on top near the edges, with some sliced mushrooms adding a dark brown contrast. The dish is sitting on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth partially visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans?

Yes, all three work well. Thaw frozen beans completely and drain excess liquid; blanch fresh beans briefly; and drain canned beans thoroughly before use.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the crispy onion topping just before baking to keep it crunchy.