Classic Green Bean Casserole: A Homestyle Favorite (Print Version)

This Classic Green Bean Casserole recipe brings back childhood memories. Rich, savory, and simple to whip up for any gathering.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian (lacto-ovo)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
02 - 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
05 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Crunchy Topping

06 - 1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions

→ Optional Extras

07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy twist)
08 - 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (sautéed)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those green beans ready. I always trim the ends off my fresh green beans and give them a good rinse. Then, I blanch them in boiling, salted water for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy! Plunge them straight into an ice bath after draining to stop the cooking and keep that beautiful vibrant green color. Honestly, this step makes all the difference in texture, giving your Classic Green Bean Casserole a fresh feel.
02 - Now for the magic. In a large bowl, I whisk together that can of cream of mushroom soup, the whole milk, and a splash of soy sauce. This is where the sauce really comes alive, getting wonderfully smooth and fragrant. I like to add a good pinch of freshly ground black pepper here too. Make sure it's well combined, no lumps allowed! I once didn't whisk enough and had a lumpy sauce – oops! Learn from my mistake and get it super smooth for your Classic Green Bean Casserole.
03 - Next, I gently fold the blanched green beans into that glorious creamy sauce. I make sure every single bean is coated in that savory goodness. This is where the dish starts to smell absolutely divine, honestly. It’s important to be gentle here so you don't break up the beans. I usually use a rubber spatula for this, just easing everything together. This creates the delicious base for your Homestyle Green Bean Casserole.
04 - Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. I always make sure it's spread evenly so everything cooks consistently. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly around the edges, that’s when you know the sauce is hot and happy. The aroma filling your kitchen is just incredible at this point; it’s one of my favorite parts of making Classic Green Bean Casserole.
05 - Once it's bubbly, I pull the casserole out and sprinkle those crispy fried onions generously over the top. Honestly, don't be shy here! This is where the crunch comes in, and it's essential. I always make sure to get a good, even layer. I once tried to skimp on the onions and regretted it—the texture just wasn't the same. This topping transforms it into the Classic Green Bean Casserole everyone loves.
06 - Return the casserole to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until those fried onions are golden brown and even crispier. Keep an eye on them, because they can go from perfect to burnt pretty quickly! Once it's done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It'll be piping hot and absolutely delicious. The smell of that finished Classic Green Bean Casserole is pure comfort, I tell ya!

# Notes:

01 - Always blanch fresh green beans and shock them in ice water; it keeps them bright and tender-crisp, not soggy.
02 - Don't skimp on the crispy fried onions; they are essential for that classic texture and flavor.
03 - Using whole milk really makes the sauce rich and creamy; I tried low-fat once and it just wasn't the same.
04 - For an extra touch, a pinch of nutmeg in the sauce adds a subtle warmth that's just lovely.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large bowl
03 - whisk
04 - rubber spatula
05 - large pot
06 - colander

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 5g

Back