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Our holidays are all about the sides and this easy green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic that we have made for as long as we can remember!
Not going to lie – this may not have been a favorite when we were younger (we were all about the Mashed Potatoes and Rolls), but now green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving side dish we have to have on the menu.
It’s probably our favorite way to serve green beans and is a favorite simple side dish.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Beyond easy. There are just a few ingredients and it’s beyond simple to put together.
- Quick. This recipe is prepped in 5 minutes. Oh yes!
- Make Ahead. This is a great make ahead dish, which is something we look for busy days like holidays.
Easy Green Bean Casserole Ingredients and Substitutions
- 3 (14.5-ounce) cans green beans – We use canned French Style green beans.
- For fresh green beans, use 3-4 cups of fresh, cut green beans. Trim the ends first, and if they are large, cut them in half to ensure tender green beans. For more info, check out our Fresh Green Bean Casserole.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup milk – Use at least 2% milk or half and half for a creamier texture.
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (2.8-ounce) can French-fried onions – If your family does not like fried onions, use crushed Ritz crackers or even Panko breadcrumbs toasted in butter.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole
- COMBINE. Mix green beans (be sure to drain them thoroughly), cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl (you can use garlic salt for added flavor).
- Pour the green bean and mushroom cream sauce mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish.
- BAKE. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Top with crispy fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm.
To make it in the slow cooker, check out our Crockpot Green Bean Casserole.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Make ahead of time. Assemble your green bean casserole through Step 2 up to 48 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Be sure to wait to add the fried onions until the last 5 minutes of baking, otherwise, they will get soggy.
- To use fresh green beans. Use 3–4 cups trimmed, halved green beans instead of the canned beans. Fresh green beans are more crispy, but if you like the softer texture found in canned green beans, you can pre-boil them first for 7–8 minutes. If using a slow cooker, cooking time may be longer with fresh green beans.
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 (14.5-ounce) cans French-style green beans, drained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup milk
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (2.8-ounce) can crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix green beans, soups, milk, salt, and pepper and pour into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes. Top with onions and bake for 5 minutes more.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Most of the ingredients are already gluten-free. Be sure to choose gluten-free soups and a gluten-free fried onions. Always double-check the ingredients list for hidden gluten.
A casserole can become runny by not draining the green beans well enough or by adding vegetables that shed excess liquid into the casserole. It helps to saute any vegetables in a skillet before adding them to the casserole.
– Bacon. Add cooked, chopped bacon to the recipe to make it a green bean casserole with bacon.
– Cheese. Stir in 1-1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or other favorite cheese to add more flavor.
– More flavor. Add in sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, or any other spices for added flavor.
To save more time, assemble your casserole 24-48 hours in advance, and keep it covered in the fridge. Don’t add the French onions until the end of the baking time, otherwise, they will get soggy.
Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
– For longer storage, cool completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer-safe baking dish or container. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
– Reheat. Thaw if needed, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it can lead to uneven heating and a rubbery texture.
Complete the Meal
Main Dishes
Roast Turkey
3 hrs 20 mins
Crock Pot Pot Roast
7 hrs 5 mins
Roast Chicken Recipe
1 hr 30 mins
Honey Glazed Ham
4 hrs 10 mins
Desserts
Homemade Pumpkin Pie
1 hr 5 mins
Libby’s Pumpkin Roll
2 hrs 35 mins
Apple Pie Recipe
3 hrs 45 mins
Easy Pecan Pie Recipe
1 hr 15 mins
More Green Bean Sides
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This recipe was originally published October 2016.
This is perfect…such an easy side that everyone loves!
I made this for my family Thanksgiving, and no one like it.!!
It tastes like soup and green beans. I would use maybe two cans green beans and one can Chicken soup if i ever made it again. and half of the Frenchs onions. Better yet, will probably sick to Frenches recipe.
Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try!
I made this for my family Thanksgiving, and no one like it.!!
It tastes like soup and green beans. I would use maybe two cans green beans and one can Chicken soup if i ever made it again. and half of the Frenchs onions. Better yet, will probably sick to Frenches recipe.