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This easy green bean casserole is a holiday classic, featuring sauce-covered green beans and crispy onions baked to golden perfection.

How to make Green bean casserole dished out onto white plate.
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best green bean casserole Recipe

Our holidays are all about the sides and this dish 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 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.
Ingredients for green bean casserole recipe.

Ingredients

  • 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

  1. COMBINE. Mix green beans (be sure to drain them thoroughly), 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, ¼ cup 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.
  2. BAKE. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Top with 1 can 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.

How to make green bean casserole in a white baking dish.

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5 from 97 votes

Easy Green Bean Casserole

By: Lil’ Luna
This easy green bean casserole is a holiday classic, featuring sauce-covered green beans and crispy onions baked to golden perfection.
Servings: 10
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

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 French-fried onions

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • 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

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.
Slow cooker directions. Lightly spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Combine green beans, soups, milk, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, or on high for 1 hour. Meanwhile, bake fried onions in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Transfer green beans to a serving dish and sprinkle with fried onions.
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.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 5kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.4g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 5mg, Potassium: 10mg, Fiber: 0.01g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 12IU, Vitamin C: 0.04mg, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 0.01mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to make Green Bean Casserole Gluten-Free?

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.

Why is My Green Bean Casserole runny?

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.

Best Variations of this recipe?

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.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

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.

How to store?

Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How to Freeze?

– 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.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 97 votes (78 ratings without comment)

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32 Comments

  1. Joanne Palumbo says:

    5 stars
    So easy and delicious. I first made this for Friendsgiving and everyone loved it- so, it’ll be on my Thanksgiving Day dinner table too.
    Added only some bacon to it- but it’s not needed because the recipe is perfect as it is.

  2. Sharina says:

    5 stars
    I can’t believe this recipe is just made of few recipes! Made it ahead of time and this casserole recipe is a crowd favorite. Worth keeping!

  3. Carol says:

    5 stars
    I made this Casserole, and it’s a holiday game-changer! Simple, delicious, and just 4 ingredients—perfect for the upcoming holidays.

  4. Sandra says:

    5 stars
    We enjoy this recipe every Thanksgiving. It’s simple and perfect but also easy to make. Can’t beat a classic!

  5. April Wright says:

    5 stars
    We made the Green Bean Casserole recipe with a few additives and substitutions (since I forgot to buy milk lol). I used sour cream, bacon and cream of chicken soup and stirred it all together than added the green beans and crunchy onions. I got lots of compliments on this dish. I will definitely will be using this recipe again.

  6. Clarice says:

    5 stars
    So easy and so good. Love that it can be made ahead of time!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thank you!! Yes, it definitely helps to be able to prep it beforehand. 🙂

  7. April Wright says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is really great! I like to add the French onion topping out until the end. So, if there are leftovers it won’t be soggy to eat the next day.

  8. Nia Luna says:

    5 stars
    Great dish even on a regular dinner night. My kids loved it and even added some cheese on top, thank you!

  9. Erin says:

    5 stars
    Made this for Thanksgiving. This will be on my table every year!

  10. Bridget says:

    Is it ONE can of the combination chicken & mushroom soup, or two cans (one can of mushroom and one can of chicken)? Thank you 🙂

    1. Maria says:

      I was just wondering the same thing.

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        So, sorry..it’s one can of the mixed 🙂

    2. Kristyn Merkley says:

      One can of mixed 🙂

      1. Anjanette Marez says:

        Sorry to confirm. One can of each?