Mouthwatering Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort food that brings together tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions on top. It’s that familiar dish that’s a staple at many family dinners and holiday gatherings, known for its rich flavor and satisfying textures.
I’ve always loved how simple it is to prepare with Campbell’s creamy mushroom soup as the base. It saves so much time but still creates a deliciously creamy and flavorful casserole. I like to add a little extra pepper or garlic powder to give it a tiny personal touch, and trust me, it makes all the difference.
Serving this green bean casserole warm, right out of the oven with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted turkey, makes it feel like a cozy meal made straight from home. It’s one of those side dishes that always gets cleaned out from the serving bowl first, and I can totally see why!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: I like using fresh or frozen green beans when I can—they add a nice snap. If you only have canned, drain them well to avoid a watery casserole.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This soup is the base that gives the casserole creaminess and mushroom flavor. You can swap in cream of celery or onion soup for a twist. For a homemade touch, try making your own creamy mushroom sauce.
French Fried Onions: These are the crunchy topping everyone loves. You can replace them with panko breadcrumbs if you want a lighter crunch, or crispy shallots for a sharper taste.
Milk: Regular milk works great, but you can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer. Just avoid anything too thick or flavored to keep the taste classic.
How Do You Get the Crispiest Topping Without Burning It?
Crispy topping is what makes this dish special, so here’s how I make sure it’s just right:
- Add only half of the fried onions into the casserole before baking. This keeps some fresh for topping later.
- After baking the base, sprinkle the rest of the onions evenly on top.
- Bake for a short time more—around 5 minutes—just until the onions turn golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning.
- If you want extra crunch, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it!
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking; it helps the topping stay crisp longer.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 1 1/2-quart casserole dish – I use this to bake and serve the casserole all in one, making cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl – Perfect for combining the ingredients thoroughly before baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To measure the soup, milk, and seasonings accurately.
- Oven – Obviously, you’ll need an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking this dish.
- Spatula or spoon – Useful for stirring and spreading the mixture evenly in the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese: Mix shredded cheddar or Swiss into the green beans for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Protein: Add cooked bacon crumbles, diced cooked chicken, or chopped ham for a heartier dish.
- Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or diced bell peppers for more texture and taste.
- Spices: Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or fresh thyme to the mixture before baking.
Mouthwatering Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained (or about 4 cups fresh/frozen green beans, cooked and drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake, for a total of roughly 40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy side dish that fits nicely into any meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Mix Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the drained green beans, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, and black pepper. Stir everything well so the green beans are coated evenly with the creamy mixture.
2. Add Onions and Bake
Mix in 2/3 cup of the French fried onions gently. Pour this mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly.
3. Top and Finish Baking
Take the casserole out of the oven and give it a gentle stir. Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top to add a crunchy finish. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
4. Cool and Serve
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up and keeps the topping nice and crisp. Enjoy your classic green bean casserole warm alongside your favorite meal!
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Green Beans Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain well. For frozen green beans, thaw and drain any excess water before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid a watery casserole.
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding extra time if it’s cold from the fridge to ensure it’s heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the topping crispy or warm in the microwave if short on time.
Can I Substitute the French Fried Onions?
If you don’t have French fried onions, panko breadcrumbs toasted with a little butter make a great crunchy topping. Crispy shallots or crushed crispy fried garlic can also add a delicious twist.