If you’re craving the warm comfort of a creamy, crunchy, and utterly nostalgic dish, this Campbells Green Bean Casserole will be your go-to. This easy recipe brings together tender green beans, rich cream of mushroom soup, and golden fried onions for a side dish that never fails to please. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or an everyday dinner, it’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor in one delicious casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Campbells Green Bean Casserole
There’s a reason this dish has been on family tables for decades—it’s simple, quick, and irresistibly good.
- Minimal prep: With just a few pantry ingredients and a single baking dish, it’s done in under 40 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Creamy, savory mushroom sauce mixed with tender beans and a crisp onion topping makes it universally loved.
- Versatile: Works equally well as a holiday side or weeknight comfort dish.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it early, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready.
- Family-safe: No alcohol or pork; it’s vegetarian-friendly with easy substitutions.
Ingredients for Campbells Green Bean Casserole
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this iconic casserole.
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s® Cream of Mushroom Soup
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 4 cups cooked, cut green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1⅓ cups French fried onions, divided (about ⅔ cup for the mixture, ⅔ cup for topping)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Green beans: Use canned for convenience, frozen for better texture, or fresh for a crisp-tender bite. If using fresh, blanch them 5–6 minutes before assembling.
- Soup base: If mushroom soup isn’t your favorite, swap for cream of celery or cream of chicken (for non-vegetarians).
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth; you can replace it with tamari (gluten-free) or 1 tsp lemon juice for brightness.
- Onions: Use store-bought crispy onions or homemade fried shallots for extra crunch.
- Healthier swap: Use low-sodium soup and bake your own onions to reduce salt and fat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1½-quart casserole dish or similar baking dish. Drain your green beans if canned, or blanch fresh ones until tender-crisp.
Step 2 – Mix the Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce until smooth. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3 – Combine Everything
Stir in the green beans and about ⅔ cup of the fried onions. Mix well so everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 4 – Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly.
Step 5 – Add the Topping
Remove the dish, stir gently to redistribute the sauce, then sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for 5–8 minutes more, until the onions are crisp and golden.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly for that perfect creamy consistency.
Pro Tips for Success
- Drain thoroughly: Especially for canned beans — excess liquid will make the sauce watery.
- Fresh twist: Add a splash of lemon juice before baking to brighten the flavor.
- Extra creamy version: Mix in ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese or 2 tbsp sour cream before baking.
- Crunch control: Add the onion topping at the end so they stay crispy.
- Batch-friendly: Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch dish for large gatherings.
- Pre-make advantage: Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate — just bake 10 minutes longer when ready.
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar to the soup mixture for a gooey twist.
- Garlic Herb Upgrade: Mix minced garlic and a dash of thyme into the sauce.
- Loaded Mushroom Version: Add sautéed mushrooms for a richer, earthy flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free mushroom soup, oat milk, and fried shallots instead of onions.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Campbells Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Holiday mains: Roast turkey, baked ham, or herb-crusted chicken.
- Everyday dinners: Meatloaf, grilled salmon, or mashed potatoes.
- Potlucks & buffets: Serve it in a warm dish with a garnish of parsley or toasted almonds for presentation.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Cover leftovers tightly and store up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave single portions.
- Freeze: For best results, freeze the mixture (without onions) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add onions, then bake as usual.
- Tip: Avoid freezing the fried onions — they lose their crunch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 175 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
Campbells Green Bean Casserole: Easy Classic Side Dish for Any Meal
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, crunchy, and comforting, this Campbells Green Bean Casserole is an easy classic side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
½ cup milk
1 tsp soy sauce
4 cups cut green beans
1⅓ cups French fried onions (divided)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease baking dish.
2. Mix soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Stir in green beans and ⅔ cup onions.
4. Pour into dish and bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
5. Top with remaining onions and bake 5–8 minutes until golden.
6. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans.
Swap cream of mushroom for cream of celery if desired.
Make ahead: assemble and chill up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
FAQ About Campbells Green Bean Casserole
Can I make Campbells Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate the unbaked casserole, then bake it uncovered for 30–35 minutes. Add the crispy onions just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely. Blanch fresh beans in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain and cool before using. This gives your casserole a brighter flavor and better texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup (many brands offer one now) and replace milk with oat or soy milk. For vegan, use plant-based fried onions or make your own crisp shallots.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding grated cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creamy sauce. Even a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire can make a difference.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes — just double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch dish. Extend the first bake time to about 35 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Campbells Green Bean Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and that iconic crispy topping, it’s the ultimate side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or as a cozy weeknight treat, its creamy texture and nostalgic flavor are guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
