Easy Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Growing up, Campbell’s green bean casserole was more than a side dish. It was a cherished memory that brought our family together. The aroma of creamy mushroom soup and crispy fried onions filled our kitchen. It created a warm and exciting atmosphere.

Today, I’m excited to share this easy green bean casserole recipe. It has been a staple in American homes for generations. Campbell’s Test Kitchen created it in 1955. It’s simple yet has a delicious flavor, making it perfect for any meal.

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can make a delicious Campbell’s green bean casserole. It will become a family favorite. Whether you’re new to cooking or experienced, this recipe offers comfort and nostalgia in every bite.

Key Takeaways

• Classic recipe with only 6 ingredients
• Total preparation time of 50 minutes
• Serves 6 people perfectly
• Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated
• Versatile dish for holidays and everyday meals

The History Behind Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Every iconic dish has a story, and Campbell’s green bean casserole is no exception. It was born in the Campbell’s Test Kitchen in 1955. Dorcas Reilly, a genius home economist, created it. This dish became a beloved American tradition, loved by millions.

Dorcas Reilly’s Culinary Innovation

Dorcas Reilly, a talented home economist, made the original green bean casserole at Campbell’s. She aimed to make a tasty, simple dish using common pantry items. The first recipe, called “Green Bean Bake,” was a hit for its simplicity.

Evolution of an American Classic

The green bean casserole’s fame grew in the 1960s. Campbell’s printed the recipe on soup can labels. This move turned it into a national favorite.

• Created in 1955 at Campbell’s headquarters
• 4 million recipe views each Thanksgiving
• 20 million casseroles served annually
• Inducted into National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2002

Why Americans Eat Green Bean Casserole

So why do americans love green bean casserole? It’s because of its comfort and simplicity. With just six ingredients, it’s more than a side dish. It’s a symbol of family, tradition, and shared memories.

Today, green bean casserole is a dish that brings generations together. It shows that simple recipes can become the most treasured.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Green Bean Casserole

Making the ultimate green bean casserole begins with knowing its key parts. Let’s explore the essential ingredients that make this dish a hit with families.

Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: The Secret Weapon

The heart of this recipe is the condensed cream of mushroom soup. When asked about the soup for green bean casserole, Campbell’s is the go-to. It adds a rich flavor and holds everything together.

• Choose between regular or 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup
• Adds depth and creaminess to the casserole
• Provides a classic flavor profile

Green Bean Selection: Fresh vs Canned

The right green beans are crucial for your casserole. I suggest using 4 cups of cooked cut green beans. You have two main choices:

French’s Fried Onions: The Crispy Topping

French’s green bean casserole is incomplete without its crispy onion topping. Use 1 1/3 cups of French’s Fried Onions for that perfect crunchy layer.

Pro tip: Sprinkle some onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra crunch!

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Making the perfect green bean casserole needs attention to detail. I’ll guide you through each step to make sure your dish is always a hit. Remember, 2-3 standard 14.5-ounce cans of green beans usually equal 4 cups.

1. Gather your ingredients:
   • Green beans (1.5 pounds fresh or frozen)
   • Cream of mushroom soup
   • Milk
   • Soy sauce
   • Black pepper
   • French’s fried onions
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C)
3. Mix ingredients carefully to keep the casserole from being runny:
   • Combine soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper
   • Gently fold in green beans
   • Add 2/3 cup of fried onions
4. Transfer mixture to a 1½-quart casserole dish
5. Bake for 25 minutes until hot and bubbling
6. Remove from oven and stir the bean mixture
7. Sprinkle remaining onions on top
8. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until onions are golden brown

Pro tip: To prevent a runny casserole, drain green beans thoroughly and avoid adding extra liquid. The key is achieving the perfect balance of creamy and crisp textures.

Your green bean casserole is now ready to serve! It takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook. It serves 6 people and has only 160 calories per serving.

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole: Traditional Method

Making the perfect classic green bean bake needs precision and care. I’ll guide you through the key steps to create a genuine Campbell’s green bean casserole. It will surely impress your family and friends.

Mixing and Layering Technique

The secret to a tasty green bean casserole is in the preparation. Here are the essential steps:

• Gently mix Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup with milk
• Season with a dash of soy sauce and black pepper
• Fold in fresh or canned green beans carefully
• Add 2/3 cup of French’s fried onions into the mixture

Baking Temperature and Timing

When baking this classic dish, precision is key. I follow these specific guidelines for the Campbell’s green bean casserole:

Adding the Final Onion Topping

The crowning glory of any green bean casserole is its crispy onion topping. Sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly across the surface during the final 5 minutes of baking. Watch carefully to achieve a perfect golden-brown color without burning.

Pro tip: For an extra crunch, I sometimes mix some reserved crispy onions into the casserole before the final bake. This creates multiple layers of texture in this beloved holiday side dish.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Planning a green bean casserole for 20 people means knowing its nutritional facts. I’ll share the key details to help you make smart choices. This classic dish is both tasty and a bit indulgent.

When making a green bean casserole for 20, it’s good to know what you’re serving. Here’s a detailed nutritional breakdown per serving:

Some key nutritional highlights for your green bean casserole for 20:

• Provides essential vitamins like Vitamin D (1% DV)
• Contains calcium (4% DV)
• Offers iron (4% DV)
• Includes potassium (4% DV)

Pro tip: While delicious, this casserole is relatively high in fat and calories. Consider serving smaller portions or balancing it with lighter side dishes for a more nutritionally rounded meal.

Creative Recipe Variations and Upgrades

Ready to make your cream of mushroom casserole even better? I’ve found some great ways to improve the classic Campbell’s soup recipe. These ideas will take your cheesy green bean casserole to the next level!

Let’s look at three tasty variations that will wow your dinner guests:

Rosemary and Pancetta Gourmet Edition

This fancy twist adds a restaurant-quality taste to your casserole:

• Dice 4 ounces of cooked pancetta
• Add ½ teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
• Sprinkle 1 tablespoon grated Pecorino Romano cheese before baking

Cheese Lovers’ Dream

If you think everything is better with cheese, this version will be your new favorite:

• Stir ½ cup shredded cheddar into the bean mixture
• Omit soy sauce for a cleaner cheese flavor
• Top with an additional ¼ cup cheddar cheese

Crunchy Jalapeño Kick

For spice lovers, this version is perfect! It uses a crunchy, spicy topping instead of French fried onions:

• Use 1 cup crushed Jalapeño Kettle Brand® Potato Chips
• Alternative options: Sriracha or Wasabi Ranch Kettle Chips

Pro tip: These creative twists show that the classic Campbell’s green bean casserole is a blank canvas for culinary creativity!

Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Casserole

Making a tasty green bean casserole from scratch can elevate your holiday meal. I’ve found some surefire ways to make sure your casserole is flavorful and not bland.

• Dry your green beans thoroughly after washing to prevent a watery casserole
• Blanch fresh green beans for 5 minutes in salted water to enhance their color and texture
• Use low-sodium products to control salt levels and prevent an overly salty dish
• Substitute half-and-half for milk to create a richer, creamier sauce

Want to know why your green bean casserole might taste bland? Try these tips to boost flavor:

1. Add minced garlic or fresh herbs like thyme to the mushroom sauce
2. Use homemade fried shallots instead of canned French-fried onions
3. Season each layer of the casserole with salt and pepper
4. Consider adding crispy bacon bits for extra depth of flavor

My top tip is to prep parts ahead of time. Make the mushroom sauce up to 4 days early, and fry shallots a month in advance. This saves time and lets flavors mature.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Don’t stress about making a tasty green bean casserole. The Pioneer Woman shows us how to cook for holidays with ease. She shares tips for storing and preparing your casserole ahead of time.

Refrigeration and Preparation Strategies

My top tip is to make the casserole up to 3 days before. Here’s how to store it:

• Build the casserole, but skip the crispy onion topping
• Use plastic wrap or foil to cover it
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Top with French’s fried onions just before baking

Freezing and Long-Term Storage

For longer storage, freezing is the way to go:

• Freeze for up to 1 month
• Use freezer-safe containers to wrap it
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking
• Add fresh onion topping when ready to bake

Reheating Guidelines

Ready to serve your casserole? Here’s how to reheat it:

Pro tip from the Pioneer Woman’s kitchen: Add fresh fried onions in the last 5 minutes. This keeps them crispy and your casserole fresh!

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Discover the secret to the perfect Campbell's Green Bean Casserole! Easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Learn how to make this classic dish with our step-by-step guide and creative variations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

• Oven (Preheated to 350°F)
• Mixing Bowl (For combining ingredients)
• 9×9-inch Baking Dish (Or similar size)
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula (For mixing)
• Measuring cups and spoons (For precise ingredient portions)
• Oven Mitts (For handling the hot dish)

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups about 2 cans cooked or canned green beans, drained
• 1 can 10.5 oz Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce optional
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions French’s or similar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional, for extra flavor

Instructions

 

Preheat the Oven:

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and soy sauce (if using).
• Stir well until smooth.

Assemble the Casserole:

• Add green beans to the bowl and mix to coat evenly.
• Transfer the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish.

Add Topping and Bake:

• Sprinkle ⅔ cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Final Crisp:

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy onions on top.
• Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the casserole rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~160 kcal
• Protein: ~3g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fat: ~10g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~400mg

Keyword Christmas, easy casserole, green beans, holiday recipe, Thanksgiving

Conclusion

As we finish our look at the classic green bean casserole, let’s appreciate its charm. It’s made with simple yet magical ingredients. These include green beans, Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, milk, crispy French-fried onions, and a few seasonings.

Knowing what’s in green bean casserole shows its rich history and versatility. It was first made in the 1950s by Campbell Soup Company. Today, it’s a beloved American classic, enjoyed at holidays and weeknights alike.

I suggest keeping the recipe simple but adding your own twist. Try new add-ins, change the seasonings, or make it gluten-free. The dish’s beauty is in its flexibility and the memories it creates.

Cooking is about sharing love through food. So, preheat your oven to 350°F. Get your ingredients ready. Let the green bean casserole magic start!