When it comes to classic dinner recipes, few dishes are as iconic and beloved as Green Bean Casserole. This timeless side dish has been gracing holiday tables and weeknight dinners for decades. Creamy, savory, and topped with crispy onions, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and flavor.
But what makes this dish so special is its versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a family gathering, or a simple weeknight meal, Green Bean Casserole always delivers. In this article, we’ll dive deep into its history, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, nutritional value, and tips for making it perfectly every time.
By the end, you’ll see why this dish deserves a permanent place in your dinner recipes collection.
A Brief History of Green Bean Casserole
The famous Green Bean Casserole was created in 1955 by Campbell Soup Company’s test kitchen, led by Dorcas Reilly. The goal was simple: create a dish that used everyday pantry staples—cream of mushroom soup and green beans—that home cooks already had on hand.
It was an instant hit. Today, Green Bean Casserole is served in over 20 million households every Thanksgiving in the U.S. It’s no longer just a holiday tradition; it has become one of those dinner recipes you can enjoy all year long.
Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare the classic recipe:
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4 cups green beans (fresh or frozen, trimmed)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
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1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, adds depth)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot (for blanching beans)
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Strainer
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Large mixing bowl
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9×13-inch casserole dish
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Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
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Spatula or mixing spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
If using fresh beans, trim and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside. If using frozen beans, thaw and drain.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Add the green beans and half the fried onions into the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is coated evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining fried onions (and cheese if desired), then bake for another 5–10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with roasted turkey, chicken, or steak for the ultimate dinner recipe experience.
Variations of Green Bean Casserole
One of the best things about this dish is how customizable it is. Here are a few twists you can try:
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Healthy Version – Use low-fat milk, low-sodium mushroom soup, and air-fried onions.
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Cheesy Casserole – Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan for extra richness.
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Bacon Lover’s Casserole – Add crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
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Vegan Version – Replace soup with a mushroom-based vegan cream sauce and use crispy shallots instead of fried onions.
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From-Scratch Casserole – Make homemade mushroom sauce with butter, flour, broth, and cream instead of canned soup.
Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole
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Blanch Fresh Beans – This keeps them crisp and bright green.
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Don’t Overbake – The beans should remain slightly firm, not mushy.
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Make Ahead – Assemble the casserole without the topping, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add onions before baking.
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Keep It Crispy – Add the fried onions at the last stage so they don’t get soggy.
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Serve Warm – This dish tastes best straight from the oven.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, approx. 1 cup)
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Calories: 210
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Carbohydrates: 17 g
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Protein: 4 g
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Fat: 14 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 450 mg
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Vitamin A & C: 20% DV
Why Green Bean Casserole Belongs in Your Dinner Recipes
When it comes to dinner recipes, Green Bean Casserole checks all the boxes:
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Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
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Affordable and pantry-friendly
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Versatile for holidays and everyday meals
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Comforting and nostalgic for many families
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Customizable to suit different tastes and diets
This dish bridges generations—it’s a recipe your grandmother probably made, yet it can still feel modern with a few tweaks.
Serving Ideas for Green Bean Casserole
Pair your casserole with:
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Roast Turkey – A Thanksgiving classic.
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Baked Chicken – Perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Steak and Potatoes – A hearty weekend meal.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers – For a veggie-packed spread.
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Fresh Garden Salad – Balances out the richness.
Conclusion
Green Bean Casserole is more than just a holiday side—it’s a staple in the world of dinner recipes. Creamy, savory, and topped with crispy goodness, it’s a dish that brings families together year after year. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving or a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole will never disappoint.
So next time you’re planning your menu, don’t overlook this comforting classic. Try it once, and it may just become the star of your dinner table.
