Easy Green Bean Casserole: The Thanksgiving Classic Recipe

Green beans make this classic thanksgiving side dish a true crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.

Comfort meets tradition in a delightful culinary creation packed with savory goodness.

Crispy onions add a delectable crunch that perfectly complements the tender vegetables.

Every bite brings warmth and memories of cozy holiday gatherings around the table.

Simple ingredients combine to create a delicious masterpiece that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Fresh green beans mingle with creamy mushroom sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Jump into this effortless recipe and watch your dinner guests ask for seconds.

Easy Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Makes Holidays Extra Special

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic holiday flavor that brings everyone together with its nostalgic, creamy green bean goodness.
• Quick Family Tradition: Perfect for busy households wanting a delicious side dish that feels homemade without spending hours in the kitchen, making holiday meal prep stress-free.
• Versatile Serving Option: Works beautifully as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering, adapting easily to different meal styles and preferences.

Thanksgiving-Ready Green Bean Casserole Build

• Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans serve as the core vegetable base, providing a crisp and nutritious foundation for the casserole. Choose tender, bright green beans without blemishes for the best texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: These ingredients create a rich, smooth sauce that binds the casserole together. Look for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup for better flavor control.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the creamy mixture. Choose reduced-sodium soy sauce for a balanced taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick and enhances overall seasoning.
• Fried Onions: Crispy topping that adds crunch and a golden-brown color to the casserole. Select pre-packaged fried onions or make your own for extra freshness.

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Easy Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and let it heat while you prepare your delicious dish.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Blend

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, tantalizing mixture.

Step 3: Combine Green Beans and Crispy Goodness

Gently fold in the green beans and a generous handful of crispy fried onions.

Mix everything so each green bean gets a perfect coating of creamy goodness.

Step 4: Bake the First Round

Pour the green bean mixture into a casserole dish and slide it into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 5: Add Extra Crunch

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven.

Give it a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients.

Sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top for an extra crispy layer.

Step 6: Final Golden Crisp

Return the casserole to the oven for a final 5-10 minutes.

Watch for the onions to turn a beautiful golden brown, signaling it’s ready to be devoured.

Serve this comforting dish piping hot and watch your guests’ faces light up with joy!

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Like A Pro

• Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme or rosemary into the soup mixture for an aromatic twist that elevates the classic green bean casserole.
• Replace cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free or low-sodium alternative to accommodate different dietary restrictions and health preferences.
• For extra crunch, add fried onions in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to maintain their crispy texture and prevent them from becoming soft or burnt.
• Mix in some sliced mushrooms or diced water chestnuts to add extra texture, nutrients, and a subtle crunch that kids and adults will enjoy.
• Prepare the casserole up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator, or freeze unbaked for up to a month for convenient holiday meal planning.

Storing Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintaining moisture.
• Quickly reheat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and preserve the crispy onion topping.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Sides for Thanksgiving Green Beans

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the creamy mushroom soup base and balances the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with Roasted Turkey: The classic green bean casserole naturally pairs perfectly with traditional roasted turkey, creating a harmonious Thanksgiving flavor profile.
• Enhance with Cranberry Sauce: Add a tangy cranberry sauce side that cuts through the creamy casserole and provides a bright, fruity contrast to the savory dish.
• Match with Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red wine with subtle fruit notes will enhance the earthy mushroom flavors and crispy onion topping without overwhelming the delicate green bean texture.

Thanksgiving Green Bean Bake Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Green Bean Bake: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free mushroom sauce using cornstarch and dairy-free milk. Use gluten-free fried onions for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cashew cream and vegetable broth. Use dairy-free milk, replace fried onions with crispy roasted chickpeas or panko breadcrumbs for crunch.
• Low-Sodium Green Bean Casserole: Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos. Use reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup and eliminate added salt for heart-healthy option.
• Herb-Infused Green Bean Casserole: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the soup mixture. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving for extra flavor and color.

FAQs

• What makes this green bean casserole different from traditional recipes?

This version uses a simple mixture of cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper, creating a classic flavor profile that’s easy to prepare and loved by everyone.

• Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh green beans. Just blanch them first by boiling for 3-5 minutes, then immediately cooling in ice water to maintain their crisp texture before mixing into the casserole.

• Is soy sauce necessary for the recipe?

While soy sauce adds depth and umami flavor, you can omit it if you’re watching sodium intake or prefer a more traditional taste. The dish will still be delicious without it.

• How do I ensure my fried onions get crispy on top?

Spread the remaining ½ cup of fried onions evenly over the casserole and bake in the last 5-10 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning, and remove when they turn golden brown and crispy.

Easy Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy green bean casserole delights taste buds with classic holiday comfort. Crispy onion topping and rich mushroom sauce bring festive flavors that will make dinner guests crave seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans (fresh or frozen), trimmed
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces/298 grams each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups fried onions, divided

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a smooth, creamy base for the classic holiday side dish.
2. Gently fold green beans into the prepared sauce, ensuring each bean is evenly coated with the rich, savory mixture.
3. Incorporate half of the crispy fried onions into the bean blend, distributing them throughout for added texture and flavor.
4. Transfer the green bean concoction to a suitable baking dish, spreading it evenly to promote consistent heating.
5. Place the casserole in a preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the edges begin to bubble and the mixture becomes slightly thickened.
6. Carefully remove the dish and sprinkle the remaining fried onions across the top, creating a golden, crunchy layer.
7. Return to the oven for a brief final roasting, watching closely to achieve a perfectly bronzed, crisp topping without burning.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few moments, allowing the flavors to meld and the temperature to settle before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh green beans instead of canned for a crunchier texture and brighter flavor profile.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade mushroom sauce to reduce sodium and control ingredient quality.
• Experiment with gluten-free crispy onions or crushed almond slices for a low-carb and celiac-friendly alternative topping.
• Add crispy bacon bits or sliced almonds for extra protein and a delightful crunch that elevates the classic casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg