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Irresistible Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

There’s something about the smell of bubbling mushroom sauce and a golden onion crust that instantly takes you back to holiday kitchens and family tables. This classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole blends creamy, savory mushroom soup with tender green beans and crunchy fried onions for a comforting side that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. For a full overview and printable version, you can visit the recipe page on Irresistible Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole.

why make this recipe
If you’re tired of overcomplicated side dishes that require dozens of ingredients and hours to finish, this casserole is perfect because it’s fast, comforting, and consistently crowd-pleasing. Using Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup as the flavor base keeps prep minimal while delivering rich, savory depth. The crispy fried onion topping provides the textural contrast that makes every bite memorable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

1 can (10.75 oz) Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon soy sauce
4 cups green beans, fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned (drained)
1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions, divided

Directions:

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial first step ensures even cooking from the moment your dish enters, preventing a soggy bottom or unevenly cooked edges.
Prepare Baking Dish
Select a 1.5-quart or 2-quart baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish also works beautifully for a slightly thinner casserole). Lightly grease the bottom and sides of your chosen dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and makes serving and cleanup a breeze.
Drain Green Beans
If using canned green beans, drain them exceptionally well. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly. For an even drier result, transfer the drained green beans to a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and gently pat them dry. Excess moisture is the enemy of a creamy casserole, so take your time with this step!
Combine Soup, Milk, & Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, empty the can of Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup. Pour in the half-cup of milk, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well combined. You want a consistent, lump-free sauce that looks creamy and inviting; this is the flavor foundation of your casserole!
Fold in Green Beans and Onions
Once your creamy soup base is perfectly smooth, add the thoroughly drained green beans to the bowl. Next, measure out about two-thirds of the 1 1/3 cups of crispy fried onions (approximately 7/8 cup). Gently fold the green beans and these initial crispy fried onions into the creamy soup mixture using a spatula or a large spoon, ensuring every green bean is evenly coated without mashing them.
Pour into Baking Dish
Carefully spoon or pour the entire green bean mixture into your prepared baking dish. Once all the mixture is in, use your spatula to spread it out evenly across the entire surface. You want a consistent layer to ensure even baking and to create a nice, flat surface for our final layer of crispy onions.
Initial Bake
Place your baking dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Let it bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. During this first stage, the casserole will heat through completely, and the creamy sauce will start to thicken and become beautifully bubbly around the edges.
Add Remaining Onions
After 25-30 minutes, carefully remove the hot casserole from the oven. The sauce should be visibly bubbling around the sides. Evenly sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions (about 1/2 cup) over the entire surface of the hot casserole. Ensure there are no bare spots, creating a delightful, golden crust for that essential crispy texture.
Final Bake
Return the casserole to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until those newly added crispy fried onions are beautifully golden brown and look wonderfully crispy. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt quite quickly. Once they’re a perfect golden hue, remove the casserole from the oven.
Rest Before Serving
Allow your Irresistible Green Bean Casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the sauce to set up a little more, making it easier to serve clean portions without it being too runny, and prevents those immediate, piping-hot burns!

Best Way to Store Irresistible Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes (covered) until heated through, or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.

How to Present Irresistible Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole (Serving Suggestions for Irresistible Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole)

Holiday Plate Staple: Serve alongside roast turkey or baked ham for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family dinner. The creamy mushroom flavor pairs especially well with roasted meats and savory stuffing.
Casual Weeknight Side: Plate with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a baked potato for a comforting weeknight meal. Add a bright salad to balance richness.
Buffet Portioning: For potlucks or buffets, keep the casserole warm in a shallow chafing dish or an oven set to low heat. Sprinkle a handful of fresh parsley over the top just before serving to add color and freshness.
Make it a Main: Spoon the casserole over cooked rice or mashed potatoes and top with extra fried onions for a vegetarian-friendly main course.

tips to make Irresistible Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Q: How do I keep it creamy and not watery?
A: Drain and pat dry your green beans thoroughly—this removes excess water that can thin the sauce. Also, avoid adding extra milk beyond the recipe unless you prefer a thinner sauce.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes—assemble the casserole (without the final layer of fried onions), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed and add the remaining onions during the final bake to ensure crispiness.

Q: How do I get the onions extra crispy?
A: Add a thin drizzle of melted butter to the fried onions before the final bake or broil them on high for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

variation(s)

Swap the Soup: For a deeper mushroom flavor, use a quality mushroom soup or make a quick homemade mushroom gravy as a substitute for the condensed soup (use a thicker homemade sauce to maintain texture).
Fresh Vegetable Upgrade: Blanch fresh green beans for 2–3 minutes in boiling water, then shock in ice water to preserve bright color and tenderness. This gives the casserole a fresher texture and flavor compared to canned beans.

How this recipe adapts:

Vegetarian-friendly: Keep as written (Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup is often vegetarian—check the label for specific varieties) and use vegetable-based soy sauce or tamari for gluten-friendly options.
Lower-sodium option: Choose low-sodium soup and low-sodium soy sauce, and add more black pepper or a dash of Dijon mustard to boost flavor without salt.

FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen green beans without thawing?
A: It’s best to thaw frozen beans first and squeeze out excess moisture. Adding them frozen can introduce too much liquid and make the casserole soggy.

Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free crispy onions (or make your own with gluten-free flour) and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or substitute a homemade mushroom sauce thickened with cornstarch.

Q: What’s the best way to make the topping stay crunchy after serving?
A: Add the crispy fried onions right before serving if possible. If you must prep ahead, store the topping separately and sprinkle on top just before serving.

Bold question: How long should I bake if I use a larger 9×13 dish?
Answer: If using a 9×13 dish, bake for the same total time but check at 25 minutes; the casserole will be thinner and may heat through slightly faster. Keep an eye on the edges and the bubbling around 20–25 minutes.
Bullet-style mini-FAQ:
- Q: Can I add cheese? A: Yes—stir 1/2 to 1 cup of grated cheddar or Gruyère into the mixture for a richer, cheesier casserole.
- Q: Is soy sauce necessary? A: It adds umami and depth; you can substitute Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of MSG if preferred.
- Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes—double all ingredients and bake in a larger dish; baking time may increase slightly.

Additional tips and technique notes

Texture balance is the secret: The creamy mushroom base should coat the beans without drowning them. If you prefer a firmer bite, reduce the milk by a tablespoon or two.
Season in layers: Because Campbell’s soup contains seasoning, add soy sauce and pepper sparingly at first and taste the mixture before baking. Adjustments can be made to suit your palate.
Avoid stirring after baking: Once the top layer of onions is added and baked, avoid excessive stirring—serve with a wide spoon to preserve those crunchy pockets.

A few serving pairings that work beautifully

With roasted turkey: The classic Thanksgiving pairing—this casserole complements the richness of the turkey and gravy.
With glazed ham: The sweet-salty profile of ham balances the savory mushroom notes.
With roasted root vegetables or a citrusy salad: Add brightness and acidity to cut through the creaminess.

Final notes on presentation and timing

For a prettier presentation, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. A squeeze of lemon over individual servings can also brighten the dish.
If transporting to a potluck, bake it at home and keep the topping separate; add the fried onions and reheat briefly in the host’s oven for a fresh, crisp finish.

Conclusion

This classic approach to Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole keeps things simple, reliable, and delicious—perfect for holiday gatherings or an easy weeknight side. For a traditional instruction set and community-tested tips, check the detailed version of Campbells Green Bean Casserole Recipe on Campbells Green Bean Casserole Recipe – Bowl Me Over. If you’re interested in a from-scratch creamy alternative and techniques for making a homemade mushroom sauce, the Creamy Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch) Recipe | Little Spice Jar offers a thoughtful guide.