Simple Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Save this recipe on:

Few dishes can claim iconic holiday status like the classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole. This creamy, savory, and ultra-comforting side dish has graced Thanksgiving tables for generations—and for good reason. It’s a heartwarming blend of tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions baked into golden perfection. It’s nostalgic, it’s easy, and it’s absolutely delicious.

The magic of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you get a rich, creamy texture balanced by the crunch of fried onions and the fresh snap of green beans. Whether you’re preparing a big holiday meal or just need a cozy side for a weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers timeless flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

• Classic comfort food with familiar flavors everyone loves
• Requires minimal prep and uses simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in under an hour
• Perfect for holidays or any cozy meal
• Customizable with add-ins like cheese, garlic, or bacon

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare this dish smoothly, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining the green beans, soup, and milk evenly.
• Casserole Dish (9×13): This oven-safe dish ensures even cooking and gives that bubbly, golden top.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters when balancing the creaminess.
• Spatula or Mixing Spoon: To fully blend the ingredients without crushing the green beans.
• Oven: This is a baked dish, so preheating your oven ensures the perfect cook time and crisp topping.

Each of these tools plays a key role in keeping prep efficient and results consistent.

---

Preparation Tips

Use fresh green beans for a brighter taste and firmer texture, but if you’re short on time, canned or frozen work too. Make sure to drain canned beans and thaw frozen ones to avoid excess moisture. When mixing the soup and milk, whisk until smooth before adding in the beans to prevent clumps. To keep the fried onions crispy, stir in only a portion during mixing and reserve the rest for the topping. Don’t skip preheating the oven—a hot oven is crucial for bubbling edges and a crunchy finish.

---

Ingredients for This Simple Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

• 4 cups cooked green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 2/3 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup French’s crispy fried onions, divided
• Salt to taste (optional, depending on soup saltiness)
• Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy version)
  • 2 strips cooked, crumbled bacon (for a smoky twist)
  • 1/4 tsp soy sauce (adds umami)

---

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s fully heated by the time your casserole is ready to go in. Preheating helps the dish cook evenly and gives you that deliciously golden top.

---

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This base is the flavorful binder that holds the casserole together.

---

Step 3: Add Green Beans and Onions

Fold in the green beans and half of the crispy fried onions. If you’re adding cheese, bacon, or soy sauce, stir those in now too. Mix everything gently to coat the green beans evenly without breaking them.

---

Step 4: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish or similar oven-safe baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture out evenly.

---

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The mixture should be bubbling around the edges when it’s ready for the topping.

---

Step 6: Add Final Onion Topping

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top.

---

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crisp.

---

Step 8: Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a little and makes it easier to dish out neat servings. Enjoy it warm alongside your favorite holiday mains or weekday dinners.

---

Notes

This casserole is forgiving and incredibly versatile. If you’re cooking for a crowd, it easily doubles. Prefer a vegetarian version? Stick to the original and skip any bacon or meat add-ins. For an even richer taste, swap whole milk with half-and-half. If you’re making this ahead of time, assemble the casserole without the final onion topping, refrigerate it, and bake it later—just add the onions right before the final bake.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using watery green beans: Whether frozen or canned, make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid a runny casserole.
• Skipping the onion layering: Mixing some fried onions in with the green beans adds flavor throughout, not just on top.
• Not seasoning to taste: Taste the mix before baking and adjust salt if necessary, especially since canned soup can vary in saltiness.
• Burning the onion topping: Keep an eye on the final bake to avoid over-browning the onions.
• Serving immediately out of the oven: Letting it rest helps the casserole firm up and enhances the flavor.

---

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full casserole in the oven at 325°F until heated through. To maintain the crispiness of the fried onions, consider adding a fresh sprinkle before reheating. Freezing is not ideal as the texture of the green beans and onions can degrade.

---

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, assuming 8 servings total):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 420mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without the final onion topping) a day in advance. Refrigerate it, then add the onions and bake just before serving.

Can I use canned green beans?

Absolutely. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid a watery dish.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

It’s not recommended. The creamy texture and crispy onions don’t hold up well after thawing.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply stick to the base ingredients and avoid bacon or meat-based add-ins.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can use homemade mushroom sauce or try cream of celery or cream of chicken if preferred.

How do I make it more flavorful?

Add garlic powder, soy sauce, sautéed onions or even a bit of grated cheese to the mix for extra depth.

What size dish should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch casserole dish works perfectly for this recipe.

How do I prevent soggy fried onions on top?

Add the fried onions only during the final 5-10 minutes of baking so they stay crispy.

---

Conclusion

Simple Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a timeless, no-fail side dish that continues to bring comfort and joy to tables everywhere. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just as a weeknight treat, its creamy texture, crispy topping, and ease of preparation make it a must-have. With a few thoughtful tips and optional add-ins, you can make this classic your own while honoring the dish that started it all.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: