There’s something special about the recipes that never leave the table. Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is one of those dishes. It’s not just a side—it’s a holiday tradition. First created in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company, this casserole has earned its place as a beloved staple at Thanksgiving dinners and family gatherings across the country.
Simple, affordable, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe became popular for a reason. With just five pantry-friendly ingredients—Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, canned green beans, milk, black pepper, and crispy French fried onions—it delivers big comfort without complicated steps. The creamy base combined with the crispy onion topping gives this dish its signature flavor and texture that everyone looks forward to year after year.
Whether you grew up eating it or you’re trying it for the first time, the original Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to taste like home.
Key Benefits
The beauty of Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole lies not just in its taste but in the many benefits it brings to your table. Here’s why this dish should become your go-to, whether for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner.
1. Simple & Quick to Prepare
With just five ingredients, this casserole is a breeze to make. No need for complicated steps or long cooking times. From start to finish, it can be ready in under an hour, making it the perfect side dish when you’re short on time. Whether you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday meal or need a last-minute addition, this recipe has you covered.
2. Affordable & Pantry-Friendly
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Canned green beans, Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, and French fried onions are all staples that are easy to find and inexpensive. With this dish, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to create something truly delicious that your guests will love.
3. A Nostalgic Comfort Food
There’s something comforting about dishes that have stood the test of time. This casserole evokes memories of family gatherings, holiday dinners, and cozy moments around the table. Its familiar, homey flavors bring warmth and nostalgia to any meal, making it not just food, but a piece of tradition.
4. Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
Green bean casserole is universally loved—especially by kids. The creamy texture of the soup combined with the crunchy topping makes it a hit with even the pickiest eaters. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, from your youngest family members to the oldest.
5. Versatile for Any Occasion
While it’s a classic side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this casserole is so easy to make, you can serve it year-round. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any gathering that calls for a comforting, delicious dish. No matter the season, Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole always feels right at home.
Ingredients
The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just five core ingredients, you can create a comforting and flavorful casserole that is sure to please. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Campbell’s® Cream of Mushroom Soup
This is the base of your casserole, providing the rich, creamy texture and savory flavor that makes this dish stand out. Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup is a pantry staple that brings consistency and a familiar taste to every bite.
2. Canned Green Beans
The star vegetable of the dish, canned green beans are a quick and easy choice for this casserole. Their tender texture works perfectly with the creamy soup and crispy onion topping. While fresh green beans can be substituted, the canned version is what keeps the recipe easy and accessible for anyone, anytime.
3. French’s® French Fried Onions
These crispy fried onions are what give this casserole its signature crunch. Their slightly sweet, savory flavor contrasts beautifully with the creamy green beans, adding texture and a burst of flavor to each bite. French’s French Fried Onions are a classic topping and help create that perfect golden-brown crust on top.
4. Milk
Milk helps to thin the soup and create a smooth, pourable consistency. It’s the perfect ingredient to bind everything together, ensuring that the casserole is creamy without being overly thick. Use regular milk for the best results, but you can also substitute with a dairy-free option if preferred.
5. Black Pepper
A pinch of freshly ground black pepper adds the finishing touch. While the soup already provides a rich, savory flavor, the pepper enhances the taste and balances the creaminess with a bit of spice. It’s a small ingredient, but it makes a big difference in elevating the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Instructions
Making Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect holiday side dish or comfort meal for any occasion.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole bakes evenly and reaches that perfect golden-brown crust on top.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Next, lightly grease a 1 ½-quart or 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make cleanup easier later.
3. Combine the Soup and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, combine one can (10.5 oz) of Campbell’s® cream of mushroom soup with ¾ cup of milk. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well blended. This will form the creamy base for your casserole.
4. Add the Green Beans
Now, add two cans (14.5 oz each) of canned green beans (drained) into the soup mixture. Stir until the green beans are fully coated with the soup mixture. If you prefer a heartier casserole, feel free to use more green beans or even substitute with fresh beans, though the recipe calls for the convenience of canned green beans.
5. Season the Mixture
Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to the mixture and stir well. The pepper will enhance the dish’s flavor without overpowering the comforting taste of the soup and beans. You can adjust the seasoning to taste, but the pepper adds a subtle heat that perfectly balances the richness.
6. Bake the Casserole
Pour the soup and green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This will give the casserole time to heat through and begin to set.
7. Add the Topping
After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle one and a half cups of French’s® French Fried Onions evenly over the top of the casserole. These crispy onions will form the delicious crunchy topping that makes this casserole so irresistible.
8. Bake Until Golden Brown
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. This final step gives you the perfect crispy topping and ensures everything is hot and delicious.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The casserole will hold its shape better once it has slightly cooled, but it’s still delicious when served warm.
Pro Tips and Variations
While the original Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole recipe is beloved for its simplicity, there are a few tweaks and variations you can try to make it your own or adapt it to your family’s tastes. Here are some tips and ideas to elevate this classic dish:
1. Use Fresh Green Beans for Extra Crispness
If you have a little extra time, consider using fresh green beans instead of canned. Fresh beans give the casserole a more vibrant color and a slightly firmer texture. Simply blanch the beans by boiling them for 3-4 minutes, then drain and add them to the soup mixture. Fresh green beans will add a bit more crunch to the dish, which contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
2. Make It Gluten-Free
For those following a gluten-free diet, it’s easy to modify this dish. Simply use gluten-free French fried onions and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free as well. There are plenty of gluten-free options available at most grocery stores, making this recipe accessible to everyone.
3. Add Cheese for Extra Flavor
Cheese lovers can enhance this casserole by adding shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan to the mix. Stir in about ½ cup of shredded cheese into the soup and green bean mixture before baking, or sprinkle some on top of the French fried onions for a cheesy crust. The melted cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
4. Try Bacon for a Smoky Twist
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding crumbled cooked bacon to the casserole. Bacon’s smoky taste pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup and crispy onions, giving the dish a savory kick. You can either mix bacon directly into the casserole or sprinkle it over the top along with the French fried onions.
5. Make Ahead and Freeze
This casserole is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the casserole a day or two in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. For longer storage, this dish can also be frozen. To freeze, assemble the casserole but skip adding the crispy onions. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then top with the onions and bake as usual.
6. Add Mushrooms for Extra Texture
If you love the flavor of mushrooms, try adding sliced fresh mushrooms to the soup mixture. They’ll blend perfectly with the cream of mushroom soup, giving the casserole a heartier texture and enhancing the savory flavor. Sauté the mushrooms beforehand to reduce excess moisture and ensure the casserole doesn’t become too watery.
7. Swap the Soup
While Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup is a classic, feel free to experiment with different soups for a unique twist. Try Campbell’s® cream of chicken soup for a lighter, more savory version, or use cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile. These swaps can change the taste but still maintain the rich, creamy texture that defines the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of meals, especially during the holidays. Its creamy texture and crispy topping make it the perfect complement to many main courses and side dishes. Here are some great ideas for what to serve alongside this classic casserole:
1. Roast Turkey or Ham
No holiday meal is complete without a beautifully roasted turkey or glazed ham. Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole pairs perfectly with both. The rich, savory flavors of turkey or ham complement the creamy, earthy taste of the casserole, creating a balanced and satisfying plate. This classic combination is a holiday staple that never goes out of style.
2. Mashed Potatoes
For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve your green bean casserole with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes add a smooth, buttery texture to the meal, while the casserole provides a delightful contrast with its crunch and creaminess. It’s a perfect pairing for those who love hearty, satisfying meals.
3. Cranberry Sauce
The tartness of cranberry sauce is the perfect contrast to the richness of green bean casserole. The bright, tangy flavor of the cranberries cuts through the creamy casserole, providing a refreshing balance. Whether you prefer homemade or store-bought, cranberry sauce is a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with this casserole.
4. Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread
If you’re serving Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole at a holiday dinner or potluck, don’t forget the bread! Soft, buttery dinner rolls or crispy garlic bread are great options. They can be used to scoop up the casserole and soak up any delicious sauce, adding another layer of comfort to your meal.
5. Stuffing or Dressing
Stuffing is another holiday favorite that pairs beautifully with green bean casserole. The savory, herby flavors of the stuffing enhance the overall meal and provide additional texture. Whether you’re baking your stuffing in a casserole dish or making it on the stovetop, it’s an ideal side to serve alongside this classic dish.
6. Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
If you’re looking to add a bit more variety to your side dishes, try pairing the casserole with roasted or grilled vegetables. Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or glazed sweet potatoes are excellent options. The slight caramelization of roasted vegetables provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy casserole, adding both flavor and color to your plate.
7. A Simple Salad
If you’re aiming for a lighter balance, a fresh salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad can add crispness and a burst of freshness, rounding out your meal without overpowering the flavors of the green bean casserole.
Conclusion
Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a tradition, a comfort food classic, and a crowd-pleaser all in one. With just five simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other gathering, this casserole will quickly become the star of the meal.
The creamy texture, crispy onion topping, and savory flavor are what make this recipe timeless. Plus, with its versatility, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Add bacon, use fresh beans, or even swap out the soup for a different flavor—whatever variation you choose, Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a dish that never disappoints.
Next time you need a quick and delicious side, give this classic recipe a try. It’s easy, satisfying, and loved by all. Make it today and enjoy the comforting flavors that have been warming hearts and bellies for generations!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Fresh green beans are a great alternative to canned beans. Simply blanch them by boiling them for about 3-4 minutes, then drain before adding them to the casserole. Keep in mind that fresh beans may have a firmer texture, which can add a nice crunch to the dish.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 2 days in advance. Simply assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, just add the French fried onions and bake as instructed. If you plan to freeze it, skip adding the onions before freezing, and add them right before baking.
3. How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free French fried onions and ensure that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free. There are several gluten-free brands available, and they work just as well in this dish.
4. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can swap the cream of mushroom soup with other varieties, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, depending on your preferences. Each will bring a slightly different flavor to the casserole but will maintain its creamy base.
5. Can I add cheese to this casserole?
Of course! Adding cheese is a great way to enhance the flavor. Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese can be mixed into the soup mixture, or you can sprinkle some over the French fried onions for a cheesy topping. It will add a rich, savory element to the casserole.
Looking for more cozy, family-favorite recipes? Don’t miss our 5-Ingredient Taco Soup—a rich, hearty meal that’s just as simple and satisfying.
This recipe is based on the timeless classic from Campbell’s®—you can view the original green bean casserole recipe here for comparison or inspiration.