Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans levels up basic green beans! Who said you could only enjoy this classic casserole on Thanksgiving? This recipe is so simple yet tastes so yummy, making it an amazing contender for your weekly dinner rotation. I promise that even the picky eaters in your life will appreciate this side dish.
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I feel like I make this constantly now! I love sautéed green beans, but it can get boring after a while. It's nice trying something different. Plus, using fresh green beans adds more texture as they are much firmer than frozen or canned varieties.
If you want some more delicious vegetable casserole side dish ideas, my zucchini casserole is one to check out. Try this vegetable medley casserole too. They are both lovely options that pair well with a variety of proteins.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It takes 15 minutes of prepping: I love that this fresh casserole recipe doesn't take long to put together. Then, you stick it in the oven and let it cook until bubbly, crispy perfection!
- It's budget-friendly: The ingredients used in this casserole are very inexpensive. So, you can make it whenever you want and not just for Thanksgiving.
- It's a family favorite: everyone loves this recipe, even the picky eaters. It's savory and rich, with creamy and crunchy textures for a wonderful bite.
Ingredients
These are the most important ingredients used in this fresh green bean casserole with mushroom soup. I included some info to give you the best chance at success!
- Green beans: Ensure your fresh green beans are firm. Avoid mushy, soft, or wrinkly green beans to get the best flavor and texture possible. Just trim the ends and they are ready to use. I also recommend washing them thoroughly.
- Cream of mushroom soup: You can use store-bought cream of mushroom soup, either the original or the low-fat/low-sodium version. I love this homemade cream of mushroom soup for a more authentic mushroom flavor.
- Crispy onions: Classic French fried onions are great in this recipe, but you can also use the crispy onions used as salad toppings. Sometimes you can find other flavors like garlic pepper.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Cheesy: Add some Parmesan cheese on top or use a cheddar cheese soup to make your casserole extra cheesy.
- Add spice: Use some chipotle powder with your other seasonings to bring in some heat for a fun twist.
- Add bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon complements the other flavors wonderfully. I like to mix it in the casserole filling to get some in every bite.
Try my philly cheesesteak casserole recipe if dishes like this one appeal to you.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans and Mushroom Soup
Here are the steps you'll need to make the best side dish casserole from scratch. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease your oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 1: Blanch the green beans. Add green beans to a large pot of boiling water and cook them for two and a half minutes.
Step 2: Put them in cold water. Then, transfer them to a bowl with ice water to stop the cooking process. Strain them and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the soup mixture. Combine the cream soup with the milk and spices in a mixing bowl.
Step 4: Spread in the baking dish. Next, spread half of the soup mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 5: Layer green beans. Place the blanched and drained green beans over the soup mixture.
Step 6: Top with more soup. Pour the rest of the mixture on top of the beans and carefully spread it evenly on top.
Step 7: Sprinkle onions. Grab your crispy onions and sprinkle them on top.
Step 8: Bake and serve. Bake the casserole for 35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Scoop and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Drain the green beans well: After you put the blanched green beans into the ice bath, drain the water well. The excess moisture can make the mushroom soup mixture thin and watery.
- Skip canned green beans: Avoid canned green beans. They are already cooked and very soft. Plus, the can has a lot of moisture, and it's difficult to drain it.
- Add panko for more crunch: Combine panko breadcrumbs with the fried onions to create an even more prominent crunchy topping to contrast the green beans and soup mixture.
This is the best homemade casserole with green beans, but I recommend trying hamburger green bean casserole for a twist and a standalone meal.
Another really good recipe to try if you like this one is our brussels sprouts casserole. It's new, super delicious and easy to make. One bite of it and your family will love it for life!
If you enjoy casserole recipes like this, check out our meaty zucchini casserole. It's easy to make and even easier to eat. Give it a try and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator (the onions may become soggy). Freeze the casserole without the onions, tightly covered with plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: You can reheat a portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes. Sprinkle the onions on before baking if the green beans are coming from the freezer.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Sprinkle the fried onions on top right before it goes into the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- If you plan to enjoy this as part of a delicious weeknight dinner, sous vide whole chicken pairs well, as it's juicy, flavorful, and won't clash with the flavors of the casserole.
- Need some ideas for Thanksgiving? Try this bourbon glazed ham as the main course to serve with this side dish.
- If you're a turkey fan, I highly recommend oven-roasted turkey and slow-cooked turkey legs.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, this will ensure that they are properly cooked. Blanching them only partly cooks them, so they aren't hard or raw after they bake.
Sure! Blanch the green beans and follow the instructions. Cook the casserole on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. Add the onions in the last 30 minutes of cooking. They won't be as crispy, but it works!
You can, but they tend to be pretty long. They are easier to eat if you cut them in half. You may even cut them into thirds if you like.
More Delicious Green Bean Recipes
Do you like green bean recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds green beans rinsed, ends trimmed and cut in half
- 4 10- ounce cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ cups crispy onions or more
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare a 2-quart oval baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Boil water in a large pot and blanch the beans for about 2 ½ minutes (up to 4 if you prefer a softer bean, but they will cook slightly more in the oven).
- Prepare a large bowl with cold water and ice when the beans are almost done. Then strain beans and add to cold water to stop the cooking process. You may want to add more ice or cold water as needed to keep the water cold. Then strain well.
- In a large bowl add soup, milk, salt, garlic powder, ground pepper and onion powder and mix until combined.
- To the baking dish, add a light layer of soup mixture; enough to coat the bottom.
- Add half the beans, followed by half of the soup mixture.
- Repeat and make sure all the beans are evenly covered.
- Top with crispy onions (note: if you are using a different size baking dish you may need more).
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, until onions become golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Drain the green beans well after blanching them to prevent the casserole from becoming soupy.
- Try making the casserole in your slow cooker instead of the oven.
Mary says
These beans are the best. This so easy and totally changes things up for dinner. I could just eat this by itself for lunch or whenever. So good 👍
Karin and Ken says
I’m so glad you enjoy this easy casserole. I feel the exact same way. All the best. Karin
Paul Brown says
Loved your green bean casserole and those crispy onions. Yum. Tastes great, I'll be looking forward to making it again. I love getting recipe ideas from you.Thank you for sharing.
Karin and Ken says
We love all the crispy onions too. Thank you for taking the time to comment and let me know. I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Take care and all the best. Karin
Ashley Jones says
Best green bean casserole I ever ate. Thank you kitchen divas for another incredible dish.
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome. I happen to love this casserole too! It's an oldie and a goodie! Enjoy your day. Karin
Kelly Hubbard says
Made this casserole and LOVED it. Thank you for sharing this AMAZING RECIPE! You da best Karin!!! Keep it up.
Karin and Ken says
Can't thank you enough for taking the time to comment! I'm so happy you enjoyed one of our most favorite casseroles! Hopefully you find some other recipes on our site that you enjoy just as much! All the best. Karin 💕
Joseph Donahue says
I just made this casserole and it was absolutely wonderful. Thank you for sharing
Karin and Ken says
It's a favorite of mine too! Glad you enjoyed it as well. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! All the best. Karin
Harold Burton says
I made this last night and it is delicious! Thank you!
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for your kind words! Glad you enjoyed this casserole as much as we do! All the best. Karin
Hannah Flack says
this is so delicious! Thank you for sharing.
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome! I love this casserole too! Thank you for taking the time to let me know! All the best. Karin
Hannah Flack says
This was awesome! Can’t thank you enough for sharing!
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome! Glad to hear you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! All the best. Karin
Rose Martine says
I like the way you serve vegetables. They look cool, thanks for sharing. your morocan chicken is excellent too. thanks for sharing
Karin and Ken says
Well thank you for all of your kind words! You made my day! All the best. Karin
Alisha Ross says
Looks beautiful and delicious! I do some prep ahead meals but not that many. I think this is very worthwhile and nice to know you always have a meal on hand!
Karin and Ken says
This casserole is an oldie but a goodie and definitely worth a try! It is so true that it is wonderful to have enough in your pantry to put this and other meals together whenever you want. Take care and all the best. Karin
Renee says
Sounds like a great recipe but do you drain the chicken broth out or keep the broth and mix it with everything? Also if it is canned greens beans do you still need to boil in the broth/water?
Karin and Ken says
This recipe is delicious! I apologize for the delay in my response I’ve been in hospital. If you’re using canned beans no boiling or broth is necessary. Simply skip that step. I apologize the recipe isn’t clearer. Hope you still try these green beans. All the best. Karin
Alisha Ross says
YUM! I made this last night and it's fantastic! I used both green and yellow beans because I didn't have enough green, and it worked out great. Thank you!
Karin and Ken says
Happy everything worked out great! I still love this casserole after all of these years myself! Can't thank you enough for taking the time to let me know! You made my day! Take care and be well. Karin
Moses Brodin says
I will share one of my family's favorites- Scrambled hamburg and gravy over mashed potatoes-- Scramble your hamburger in the skillet (I used cast iron) add some Lipton's Onion Soup or my favorite- Watkin's Onion Soup Mix- and water to the level you need gravy- to thicken you can use either corn starch and water or flour and water that were mixed together before adding to the watered (now simmering boiling) scrambled hamburg and soup mix and water-- thicken to your family's liking. We used Instant Potatoes when I was tired or fresh from the garden potatoes that had been cooked and mashed when I wasn't! It is super easy and well liked! I hope you will like trying it!
Karin and Ken says
Sounds like a wonderful and super easy weeknight dinner! I will definitely try it! We make what my grandma called hamburger gravy and she did and now we do everything the same except we don’t add the soup mix. Next time I will definitely add the soup mix! I can’t thank you enough for the suggestion. I have enjoyed this recipe all my life and it never occurred to me to add anything or change it. I thank you again! Together we can all be better in the kitchen! Take care and enjoy your day! Be well. Karin