Mouthwatering Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a classic dish that brings together tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions all in one comforting bake. It’s a great side dish that’s always a hit during family dinners, especially around the holidays when everyone is craving that familiar, cozy flavor.
I love making this casserole because it’s so easy and comes together quickly while still feeling special. Using Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup makes the sauce rich and smooth without much effort, and those crunchy fried onions on top give it the perfect contrast of textures. I always find myself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pan before it even hits the table!
My favorite way to enjoy this casserole is right alongside a roast chicken or turkey, but honestly, it pairs well with almost anything. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, and I always feel a little wave of nostalgia when I serve it. Plus, leftovers heat up wonderfully, so I don’t mind making extra just to have on hand for the next day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green beans: Canned green beans are convenient and keep the classic flavor. If you prefer fresher texture, fresh or frozen green beans work great—just blanch them to keep nice and tender.
Cream of mushroom soup: This is the heart of the creamy sauce. Campbell’s brand has that familiar taste, but you can use any cream of mushroom soup you like, or make a homemade mushroom sauce if you want to skip canned.
French fried onions: These crunchy onion toppings add a wonderful crisp texture. If you can’t find French’s brand, you can bake your own crispy fried onions or use crispy shallots as an interesting alternative.
Soy sauce: This is optional but adds a subtle depth to the flavor. If you don’t have soy sauce, just skip it—the casserole is still delicious without it.
How Do I Get the Onions Extra Crispy and Not Soggy?
The crispy fried onions on top are the best part! To keep them crunchy, add them only in the last 5 minutes of baking. This gives them just enough time to brown without soaking in the sauce.
- Sprinkle onions evenly over the hot casserole.
- Finish baking uncovered at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
- Watch closely to avoid burning—the onions should be golden and crisp, not dark brown.
For thicker layers of crunch, you can add a bit more onions on top, but resist mixing them in before baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits the casserole perfectly and heats evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for stirring the soup mixture and preparing the topping.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of soup, milk, and seasonings.
- Spatula or spoon – to gently fold in the green beans and spread the mixture.
- Oven – to bake the casserole and crisp up the onions.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese Boost – stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the mixture for extra flavor.
- Different Vegetables – add cooked mushrooms, caramelized onions, or sliced water chestnuts for more texture.
- Meat Add-In – mix in cooked bacon bits, shredded cooked chicken, or ham for a heartier dish.
- Spicy Kick – sprinkle red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the mix if you like some heat.
Mouthwatering Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained (or 4 cups fresh/frozen green beans, blanched)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/3 cups French’s French Fried Onions (divided)
Time Needed
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake, making the total time about 40 minutes. Quick, easy, and ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish to hold your yummy mixture.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce (if using), and black pepper until smooth.
3. Add the Green Beans and Onions:
Gently stir in the drained green beans and 2/3 cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix just until combined—don’t crush the onions!
4. Bake the Casserole:
Spread the mixture in your casserole dish evenly. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until it’s hot and bubbling.
5. Top with Crispy Onions:
Sprinkle the remaining fried onions over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake another 5 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve this comforting green bean casserole alongside your favorite meal. It’s always a family favorite!
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Green Beans Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you use fresh or frozen green beans, blanch them first by boiling for about 3-4 minutes and then plunging into ice water to keep their bright color and crisp texture before mixing into the casserole.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which helps keep the onions crispy.
Can I Prepare the Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Add the fried onions on top just before baking so they stay crispy.
What If I Don’t Have French Fried Onions?
You can substitute with crispy fried shallots, homemade breaded onions, or even finely chopped toasted breadcrumbs for some crunch, though the flavor will be a bit different.