Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe – Classic & Easy Dish

Green bean casserole is a timeless classic, bringing comfort and nostalgia to every holiday table. Originally created in the 1950s by Campbell’s, this dish has become a staple for Thanksgiving and beyond. With its creamy texture, crispy onion topping, and savory flavors, it’s no wonder families return to this beloved recipe year after year.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ultimate Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe—covering everything from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips on making it perfect every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll learn how to prepare, serve, and store this dish like a pro!

Now, let’s start with the history behind this iconic casserole.

Introduction & History

The Story Behind the Classic Green Bean Casserole

Green casserole has been gracing holiday tables for over 60 years, but many people don’t know its origin. Surprisingly, it was not a family recipe passed down for generations but rather an invention from Campbell’s Test Kitchen.

Who Invented Green Bean Casserole?

Back in 1955, Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working at Campbell’s Soup Company, was tasked with creating a quick, simple side dish using ingredients most households already had in their pantry. The result? A six-ingredient recipe featuring green beans, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and crispy fried onions.

Little did she know that this dish would become a Thanksgiving essential, beloved by millions!

Why is Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole So Popular?

Several factors contribute to the casserole’s long-standing popularity:

• Simplicity: It requires just a few pantry staples.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy soup and crunchy onions is a crowd-pleaser.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Serves a large number of people with minimal effort.

It’s no surprise that more than 20 million green bean casseroles are made in the U.S. every year, especially during Thanksgiving!

Ingredients & Substitutions

What Are the Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole?

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You only need five basic ingredients to make a classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole:

The Classic 5-Ingredient Recipe

1. Green Beans (4 cups or 2 cans) – You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans.
2. Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can) – The star ingredient that gives the dish its rich, creamy texture.
3. Milk (½ cup) – Helps blend the soup into a smooth, pourable consistency.
4. Crispy Fried Onions (1 ⅓ cups) – Adds crunch and enhances flavor.
5. Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon) – Balances out the flavors with a hint of umami.

Best Substitutes for Each Ingredient

If you’re looking to modify the recipe, here are some great alternatives:

• Green Beans: Swap for broccoli, asparagus, or even Brussels sprouts for a different twist.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Substitute with cream of chicken, celery, or homemade béchamel sauce.
• Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or heavy cream for a dairy-free or richer option.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Try Panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or toasted almonds for a unique topping.
• Soy Sauce: Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos work well as replacements.

What Soup is Used in Green Bean Casserole?

Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is the traditional and most popular choice, but some people like to switch things up with other creamy soups.

Why Cream of Mushroom Soup Works Best

• Its earthy mushroom flavor pairs perfectly with green beans.
• It has a thick, velvety texture that binds all the ingredients together.
• Campbell’s version is specially seasoned to complement this dish.

Other Soup Options for a Twist

If you want to try something different, consider these options:

• Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds a slightly richer, meatier taste.
• Cream of Celery Soup – Brings a lighter, more herby flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup – For a cheesy green bean casserole, use this instead!

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

How to Make Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it a go-to holiday side dish. With just a few steps, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and crispy-topped casserole ready to serve!

Step 1 – Prepping the Green Beans

• If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
• If using frozen green beans, thaw and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• If using canned green beans, simply drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium.

Step 2 – Mixing Ingredients & Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • 1 can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
   • ½ cup of milk
   • 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
   • Black pepper to taste
3. Stir in 4 cups of green beans and ⅔ cup of crispy fried onions.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly.

Step 3 – Adding Crispy Toppings

1. Remove the casserole from the oven.
2. Sprinkle ⅔ cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
3. Bake for 5 more minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
4. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How Do You Keep Green Bean Casserole from Being Runny?

A watery casserole is a common problem, but here’s how to prevent it.

The Secret to a Perfectly Thick Sauce

• Drain your green beans completely – Excess moisture can make the casserole too thin.
• Use full-fat soup and milk – This keeps the consistency rich and creamy.
• Let it rest before serving – The casserole will naturally thicken as it cools.

Tips for Avoiding a Watery Casserole

• Avoid overbaking – This can cause the mixture to separate.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch if the mixture seems too thin before baking.
• Use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned, as they have less excess liquid.

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole for Maximum Flavor

Green bean is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. However, there are a few tricks to enhance its taste and make it even better.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With

This creamy, crunchy casserole pairs well with:

• Roast Turkey or Chicken – A classic holiday combo.
• Mashed Potatoes & Gravy – Perfect for a hearty meal.
• Stuffing or Cornbread – Balances the creamy texture with a bit of crunch.
• Glazed Carrots or Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Adds a fresh, slightly sweet contrast.

Making It Ahead for Holiday Gatherings

If you’re preparing this dish for a big event, here’s how to make it ahead without losing flavor:

• Assemble the casserole but do not bake it yet.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as usual.
• Add the crispy fried onions only during the last 5 minutes of baking to keep them crunchy.

How to Store & Reheat Leftover

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

Freezing vs. Refrigerating Green Bean Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Tip: If freezing, do not add the crispy onions until reheating.

The Best Way to Reheat Without Losing Crispiness

• Oven (Best Method): Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for 5 more minutes to crisp the onions.
• Microwave (Quick Method): Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally. Add fresh crispy onions on top for texture.
• Air Fryer: If reheating a small portion, air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to get the topping crispy again.

Common Variations & FAQs

Creative Twists on the Classic Recipe

If you want to switch things up, try these unique variations of green bean casserole!

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

• Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture before baking.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top with the fried onions for extra crispiness.

Vegan & Gluten-Free Alternatives

• Vegan Option:
  • Use dairy-free mushroom soup or make a homemade cashew-based sauce.
  • Swap regular milk for almond, oat, or soy milk.
  • Use crispy fried shallots instead of store-bought fried onions.
• Gluten-Free Option:
  • Choose gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
  • Use gluten-free fried onions or crushed rice crackers for crunch.

How Many Cans Are 4 Cups of Green Beans?

Exact Measurements for Perfect Consistency

• 1 can (14.5 oz) of green beans = About 1 ¾ cups of beans (drained).
• To get 4 cups of green beans, you’ll need about 2¼ cans.
• If using fresh beans, measure 4 full cups after trimming.

Fresh vs. Canned vs. Frozen Green Beans

• Canned: Quick & convenient, but slightly softer in texture.
• Frozen: Offers a fresher taste, but needs thawing & draining.
• Fresh: Best for a crispier texture but requires blanching.

Reader FAQs & Expert Cooking Tips

Can You Make Green Bean Casserole Without a Casserole Dish?

Yes! If you don’t have a traditional casserole dish, you can use:

• A 9×9-inch square baking dish
• A cast-iron skillet (adds extra crispiness!)
• An oven-safe glass or ceramic dish

How Long Can You Leave Green Bean Casserole Out?

For food safety, always store leftovers in the fridge as soon as possible.

At room temperature: No more than 2 hours.

More Cooking Tips for a Perfect Casserole

More Ways to Keep Green Bean Casserole from Being Runny

Besides draining green beans and using full-fat ingredients, here are extra tips to maintain the perfect thickness:

• Use a roux for extra thickness: In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter, stir in 1 tablespoon flour, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the cream of mushroom soup before adding it to the casserole.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers: Adding a ¼ cup of breadcrumbs to the mixture before baking can absorb excess moisture.
• Increase oven temperature slightly: If the casserole is too runny, bake at 375°F instead of 350°F for the last 5 minutes to help evaporate extra liquid.

Nutritional Breakdown & Healthier Swaps

How Many Calories Are in Green Bean Casserole?

Here’s the estimated nutrition per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g

Healthier Ingredient Swaps

• Use homemade mushroom sauce instead of canned soup to cut sodium.
• Choose air-fried onions or lightly toasted almonds instead of crispy fried onions.
• Use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to reduce calories.

More Recipe Variations

Spicy Green Bean Casserole Twist

• Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Sprinkle chopped jalapeños on top before serving.

One-Pan Skillet Green Bean Casserole

If you don’t want to use an oven, try making this entirely on the stovetop:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sauté green beans with butter.
2. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Top with crispy onions and serve immediately!

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Wrapping Up – Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

The Campbell Soup Green Bean is more than just a side dish—it’s a holiday tradition loved by families for generations. With its rich, creamy texture, crispy onion topping, and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner, this dish never fails to impress!

Final Tips for a Perfect Green Bean Casserole

• Always drain your green beans well to avoid a watery texture.
• For extra flavor, try adding cheese or crispy bacon bits.
• Make it ahead of time and store it properly for easy holiday prep.

More Reader FAQs

Can I Make Green Bean Casserole in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Here’s how:

1. Mix all ingredients except crispy onions in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
3. Stir well, then sprinkle crispy onions on top just before serving.

How Do I Double This Recipe for a Large Crowd?

• Double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish (9×13 or bigger).
• Increase the baking time to 40-45 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

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