Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole is a timeless holiday classic, bringing comfort and nostalgia to every festive table. Originally developed in the 1950s by Campbell’s Test Kitchen, this dish quickly became a Thanksgiving and Christmas essential. Its creamy texture, crispy onion topping, and savory flavors make it an all-time favorite.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook. You’ll learn step-by-step instructions, ingredient swaps, storage tips, and expert tricks to make this dish irresistible.

Now, let’s start with the history behind this legendary casserole!

Introduction & History

H2: The Story Behind the Classic Green Bean Casserole

Black-eyed peas, mac and cheese, and stuffing all have their place in holiday meals, but green bean casserole stands out. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory, making it a staple at Thanksgiving and beyond.

Who Invented Green Bean Casserole?

Back in 1955, Dorcas Reilly, a home economist at Campbell’s Soup Company, set out to create a simple, affordable side dish using ingredients most American households already had. She combined green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, unknowingly crafting a dish that would stand the test of time.

Today, Campbell’s estimates that over 20 million families serve green bean casserole every Thanksgiving.

Why is Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole So Popular?

Several factors make this dish a household favorite:

✅ Easy to Make: Requires only five simple ingredients.
✅ Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The perfect balance of savory and crunchy.
✅ Ideal for Gatherings: Serves a large number of people effortlessly.

With its rich history and simple preparation, this iconic dish is the ultimate holiday favorite.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

• 4 cups (or 2 cans) green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1⅓ cups crispy fried onions, divided

Instructions:

Step 1 – Prepare 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. Pour the mixture into 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 the remaining ⅔ cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
3. Bake for 5 more minutes, or until the onions turn golden brown.
4. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

✔️ How Do You Keep Green Bean Casserole from Being Runny?

• Drain your green beans completely to prevent excess moisture.
• Use full-fat soup and milk for a creamier consistency.
• Let it rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.

✔️ How Many Cans Are 4 Cups of Green Beans?

• 1 can (14.5 oz) of green beans = About 1¾ cups of beans (drained).
• To get 4 cups of green beans, you’ll need about 2¼ cans.

✔️ Storage & Reheating:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months (without crispy onions).
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, then add fresh crispy onions on top.

✔️ Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or glazed carrots for a complete holiday meal.

What Are the Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole? (PAA Question)

This casserole is famous for its simplicity. You only need five basic ingredients to create the classic version:

The Classic 5-Ingredient Recipe

1. Green Beans (4 cups or 2 cans) – Fresh, frozen, or canned all work.
2. Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can) – The signature creamy base.
3. Milk (½ cup) – Helps create a smooth consistency.
4. Crispy Fried Onions (1⅓ cups, divided) – Adds crunch and flavor.
5. Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the savory taste.

Best Substitutes for Each Ingredient

Want to customize the recipe? Try these alternatives:

• Green Beans: Swap for broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a twist.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Use cream of chicken, celery, or homemade béchamel sauce.
• Milk: Try almond, oat, or heavy cream for dairy-free or richer options.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Use Panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or toasted almonds for crunch.
• Soy Sauce: Substitute Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos for a different flavor profile.

What Soup is Used in Green Bean Casserole? (PAA Question)

Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is the traditional choice, but some prefer other creamy alternatives.

Why Cream of Mushroom Soup Works Best

• Earthy mushroom flavor pairs perfectly with green beans.
• Thick texture binds the casserole together.
• Campbell’s version is perfectly seasoned for this dish.

Other Soup Options for a Twist

Want to mix things up? Try these options:

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

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

How to Make Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole

This easy-to-follow guide will help you prepare a delicious, creamy, and crispy green bean casserole in just a few steps.

Step 1 – Prepping the Green Beans

• Fresh green beans? Trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
• Using frozen green beans? Thaw completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
• Canned green beans? Drain and rinse well to reduce sodium content.

Step 2 – Mixing Ingredients & Baking

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large 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. Pour the mixture into 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 the remaining ⅔ cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
3. Bake for 5 more minutes, or until the onions turn golden brown.
4. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How Do You Keep Green Bean Casserole from Being Runny? (PAA Questions

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

The Secret to a Perfectly Thick Sauce

• Drain green beans thoroughly – Excess liquid makes the casserole too thin.
• Use full-fat soup and milk – This keeps the consistency creamy and rich.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow thickening.

Tips for Avoiding a Watery Casserole

• Don’t overbake – Too much heat can cause the mixture to break down.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch if the mixture appears too thin before baking.
• Use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned, as they hold less water.

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve Green Bean Casserole for Maximum Flavor

This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven, but you can enhance its taste with a few serving tricks.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With

• Roast Turkey or Chicken – A holiday classic.
• Mashed Potatoes & Gravy – For a comforting meal.
• Stuffing or Cornbread – Adds a hearty texture contrast.
• Glazed Carrots or Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Brings in a touch of sweetness.

Making It Ahead for Holiday Gatherings

Want to save time on the big day? Here’s how to make this dish ahead without losing flavor:

• Assemble the casserole but do not bake it yet.
• Cover 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 before baking as usual.
• Add the crispy fried onions only in the last 5 minutes of baking to keep them crunchy.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, follow these storage and reheating tips to keep them fresh.

Refrigerating for Short-Term Storage

• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

• Place in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Tip: If freezing, do not add 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. Uncover and bake 5 more minutes to crisp up the topping.
• Microwave (Quick Method): Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally. Add fresh crispy onions on top for texture.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

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

• Stir in 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? (PAA Question)

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?

• At room temperature: No more than 2 hours.
• For food safety, always store leftovers in the fridge as soon as possible.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Wrapping Up – Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

The Campbell Soup Bean Casserole 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.

What’s Your Favorite Twist on Green Bean Casserole?

Now it’s your turn! Do you prefer the classic recipe, or do you like to add a creative twist? Have you ever tried making it with fresh green beans or a different soup base?

💬 Leave a comment below and share your favorite way to make green bean casserole! We’d love to hear your tips and variations.

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