Oh, let me tell you about the magic of easy green bean casserole! This dish is pure comfort food, and I swear it brings everyone together at the dinner table, especially during the holidays. It’s one of those classic side dishes that never fails to impress, and the best part? You can whip it up in just about 45 minutes! I remember my grandma making it for every Thanksgiving, and the smell of that bubbling casserole would fill the house with warmth and nostalgia. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious—perfect for gatherings or a cozy family night in!
Ingredients
- 2 cans of green beans, drained
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of crispy fried onions
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden brown color we all crave. While the oven is heating up, you can get everything else ready!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, grab those drained green beans and add in the can of cream of mushroom soup, a cup of milk, and a teaspoon of soy sauce. Now, here’s the fun part: toss in half of those crispy fried onions too! Stir everything together until it’s well combined. I love how creamy this mixture gets—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Next, pour that delicious mixture into a baking dish. You can use a 9×13 inch dish, but any oven-safe dish will do! Just make sure to spread it out evenly so it cooks perfectly. You’re almost there!
Bake the Casserole
Now, pop that dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. This is when the magic happens! Keep an eye on it, and look for those lovely bubbles forming around the edges. That’s the sign that your casserole is on its way to greatness.
Add Remaining Fried Onions
Once the first baking time is up, take it out and stir in the remaining crispy fried onions. This will give it that extra crunch we all love! Spread them out evenly on top, and get ready for the final bake.
Final Baking
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden brown on top—just like a picture-perfect holiday dish! When it’s done, take it out and let it cool slightly before serving. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you’re probably curious about the nutritional side of this easy green bean casserole! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (which is about 1/6 of the casserole):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on brand choices and portion sizes. But hey, it’s a deliciously creamy side dish that won’t break the calorie bank! Enjoy it guilt-free and savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen, even if you’re just starting out!
- Quick Preparation: With just about 45 minutes from start to finish, this casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the creamy texture and crunchy topping, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy onions creates a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Classic Comfort Food: It’s a nostalgic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, reminding you of family gatherings and holidays.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with different add-ins or variations to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your easy green bean casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to elevate your dish:
- Use Fresh Green Beans: If you have the time, opt for fresh green beans instead of canned. They bring a crisp texture and vibrant flavor that takes this casserole to the next level. Just steam them lightly before mixing in!
- Cheesy Goodness: For an extra creamy and indulgent casserole, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the mixture or on top before the final bake. Trust me, it adds a delicious cheesy layer that’ll have everyone raving!
- Don’t Skip the Bubbles: Make sure to keep an eye on your casserole while it’s baking. You want to see those lovely bubbles forming around the edges—this is key to knowing it’s cooked through and ready for the crispy topping!
- Even Layering: When you pour the mixture into the baking dish, take a moment to spread it out evenly. This ensures that every bite has that fantastic creamy filling and doesn’t leave any parts undercooked.
- Check for Doneness: After the baking time is up, give the casserole a gentle shake. If it jiggles too much, it might need a few more minutes. You want it to be firm and bubbly, with that gorgeous golden top!
- Let it Rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit more, making it easier to scoop out those perfect portions.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing easy green bean casserole that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Variations
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to put your own spin on this easy green bean casserole, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you! These variations can totally elevate the dish and make it your own:
- Herb Infusion: Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the mixture for a fragrant twist. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top before serving can also brighten the flavors!
- Cheesy Delight: For a cheesy version, mix in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese with the green beans. You can even sprinkle some on top for that extra golden crust!
- Bacon Bliss: If you’re a bacon lover, add some crispy crumbled bacon to the mix. It brings a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy casserole.
- Spicy Kick: Want to spice things up? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat. It’ll give your casserole a surprising and delightful kick!
- Nutty Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle some chopped almonds or walnuts on top before the final bake. It adds a beautiful crunch that everyone will love!
- Mushroom Medley: Mix in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. It complements the cream of mushroom soup beautifully and makes the dish even heartier.
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to experiment and find the combination that makes your taste buds sing. Enjoy creating your perfect easy green bean casserole!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers of your easy green bean casserole! First off, if you happen to have any leftovers (which might be a challenge because it’s so tasty!), let the casserole cool down a bit after baking. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and delicious for later!
You can store the casserole in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It should be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Now, when you’re ready to enjoy your casserole again, there are a couple of great reheating methods to keep that creamy goodness intact. If you’re reheating from the fridge, simply pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You might want to cover it with foil to prevent the top from browning too much. If you’re reheating from the freezer, it’s best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For a quick option, you can also use the microwave! Just place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely, and heat it in 30-second intervals until it’s warm. Just keep an eye on it to avoid any hot spots. No matter how you choose to reheat, you’ll be savoring that delightful easy green bean casserole all over again!
Leave a Comment
I’d love to hear from you! What did you think of this easy green bean casserole? Did it bring back some cozy memories for you? Maybe you tried a fun variation or added your own twist? Share your thoughts, experiences, and any tips you discovered while making it. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others who are excited to give this recipe a go! I can’t wait to read all about your delicious adventures in the kitchen!
Print
Easy Green Bean Casserole That Will Comfort Your Soul
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious green bean casserole recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of green beans, drained
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of crispy fried onions
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and half of the fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and stir in the remaining fried onions.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use fresh green beans.
- You can add cheese for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: easy green bean casserole, green bean recipe, casserole recipe
