Classic Green Bean Casserole

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 lbs Green beans(Fresh or frozen (thawed) can be used. If using fresh, trim ends.)
• 2 10.5 oz cans Condensed cream of mushroom soup(Full-fat recommended for best flavor and texture.)
• 1/2 cup Milk(Whole milk is preferred, but 2% can be used.)
• 1 tsp Soy sauce(Adds a subtle umami depth. Can substitute with Worcestershire sauce.)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground is best, to taste.)
• 1.5 cups (about 5 oz) French fried onions(Divided. Use store-bought for convenience.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Cook the green beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling salted water for 5-7 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. If using frozen, cook according to package directions until just tender. Drain the green beans thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

   ⏱️ 10-15 minutes
3. 3

   Prepare the creamy sauce: In a large bowl, combine the two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth. Add 1 cup of the French fried onions to the sauce and mix gently.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Combine and transfer: Add the drained green beans to the bowl with the mushroom sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly. Pour the entire mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
5. 5

   Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

   ⏱️ 20-25 minutes
6. 6

   Add the crispy topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.

   ⏱️ 5-10 minutes
7. 7

   Serve hot: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓For a richer flavor, use fresh green beans and blanch them yourself.
• ✓Avoid overcooking the green beans in step 2; they will continue to cook in the oven.
• ✓Ensure the French fried onions on top are golden brown and crispy for the best texture.
• ✓Taste the sauce mixture before adding to the beans and adjust seasoning (soy sauce, pepper) if needed.

🔄 Variations

• For a 'from scratch' version, make your own mushroom cream sauce using fresh mushrooms, flour, butter, and broth.
• Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the casserole mixture or sprinkle on top with the onions for a smoky, savory twist.
• Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or garlic into the sauce for added depth of flavor.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving