Campbell's Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, crunchy holiday classic made with green beans, mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Easy to prepare and perfect for Thanksgiving dinners.
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Campbell's Green Bean Casserole is one of the most beloved holiday side dishes in America. Made famous by the use of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, this creamy, crunchy, and comforting casserole has been a staple at Thanksgiving tables for decades.
Created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly in the Campbell’s test kitchen, this simple recipe combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and crispy fried onions for the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Whether you’re preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving comfort food, this easy green bean casserole recipe delivers every time.
Why This Campbell's Green Bean Casserole Recipe Is So Popular
✔ Uses simple pantry ingredients
✔ Ready in under 40 minutes
✔ Creamy inside, crispy topping
✔ Perfect holiday side dish
✔ Budget-friendly recipe
✔ Easily customizable
This recipe continues to trend every year because of its nostalgic flavor and foolproof method.
Ingredients for Campbell's Green Bean Casserole
Classic Ingredients:
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked cut green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 ⅓ cups French fried onions (divided)
Step-by-Step Method – How to Make Campbell's Green Bean Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl:
- Combine cream of mushroom soup
- Add milk and black pepper
- Stir until smooth
Step 3: Add Green Beans
- Fold in green beans
- Add ⅔ cup crispy fried onions
- Mix gently
Step 4: Bake
- Pour mixture into a 1½-quart casserole dish
- Bake for 25 minutes
Step 5: Add Crispy Topping
- Remove from oven
- Sprinkle remaining fried onions on top
- Bake 5 more minutes until golden brown
Step 6: Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 540 mg |
Health & Nutrition Breakdown
While Campbell's green bean casserole is considered comfort food, it does offer some nutritional benefits:
Green Beans
- Good source of vitamin C
- Contains fiber
- Low in calories
Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Adds creaminess and flavor
- Provides small amounts of protein
Crispy Fried Onions
- Adds texture and flavor
- Higher in fat (best enjoyed in moderation)
Fresh vs Canned Green Beans – Which Is Best?
Fresh Green Beans
- Firmer texture
- Brighter flavor
Canned Green Beans
- Softer texture
- Traditional taste
- Quickest option
Frozen Green Beans
- Convenient
- Balanced texture
For the classic Campbell's version, canned green beans are most traditional.
Pro Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole
- Blanch fresh beans for 5 minutes before using.
- Use whole milk for richer flavor.
- Add shredded cheddar for a cheesy twist.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Season with garlic powder for added flavor.
Variations of Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
1. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Mix in crispy bacon bits.
3. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free fried onions and soup substitute.
4. Homemade Cream Sauce Version
Replace canned soup with a homemade mushroom cream sauce.
What to Serve with Green Bean Casserole
- Roast turkey
- Baked ham
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
It pairs especially well with traditional Thanksgiving menus.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze up to 1 month (without onion topping).
Reheat: Bake at 325°F until warmed through.
Make Ahead Tip: Prepare casserole base a day before, refrigerate, and add fried onions before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes. Assemble without topping, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
Why is my casserole watery?
Drain green beans well before mixing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a 9x13 baking dish and increase baking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
Campbell's Green Bean Casserole remains a timeless comfort food favorite for a reason. Creamy, crunchy, and incredibly simple, it’s the ultimate holiday side dish that brings tradition and flavor to every table.
Add this classic casserole to your Thanksgiving menu and enjoy a recipe loved for generations.