My French’s Green Bean Casserole is the best version of the iconic Thanksgiving side. This classic recipe is packed full of green beans, and is topped off with cheese and crispy fried onions.
I love traditional holiday food and so does my family. A few favorites are my Prosciutto Brussel Sprouts and my Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole.
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Why My Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup Recipe is a Keeper
This Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe is pure comfort. Ours is one to bookmark because it uses simple ingredients, fast and is effortless.
- Effortless and Fast: The classic recipe is famously easy to assemble, taking only about 5-10 minutes of prep time. This makes it a stress-free addition to a large holiday meal.
- Simple Ingredients: It relies on a few pantry staples—canned green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and French’s crispy fried onions—making it accessible and budget-friendly.
- Nostalgic Comfort: For many, this casserole is a taste of childhood and a cherished part of family traditions. It’s a dish that brings people together and evokes a sense of home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy texture and crunchy topping are a combination that appeals to a wide range of tastes, ensuring it’s a hit with guests.
Can I Use Fresh Green Beans or Frozen Green Beans?
Sure. Make sure frozen green beans are thawed and pat dry so they’re not adding any extra cooking time or water to the dish.
Pro Tip for Mushroom Sauce
Deglaze with a splash of white wine or broth for extra umami.
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Ingredient Notes for the Best Green Bean Casserole
All of the required ingredients for cream mushroom green bean casserole are easy to find at the store, but some of the ingredients may be around the kitchen already.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Green Beans: We are using canned green beans in this recipe, but feel free to use blanched fresh, tender green beans for brighter flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base of the sauce. Use Campbell’s cream of chicken for a savory twist.
- French’s Crispy Fried Onions: The signature crunchy topping—don’t skip them!
Variations and Substitutions for Canned Green Bean Casserole
This easy green bean casserole recipe is so versatile. I like to experiment with flavors by using different ingredients.
- From-Scratch: For a more elevated version, make your own cream of mushroom soup and crispy onions. This allows you to control the flavor and sodium content.
- Spices and Herbs: Add garlic powder, black pepper, a dash of soy sauce, or a pinch of thyme to the mixture for a deeper flavor.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, chopped onions, diced ham or cooked bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
- Toppings: While the fried onions are iconic, you can get creative with a topping of crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, panko, or even fried shallots.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soup and fried onions.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole without Cream of Mushroom Soup
This French onion green bean casserole comes together in just 3 quick and easy steps. This recipe is so good, I make this for special holiday meals.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Base: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, add green beans, cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, All Purpose Seasoning, half of the cheese and half of the French fried onions. Mix well.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer creamy mushroom sauce mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. When done, stir.
- Add the Toppings: Add the rest of the cheese and fried onions on top. Bake again until golden brown.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Easy Green Bean Casserole
I like to prepare ingredients ahead of time so that I don’t have to do all of the steps at once when I’m making dinner.
- A Day Ahead: You can mix the green beans, soup, and any other mix-ins in the casserole dish. Cover the casserole tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Do not add the fried onions yet.
- The Day Of: When you’re ready to bake, pull the casserole out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Bake it for the initial time, then add the onion topping for the last few minutes of baking to ensure they stay crispy.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Classic Green Bean Casserole
Make this recipe another way by using your air fryer or crock pot if your oven is occupied with something else.
- Slow Cooker: The casserole can be made in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients (except the onions) and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir in half the onions and then top with the rest for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Air Fryer: For a smaller portion, you can make this in an air fryer. This is a great way to get a perfectly crispy topping.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Side Dish
- Store: Leftover green bean casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The microwave will work, but it will soften the fried onions. For a crispier topping, you can add a fresh sprinkle of fried onions before serving.
- Using Leftovers: Mix in your favorite protein and leftover vegetables to make a new casserole.
Traditional Green Bean Casserole Recipe FAQS
The best way to avoid soggy onions is to add them to the mixture just before baking. You should also add the remaining onions on top just before baking again.
There is already cheese in this French’s green bean casserole recipe, but go ahead and substitute a different kind if you like.
Expert Tips for Making Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
- The Crispy Onions: The key to this dish is the crispy topping. Never add all the onions at the beginning of the baking process, as they will get soggy. Stir some of the onions into the casserole for flavor, but reserve a generous amount to add during the final 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Drain Your Beans: This cannot be stressed enough. Soggy green bean casserole is a common problem. Make sure the beans are drained thoroughly to prevent excess liquid.
- Don’t Over-Bake: Bake the casserole just until it’s hot and bubbly. Over-baking can make the beans mushy and the sauce too thick.
- Serve this With: Serve this Thanksgiving side recipe with Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole, Vintage Lime Cottage Cheese Jello Salad or Make Ahead Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes with Homemade Brown Gravy.
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Classic French’s Green Bean Casserole
Equipment
- Casserole Dish 1.5 quarts
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Ingredients
- 10 ½ ounces Cream of mushroom soup, 1 can
- 1 teaspoon Soy sauce
- 29 ounces Green beans, 2 cans, drained
- 6 ounces French’s French Fried Onions, divided
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- ½ teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning Blend
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a large bowl, stir the soup, soy sauce, green beans, half of the French fried onions, ½ cup of shredded cheese and All Purpose Seasoning Blend.
- Transfer mixture to a 1 ½-quart casserole dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes then stir the mixture.
- Top with remaining half of cheddar cheese and then the remaining French fried onions and bake for another 5 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Christina’s Notes
- Crispy Topping: Add fried onions in stages.
- Fresh Bean Option: Blanch before adding to casserole.
- Customize: Add cheese or bacon for a twist.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.