Green Bean Casserole

There’s a reason Green Bean Casserole hasn’t gone out of style since its invention… this classic, easy-to-make dish holds up!

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Ever wonder how certain recipes became staple household dishes? Before the days of food blogs, Pinterest, and Reels, long before there were even many cookbooks. I’m talking way back when we didn’t have the ease of air fryers and Instant Pots. Way back then, there was the Campbell’s Test Kitchen.

Yes, before the days of foodie influencers and bloggers, companies like Campbell’s hired people whose job was simply to invent new dishes using their products. In 1955, when fresh ingredients were less accessible and affordable, Campbell’s was on a mission to incorporate their products into low-cost, easy-to-make recipes for home cooks across America. And so, after a bit of testing, the iconic green bean casserole was born.

Traditionally made with canned green beans and Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, this dish quickly became a family favorite at dinners, parties, and holiday gatherings. Even today, green bean casserole can commonly be found at these events—and it’s rare for the cook to leave without anything but an empty baking dish.

No wonder! Green bean casserole is rich, flavorful, and if you ask me, absolutely irresistible. There are a million variations of this dish today, but I’ve decided to get back to basics with this simple, no-hassle recipe.

Is Green Bean Casserole Healthy?

Green beans are low in calories and high in nutrients, which is part of what makes this dish so highly sought-after! It’s a great way to incorporate veggies into your meal without compromising on flavor. If you want to cut back on calories and fat, opt for a light cream of mushroom soup. Additionally, to lower the sodium content, you can replace store-bought fried onions with your own homemade version. Green beans are packed with fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and so many more “ums” that actually taste yum!

Becoming a Casserole Casanova

Casseroles are one of my favorite things to serve when I want to impress guests with a home-cooked meal. They’re easy to make, don’t require a lot of attention, and my personal favorite thing about them? They can be made in one dish, which means easy clean-up! Casseroles were designed to be prepared ahead of time and popped in the oven when needed. Plus, they travel well, making them a great potluck or holiday dish. I encourage you to incorporate casseroles into your own repertoire of recipes. If you need inspiration, start with these 45 Healthy Casserole Recipes.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cut green beans, drained
10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
1 cup crispy fried onions
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Mix green beans, soup, milk, and half the onions; season.

Bake

Bake until bubbly, stir, add the rest of the onions, and bake until golden.

Devour!

How to Make Ahead and Store

Casseroles were designed to be prepared ahead of time. You can follow the recipe exactly, then pop your baking dish in the oven when you’re ready to casser-roll! You can also store your leftover casserole in the fridge for about 2 days. To reheat, just bake at 350°F until warm.

Serving Suggestions

Green bean casserole makes for an amazing centerpiece to any family dinner, but I recommend using it as a side to a protein for a more substantial meal. I’ve always loved pairing my casserole with white meat, like turkey or chicken. This Air Fryer Turkey Breast is as easy as it is tasty, and you can make it in the air fryer!

Green bean casserole also makes for a great addition to a holiday potluck, accompanying dishes like Bread Stuffing, Twice Baked Potatoes, and my personal favorite: Smoked Pork Tenderloin. While the holidays aren’t quite here yet, it’s never too early to start preparing your feast and getting in the spirit!

Let me know how your green bean casserole turns out!