Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Timeless Holiday Favorite

Have you ever wondered why the classic Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe continues to be the most requested side dish at holiday gatherings year after year?This Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe is the gold standard for holiday sides thanks to its creamy texture and universal appeal. Is it the creamy mushroom sauce, the crispy onion topping, or the perfect balance of textures that makes this dish so irresistible?

This Campbell Soup green bean casserole recipe has stood the test of time as a holiday essential in American homes.

This beloved casserole has graced American tables since the 1950s when it was created in the Campbell’s test kitchen .

The beauty of this Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that consistently delights guests and complements any main course.

Let’s dive into how to make green bean casserole the Campbell’s way, with some modern twists and expert tips to elevate this classic to new heights.

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating the perfect Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe, loved by generations for its simplicity. The classic recipe requires minimal shopping but delivers maximum flavor:

Whether you’re making this Campbell Soup green bean casserole recipe for Thanksgiving or a weeknight dinner, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup – The foundation of our casserole’s creamy texture and savory flavor. Substitute with Cream of Celery for a different flavor profile.
• 1 cup milk – Whole milk creates the richest texture, but any milk works. For a dairy-free option, try unsweetened almond or oat milk.
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce – Adds umami depth. Worcestershire sauce or tamari make excellent alternatives.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground provides the best flavor.
• 4 cups cooked cut green beans – About 2 (14.5 oz) cans, drained, or 1.5 pounds fresh beans, trimmed and halved.
• 1⅓ cups French’s® Crispy Fried Onions – Divided for mixing and topping. For a homemade version, thinly slice and fry 1 medium onion until golden and crisp.

Timing

Creating this holiday favorite is surprisingly efficient, making it perfect for busy celebration days:

Preparation time: 10 minutes – 40% less prep time than many other side dishes, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal.

Cooking time: 30 minutes – The casserole bakes to perfection while you attend to other dishes.

Total time: 40 minutes – From start to finish, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing side dish ready in less time than it takes to roast a turkey breast.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds:

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab a 1.5-quart casserole dish or baking dish. No need to grease it—the creamy mixture prevents sticking naturally.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated. This base provides the rich, savory foundation that makes this casserole so comforting.

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Step 3: Add the Green Beans and Onions

Gently fold in the green beans and ⅔ cup of the crispy fried onions. The key here is to mix thoroughly but gently to coat all beans without breaking them. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of creaminess and texture.

Step 4: Transfer and Bake

Pour the mixture into your casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges. The initial bake allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ⅔ cup of crispy fried onions over the top. This layer creates the signature crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown. Watch carefully during this final stage to prevent burning—the difference between perfectly toasted and overdone can be just a minute or two. This final touch completes your Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe with the signature crunch everyone looks forward to.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content helps you plan your meal accordingly. Each serving (approximately ½ cup) of the traditional Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe contains:

Calories: 161 calories per serving

Total Fat: 9g (14% DV), with 2g saturated fat (10% DV)

Cholesterol: 5mg (2% DV)

Sodium: 530mg (23% DV) – One of the higher sodium components of a holiday meal

Total Carbohydrates: 17g (6% DV), including 3g dietary fiber (11% DV) and 4g sugars

Protein: 3g

Vitamin A: 6% DV

Vitamin C: 8% DV

Calcium: 8% DV

Iron: 4% DV

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can enjoy this classic with some thoughtful modifications that maintain its beloved flavor profile. Whether you’re making a traditional version or a lighter twist, the Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe adapts beautifully to dietary needs.

Lower sodium option: Use Campbell’s Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup, which contains 45% less sodium than the original. This simple swap reduces the overall sodium content significantly.

Reduced fat version: Substitute low-fat milk for whole milk and use light cream of mushroom soup. These changes can cut the fat content by nearly a third without sacrificing creaminess.

Fresh ingredient upgrade: Replace canned green beans with 1.5 pounds of fresh green beans, blanched for 5 minutes in boiling water then shocked in ice water. This enhances both nutrition and texture.

Gluten-free adaptation: Look for gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and certified gluten-free crispy onions. Pacific Foods and Progresso offer excellent gluten-free soup options.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your green bean casserole experience with these serving ideas:

Classic holiday pairing: Serve alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for the quintessential Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. The casserole’s creamy texture complements the other traditional dishes perfectly.

Weeknight dinner companion: Pair with a simple roasted chicken and quick-cooking quinoa for a balanced family meal that comes together in under an hour.

Potluck presentation: Transfer to a decorative casserole dish with handles for easy transport and serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for an elegant touch that signals homemade care.

Make-ahead strategy: Prepare the casserole without the final topping of fried onions, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the onions and bake just before serving. This makes holiday meal coordination much more manageable.

Looking for more comforting holiday dishes? Try our delicious Pastina Soup Recipe – a warm, cozy starter that pairs beautifully with any holiday casserole.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can improve their green bean casserole by avoiding these pitfalls:

• Overcooking the green beans: Whether using canned, frozen, or fresh beans, remember they’ll continue cooking in the oven. For fresh beans, blanch just until bright green but still crisp.
• Adding onion topping too early: Incorporating all the crispy onions at the beginning results in a soggy topping. Always reserve some for adding during the final minutes of baking.
• Underbaking the casserole: The mixture should be bubbling at the edges before adding the final onion layer. This ensures the sauce has thickened properly.
• Skipping the rest period: Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes before serving. This slight cooling helps the sauce set to the perfect consistency.
• Not adjusting liquid for fresh beans: Fresh green beans contain more moisture than canned. If using fresh, reduce the milk by 2-3 tablespoons to prevent a watery casserole.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Maximize convenience and minimize waste with these storage strategies:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the ingredients meld together, making this an excellent make-ahead dish.

Freezing: While you can freeze the completed casserole, the texture of the onion topping will suffer. For best results, prepare the bean and soup mixture without the onion topping, freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw, add fresh onions, and bake.

Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes rather than using a microwave. Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent over-browning, then remove for the final minutes to re-crisp the top.

Individual portions: For meal prep convenience, portion leftovers into single-serving containers. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes, then place under the broiler for 1 minute to restore some crispness to the top.

Conclusion

The Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe has earned its place as a beloved tradition for good reason. Its perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness with that signature crispy topping creates a dish that satisfies across generations.

Whether you stick to the classic preparation or experiment with some of our suggested variations, this Campbell soup green bean casserole recipe will always deliver dependable results. this timeless recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort—exactly what we need during busy holiday seasons or weeknight dinners.

Have you tried making this iconic casserole? We’d love to hear your family’s traditions or special twists on this classic! Share your experiences in the comments below, or tag us in your holiday feast photos. Happy cooking!