Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe {with Frozen Green Beans}
Discover the best green bean casserole recipe using frozen green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. An easy green bean casserole for any occasion!
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe (Using Frozen Green Beans)
I first used this recipe after finding an original recipe in my grandmother’s cookbook. She always swore it was by far the best Green Bean Casserole Recipe dish for the holidays. When I made this recipe for Thanksgiving with Frozen Green Beans, I realized how much I love this recipe: it’s comforting, simple, and easily adaptable. People often call it a traditional green bean casserole, but I enjoy adding my own twists—like a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion toppings—to make it extra special.
Ingredients in This Recipe ⬇️
If you’re eager to make this green bean casserole, let me show you why it’s a wonderful recipe. It uses frozen green beans (though you can also use fresh green beans or canned green beans), a blend of mushroom soup and fried onion layers, plus a few optional add-ins like cream of chicken soup or cream of celery. Personally, I see it as an easy recipe you can whip up for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. It’s also the perfect side dish for main courses like Pizza Burger Pie or Crispy Baked Chicken Wings.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Frozen Green Beans?
Many people know the classic green bean casserole as something reminiscent of campbell’s green bean casserole, but I’ve tried to create a fresher version. You simply use frozen french style (or cuts) for convenience. I like how they keep a bright green color and don’t require much prep. This green bean casserole recipe is also flexible if you’d rather use canned green beans or fresh green beans instead.
Chef’s Tip: 🧊 Thaw your frozen green beans thoroughly and pat them dry. Extra moisture can dilute the creamy sauce and prevent that bubbly, thick consistency.
To make the green bean dish:
- Thaw the frozen french style green beans or pat them dry if they’re very icy.
- Stir them into a sauce of cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, and, if you like, extra mushroom slices.
- Add the green beans to a casserole dish and bake until bubbly.
- Top with the fried onions in the last minutes of baking.
I once used frozen green beans and quickly realized they’re ideal for a casserole with frozen veggies. They maintain structure, helping you avoid mushiness. Best of all, you can get them any time of year.
What Ingredients Do You Need for This Recipe?
This recipe for green bean casserole relies on just a few basics:
- Frozen green beans (1-7x usage overall, but specifically we’ll mention it once more here)
- Cream of mushroom soup (store-bought or homemade cream of mushroom soup)
- Fried onion toppings (like crispy fried onions or french-fried onions)
- A splash of soy sauce
- Optional add-ins: cream of chicken soup or cream of celery for extra depth
That’s pretty much it. For a bolder taste, you can stir in extra mushroom slices or a pinch of pepper. If you prefer a fully green bean casserole from scratch, you can create a creamy sauce by sautéing mushroom in butter and flour, then adding milk. It’s a little more work, but definitely rewarding.
Pro Advice: 🍲 If you crave a richer dish, swap out some (or all) of the milk for half-and-half. It adds extra body and smoothness to the sauce.
How to Prepare the Green Bean Mixture?
The green bean mixture is the heart of this dish. Here’s how I do it:
- Add the mushrooms and cook them in a pan if you want a chunkier texture.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup with soy sauce in a bowl.
- Gently fold the green beans in to form a cohesive blend.
If you use fresh green beans, quickly boil them to make blanched green beans before mixing. If you use canned, drain them well. This step ensures tender green beans that aren’t too watery.
What is the Best Method to Bake Green Bean Casserole?
- Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease your casserole dish. Spread the green bean mixture inside.
- Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until the whole casserole is hot and bubbling.
- Add the fried onions—or onions on top—in the final 5 minutes. This way they stay crispy without scorching.
I find that adding the crispy onions late is key to perfect texture. Some folks, however, like onions in the casserole early for extra flavor. Both approaches work.
Can You Make This Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can. For busy holidays, it’s a lifesaver. Just prepare the assembled casserole minus the topping and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and finish with fried onions on top. It’s a really easy green bean casserole to manage.
If you’re searching for more dinner ideas, check out Detroit Style Pizza or Louisiana Chicken Pasta—both pair nicely.
Expert Trick: 🍄 Give fresh mushrooms a quick sauté with a little butter and garlic before stirring them into the casserole. This step unlocks more mushroom flavor without extra effort.
How to Store Green Bean Casserole for Later?
If you have leftovers, cover them tightly or use an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a casserole dish at 350°F until warm. For extra crunch, sprinkle more crispy fried onions right before serving.
Is It Possible to Freeze Green Bean Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this dish, though the tenderness of canned green beans (or even frozen) might shift. It’s best to freeze the casserole without the onion topping, then thaw overnight. That way you can add fresh toppings before reheating and maintain the crunch.
🔥 Quick Tip: 🍛 For a zesty spin, add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce directly to the mushroom soup mixture. It rounds out the savory profile nicely.
What Makes This the Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe?
People often say it’s the best green bean casserole they’ve tasted because of the flavors. I also hear it called the best green bean casserole i’ve shared. The mushroom base, combined with a crispy finish, adds a comforting depth. My aunt says it reminds her of a classic green bean casserole but with a more robust taste—closer to best green bean casserole ever territory.
If you need a recipe to feed a larger crowd, you can easily scale up. When I made this recipe for Thanksgiving last year, I realized it was a hit. That’s when my mom called it the perfect green bean casserole for any holiday meal.
How Does Using Frozen Green Beans Affect the Texture?
When you use frozen, you often get a reliable outcome. Frozen green beans are typically flash-frozen at their peak, meaning you keep that bright green color and a firmer bite. I like that they don’t require extra steps, unlike fresh green beans which you might need to green beans and cook in boiling water first.
Why is Mushroom Sauce Essential for Flavor?
A rich mushroom sauce—or cream of mushroom soup—brings everything together. It coats the beans in a creamy sauce that’s savory but not overwhelming. Sometimes I add a little soy sauce for extra depth. If you want variety, consider mixing cream of chicken soup with your mushroom soup, or even a bit of cream of celery. These subtle shifts can transform the taste without losing the essence of green bean casseroles we all love.
Can You Double This Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely double the recipe. I do this whenever I need a recipe to feed more than six people. Doubling simply means adding more cans of green beans (if you use canned) or more packs of frozen green beans. You might also want extra fried onion topping and an additional casserole dish.
How to Adjust Ingredients for Larger Portions?
- Add more cream of mushroom soup or your preferred cream.
- Increase the fried onion topping to maintain that crunchy finish.
- If you choose to use fresh GB, just buy double the amount and do the same prep steps.
Watch your baking time. A bigger batch might take a few extra minutes in the oven.
What Size Casserole Dish Should You Use?
A 9×13-inch pan is good for a standard batch. If you double the recipe, you might use two pans or one very large dish to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding could lead to uneven browning on french-fried onions.
How to Use Canned Green Beans Instead of Frozen?
If you prefer to use canned green beans instead of frozen, it’s still a great recipe. Canned cut green beans make the process faster because they’re already cooked. Just drain well. Some folks say they taste like campbell’s green bean casserole, which is always a comforting vibe.
Chef’s Tip: 🍀 Mix a small handful of the crispy onions into the casserole base. This trick disperses the onion crunch throughout, rather than just on top.
What are the Pros and Cons of Using Canned vs Frozen?
- Canned:
- Pros: Ready to go, soft texture, no blanching
- Cons: Can be salty, sometimes less fresh flavor
- Frozen:
- Pros: Often keeps a bright green color, fresher taste
- Cons: Requires thawing, might release some extra liquid
How to Adapt the Recipe for Canned Green Beans?
Simply drain, then add the green beans to your mushroom soup mixture. Follow the same baking instructions. This method is especially good if you’re short on time. I once made a version with green beans instead of canned fresh ones, and the recipe was easy to follow even for a novice cook.
What are Tips to Make a Homemade Green Bean Casserole from Scratch?
If you want a full green bean casserole from scratch, you can skip the canned soup. Make a creamy mushroom sauce yourself:
- Add the mushrooms and cook them with butter, then whisk in flour and milk.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the sauce into fresh green beans or frozen green beans.
It’s a simple recipe that feels extra homemade. Some also love adding cheese or garlic for a unique twist.
How to Prepare a Homemade Mushroom Sauce?
- Sauté chopped mushroom in butter with a little salt.
- Add flour to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk or broth, stirring until thick.
This can serve as an alternative to cream of mushroom soup. It’s the secret to a green bean casserole i’ve ever adored, especially when I want a casserole tasting super fresh.
Pro Advice: 🧅 If using fresh green beans, blanch them in salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then shock in ice water. This method keeps them vibrant green and partially tender.
What Fresh Ingredients Can Enhance Your Green Bean Casserole?
- Fresh green beans instead of frozen or canned for a crisp bite
- A touch of onion powder or garlic
- A handful of shredded cheese for extra creaminess
- French green beans if you want slender, elegant beans
With these small tweaks, you can easily create your own homemade green bean casserole. Some people call it the best green bean casserole i’ve served so far.
Expert Trick: 🍽️ Planning ahead? Assemble the casserole minus the fried onion topping and refrigerate. Just add onions and bake when ready—ideal for hectic holiday cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Green Bean Casserole
❓ How to make green bean casserole?
To make green bean casserole, mix green beans with cream of mushroom soup and milk, top with crispy fried onions, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
❓ How long to cook green bean casserole?
Green bean casserole typically takes 25-30 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. Add extra crispy onions on top for the last 5 minutes.
❓ Can you make green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without adding fried onions, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the onions just before baking for the best texture.
❓ Can I freeze green bean casserole?
Yes, you can freeze green bean casserole before baking. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before baking.
❓ How many cans of green beans do I need for green bean casserole?
A classic recipe usually requires 2 to 3 cans (14.5 oz each) of green beans, depending on the serving size and desired thickness.
Conclusion
Whether you try this as a green bean casserole in advance or make it right before dinner, you’ll soon see why I consider it the best green bean casserole recipe. It has the cozy charm of a traditional green bean casserole but allows for personal flair. In fact, some say it’s the best green bean casserole i’ve ever prepared. From cut green beans in cans to use fresh green beans, every approach works. If you need to double the recipe for a crowd, go for it.
I love sharing this recipe
Love this recipe because it’s so adaptable and crowd-pleasing. Serve it with Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas or Chicken Madeira for a comforting dinner spread. And if you’d like more main-course inspiration, check out Detroit Style Pizza or Homemade Hamburger Helper in the Dinner Ideas category.
If you want the best green bean casserole ever, give this a try—some even call it a perfect green bean casserole. Just remember to keep onions on top near the end, or else you might lose that crunch. Sometimes I return the casserole back to the oven for just a few extra minutes to brown the topping. That final touch always makes me smile. Now, let’s assemble the casserole and see how it turns out for you.
🔥 Quick Tip: 🍮 Sprinkle a little shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) over the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to form a melty, golden layer beneath the onion crunch.
A Crowd-Pleasing “gb casserole” for Your Next Gathering
If you’re looking for a hearty dish to wow your guests, try this recipe I like to call “gb casseroleI found this recipe in an old family cookbook, and it quickly became a favorite since this casserole uses basic ingredients. Because I prefer organic green beans, I wanted the freshest option when the recipe called for me to add green beans.
Last year, I made it for Thanksgiving, and everyone asked for seconds! To give it a crunchy finish, I always add the french onions before popping it in the oven, then sprinkle extra french onions on top at the end. Don’t forget to add the fried onions during the final five minutes of baking, and for extra crispiness, add the fried onions one more time right before serving.
Recipe Card
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350°F. |
| 2 | Combine cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, and optional cream of chicken soup or cream of celery. Add sautéed mushroom if desired. |
| 3 | Add the green beans (e.g., frozen green beans or canned cut green beans). Stir to create a green bean mixture. |
| 4 | Pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake about 25 minutes. |
| 5 | Top with the fried onions or french-fried onions and bake 5 more minutes. |
Try this for a holiday meal or any night you crave comfort food. It’s a make green bean casserole process that’s quick yet rewarding. Don’t be surprised if friends call it the best green bean casserole i’ve ever had. Enjoy.
Ultimate Creamy Green Bean Casserole (with a Crispy Onion Topping)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium Skillet (optional if you want to sauté mushrooms)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- 9x13-inch Casserole Dish
- Oven (preheated to 350°F)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds frozen green beans thawed and patted dry
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or homemade if preferred)
- ½ cup milk any type works
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce adds a subtle savory note
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms optional, for extra texture
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions divided; half for mixing, half for topping
- Optional ¼ cup grated cheddar or parmesan (for a cheesy twist)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- If you’re adding fresh mushrooms, you can sauté them briefly in a medium skillet with a little oil or butter, then stir them into the sauce.
- Mix in the Green Beans
- Add the thawed frozen green beans to the sauce.
- Stir in ½ cup of the crispy fried onions (this helps distribute flavor throughout).
- Make sure the beans are coated evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Pour the green bean mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until it’s bubbling around the edges.
- Add the Crispy Topping
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven.
- Sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. If you want a cheesy touch, add ¼ cup grated cheddar or parmesan before the fried onions.
- Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just until the topping is golden and crunchy.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for a minute or two, then bring it to the table.
- Serve warm and watch your guests dive in!
Video
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Extra Creaminess: Swap the milk for half-and-half or heavy cream if you want a richer sauce.
- Fresher Flavor: Use fresh green beans by blanching them for 3–4 minutes in boiling water, then proceed with the recipe.
- Make Ahead: Assemble everything except the fried onion topping. Cover and refrigerate. Add the topping right before baking.
- Sautéed Onions or Garlic: For more savory depth, sauté diced onions or garlic, then fold them into the mixture.
- Cheesy Variation: Mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a velvety twist.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chef Marcy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
