Are you looking for the perfect Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe for your next holiday gathering? This iconic dish has graced American tables for over 65 years, becoming a must-have Thanksgiving tradition that delights guests with its creamy texture and irresistible crunchy topping.
Why Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Remains a Classic
The enduring popularity of the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe comes from its magical combination of simplicity and flavor. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a side dish that consistently receives rave reviews. The secret lies in the perfect marriage of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, tender green beans, and those iconic crispy fried onions.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole
To make the classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1⅓ cups French’s Crispy Fried Onions
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
Quick & Easy Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Instructions
This Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and velvety.
Step 3: Add Green Beans
Fold the drained green beans into the soup mixture, ensuring each bean gets completely coated in the creamy goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes
- Remove, stir gently, then top with fried onions
- Return to oven for 5 more minutes until golden and bubbling
Pro Tip: For extra crispy onions, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ cup | 120 kcal | 12g | 3g | 7g |
Healthier Variations of Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole
The traditional Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe can be modified for dietary needs:
- Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to reduce calories
- Substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option
- Choose fresh green beans for increased fiber and less sodium
- Try baked onions instead of fried for reduced oil content
Perfect Pairings for Your Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole
This versatile side dish complements many main courses:
- Roasted turkey or chicken
- Holiday ham
- Meatloaf
- Prime rib
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving for an appealing color contrast and fresh flavor note.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole
Even with this foolproof Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe, watch out for these pitfalls:
- Overbaking can dry out your casserole
- Skipping the soy sauce removes important umami flavor
- Using undrained beans creates a watery texture
- Adding the onion topping too early can make it soggy
Storage and Reheating Tips
Your Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole leftovers (if you have any!) can be:
- Refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheated in the microwave (1-2 minutes) or oven (350°F until warm)
- Note: Freezing is not recommended as the onions lose their crispness
Frequently Asked Questions About Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes! For the best Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe with fresh beans, blanch 1 pound of trimmed green beans for 3-4 minutes in boiling water, then shock in ice water before adding to the mixture.
How can I make Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the casserole without the onion topping, refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours, then bake with an additional 5 minutes of cooking time. Add onions during the final 5 minutes of baking.
What substitutes work for Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup?
While the authentic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe calls for their mushroom soup, cream of celery soup or homemade mushroom sauce can work in a pinch.
Why is my green bean casserole watery?
Inadequately drained beans are usually the culprit. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing for best results.
Can I add protein to Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole?
Absolutely! Cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or even shredded chicken can transform this side into a heartier dish.
Conclusion
The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe has stood the test of time for good reason. Its perfect balance of creamy, savory flavors and contrasting textures makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s astonishingly simple to prepare. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of our suggested variations, this iconic dish deserves its place of honor on your holiday table.
Try this beloved Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole recipe at your next gathering and watch it disappear before your eyes!
