Name: Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup or Cream of Celery Soup); 1/2 cup 2% milk; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 4 cups cooked cut green beans (use about 1 1/2 pounds of fresh green beans); 1 1/3 cups French's® French Fried Onions (amount divided in recipe steps)

Introduction to Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is more than just a holiday side dish; it's a delicious, versatile recipe that fits beautifully into the busy lives of young professionals. Imagine this: after a long day at work, you want something comforting yet quick to prepare. That's where this classic dish shines. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and only 40 minutes total cooking time, it’s perfect for those evenings when you want a tasty meal without the fuss.

Why Green Bean Casserole is Perfect for Young Professionals

This green bean casserole has earned rave reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 434 satisfied fans. It strikes the right balance between convenience and flavor, using simple ingredients like Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, fresh green beans, and French fried onions.

Not only is it a delightful addition to your dinner table, but it’s also an excellent option for meal prep. You can whip it up ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you're ready to sit down and enjoy. Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the recipe. Want to add a bit of crunch? Top it with toasted almonds or mix in some diced turkey bacon for an extra layer of flavor.

For those interested in exploring different ways of enhancing this dish, check out Campbell's Recipe for creative variations. You’ll find multiple tips to make it uniquely yours, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a potluck invite.

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole

Essential ingredients for a classic recipe

To create the traditional green bean casserole that everyone loves, you'll need a few key ingredients. Gather up:

1 can (10.5 ounces) of Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or try Cream of Celery Soup for a twist)
½ cup of 2% milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
4 cups of cooked, cut green beans (fresh or frozen)
1 ⅓ cups of French's® French Fried Onions (about half for mixing in and half for topping)

Make sure your green beans are either fresh or properly cooked if using frozen. This sets a solid flavor base for your casserole.

Optional ingredients for added flavor and texture

For an extra layer of deliciousness, consider incorporating some optional ingredients:

Toasted almonds: Add ¼ cup for a delightful crunch.
Chopped red pepper: Mix in ¼ cup for a pop of color.
Turkey bacon or chicken ham: Cooked and crumbled for a savory kick.
Italian flair: Try 4 ounces of diced pancetta with rosemary for a gourmet twist.

Feel free to get creative! Adding these enhancements can elevate your simple recipe into a family favorite. Interested in more recipe variations? Check out Campbell's Recipes for inspiration!

Step-by-step Preparation of Green Bean Casserole

Making a comforting green bean casserole can be a delightful experience that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a cozy dinner for two, this step-by-step guide will ensure you nail this classic dish. Let’s get started!

Preheat the oven and prepare your baking dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly. While the oven warms up, grease a 1 ½-quart oven-safe casserole dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray. This step not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle flavor to your dish.

Combine the base ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

1 can (10.5 ounces) of Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or Cream of Celery Soup for a twist)
½ cup of 2% milk
1 teaspoon of soy sauce

Whisk these ingredients together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This base creates the rich flavor that brings the casserole together! For extra oomph, consider adding a pinch of salt if you’re using unsalted soup—just a touch can enhance the overall flavor significantly.

Add the green beans

Next up, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the green beans. You can use about 4 cups of cooked cut green beans. If you prefer fresh, blanch about 1 ½ pounds of fresh green beans for 2-4 minutes until they're crisp-tender, then plunge them into ice water to lock in their vibrant color. Drain well and fold them into your creamy mixture, being careful not to break them. This is where the green bean casserole truly starts to take shape!

Layer on the onion topping

Here’s where you can get a bit creative! Divide your French's® French Fried Onions, using about ⅔ cup for the mix and reserving the rest. Fold the onions into the green bean mixture, adding a delightful crunch. Next, sprinkle the remaining onions generously on top. This will give your casserole that iconic crispy and golden-brown finish, elevating both flavor and texture.

Bake until bubbly and golden

Now it’s time to let the magic happen! Transfer your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbling. After that, stir the mixture gently and return it to the oven, sprinkling the reserved onions evenly on top. Bake for another 5 minutes until the onions are crisp and golden.

Once it's done, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Think of how delicious it'll be, capturing the essence of homecooked goodness with each bite!

Now you’ve created a homemade green bean casserole that not only tastes amazing but is also sure to impress. Enjoy your creation, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the reviews!

Variations of Green Bean Casserole

Italian-style Green Bean Casserole

Elevate your classic green bean casserole with an Italian twist! Start by sautéing 4 ounces of diced turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy. Add in onion and fresh rosemary for that fragrant touch. Combine this mixture with the traditional soup, milk, and green beans, and let it bake to perfection. Just before serving, sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano cheese to add a delightful richness. This variation infuses your casserole with flavors that will impress your family and friends during gatherings.

Vegetarian Green Bean Casserole

For a hearty vegetarian green bean casserole, simply swap out the turkey bacon for toasted almonds or even sautéed mushrooms. Incorporate a splash of vegetable broth for extra warmth and depth. You can also experiment with various herbs like thyme or sage. With this plant-based approach, you still maintain the comfort and creaminess without compromising flavor, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this beloved dish.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Green Bean Casserole

How to Achieve the Perfect Texture

For that ideal green bean casserole texture, blanch your fresh green beans for 2-4 minutes in boiling water before quickly cooling them in ice water. This method keeps them crisp-tender and retains their beautiful green hue. If you’re using canned or frozen beans, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your dish.

Tips for Making It in Advance

Looking to prep ahead? You can assemble your green bean casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, ensure to adjust the baking time, adding an additional 5-10 minutes if baking from cold. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

For more tips on making the perfect side dish, check out Food Network's guide for additional inspiration.

Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Casserole

Ideal pairings for a hearty meal

Looking to elevate your green bean casserole experience? Pair it with a succulent roast chicken or tender turkey bacon for a classic touch. Alternatively, serve it alongside lemon herb grilled salmon for a fresh twist. Don’t forget a side of fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread to complete the meal. You can also opt for a crisp salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing counterbalance.

Creative serving ideas

Step away from the ordinary! Try serving your green bean casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Top each serving with chopped toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some roasted red peppers or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an Italian flair. These small tweaks can truly elevate your dish and impress your guests. Explore more creative ideas on sites like Food Network and Serious Eats for inspiration!

Time Breakdown for Green Bean Casserole

Preparation Time

The preparation time for this delicious green bean casserole is just 10 minutes. It's a quick setup, making it easy to integrate into any dinner plan or holiday feast.

Cooking Time

Once prepped, you'll need about 25 minutes of cooking time in the oven. During this time, the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and savory dish.

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your scrumptious green bean casserole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering!

If you’re interested in customizing your green bean casserole further, check out popular options for ingredients and substitutions on Walmart, Target, or Amazon Fresh.

Nutritional Facts for Green Bean Casserole

Calories per Serving

Each serving of this delicious green bean casserole contains around 152 calories. This makes it a suitable side dish that won't derange your daily calorie intake!

Key Nutritional Information

This comforting dish isn't just tasty—it packs a nutritional punch, too:

Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g

With fresh green beans and a creamy base, this casserole not only pleases the palate but also provides essential nutrients. So, as you gather around the table, feel good knowing you're serving a dish that balances flavor and nutrition. For more details on the ingredients, check out the full recipe here.

Consider adding toasted almonds or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra twist—your guests will love the added crunch and flavor!

FAQ about Green Bean Casserole

Can I make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare green bean casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish up to the baking point, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. If it’s coming straight from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is easy! Just transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you have a larger portion, consider freezing individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Reheat in the oven for best results; this keeps the crispy onion topping intact!

What can I substitute in the recipe?
Feel free to get creative! Instead of the canned cream of mushroom soup, you can use homemade options or swap for cream of celery soup. To add a nutty crunch, toss in some toasted almonds. If you don't have 2% milk, alternatives like almond or soy milk work well, bringing their unique flavors to your dish.

For more tips and tricks related to green bean casserole, you might want to check out resources like The Spruce Eats and Food Network.

Conclusion on Green Bean Casserole

In conclusion, the green bean casserole is a classic dish that consistently delights. With its creamy sauce and crispy onion topping, it's the perfect side for any meal, especially during holidays. Give this recipe a try, and you'll see why it boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating!

For more delicious tips and variations, check out Campbell's Recipes.