If you’re on the hunt for a dish that will bring your family together at the dinner table and leave everyone feeling warm and satisfied, then look no further than this classic old-fashioned green bean casserole. It’s a tried and true recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and for good reason!

With its creamy texture, crispy fried onions, and satisfying crunch, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish.

All you need are a few simple ingredients: canned green beans, cream of chicken soup, and those deliciously crispy fried onions. And once you’ve got everything together, it’s as simple as throwing it all in a casserole dish and popping it in the oven.

But don’t be fooled by its simplicity – this casserole is addictive! In fact, I make it all year round, but my family insists that it be a staple on our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why.

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS CLASSIC BEAN CASSEROLE

• To make a thicker casserole, try using an 8×8 or 8×10-inch pan.
• If you plan to feed a crowd, just double the recipe and use a 13×9-inch baking dish. You will need to increase the baking time when doubling the amounts to ensure the casserole is hot when serving.
• I used Cream of Chicken for this recipe, but I also used Cream of Mushroom and I love that variation too!

CAN I USE FRESH BEANS INSTEAD OF CANNED BEANS?

• You can make green bean casserole with canned green beans, fresh green beans, or frozen green beans. The choice is yours, although I prefer the canned beans as there is something delicious about the canned beans in this dish, maybe it’s the smooth texture and flavor of the added salt in the canned beans that has me hooked!
• If you end up using frozen or fresh beans, you should boil them until crisp-tender and then be sure to drain them well before continuing with the steps above.

CAN I MAKE THIS BEAN CASSEROLE AHEAD?

• You definitely can! I love making meals ahead of time, especially when it comes to busy seasons like the holidays.
  Just mix all the ingredients together and pour into your baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil until ready to bake. Just remember that since the ingredients are cold, you may need to bake the casserole a bit longer to heat it through.

CAN I STORE THE LEFTOVERS OF THE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE?

• I’d love to say that you can freeze this dish, but unfortunately, my experience is that cooked beans don’t hold up to freezing. The topping loses its crunchy crunch, so it’s best to eat leftover casserole within a few days of making it.
• The casserole can be stored in your refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Or you can make this fun Grilled Cheese with Green Bean Casserole!

Classic Green Bean Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion. Sauté for 3 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for 1 minute.
2. Pour in the soup and milk and stir.
3. Heat the mixture for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Do not boil.
4. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Add cheese.
5. Mix in the green beans, add ½ cup of the crispy onions and stir until well combined.
6. Pour the green bean mixture into a 9×13-inch pan.
7. Spread out in an even layer and top with the remaining 1 ¼ cup fried onions.
8. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.