Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe

A close-up of a green bean casserole with crispy fried onions on top.

Why Campbell Green Bean Casserole is a Holiday Favorite

The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole is a timeless classic that has graced dinner tables for decades, especially during the holiday season. First introduced by Campbell’s test kitchen in 1955, this dish quickly became a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Its popularity lies in its simplicity, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, yet delivering a hearty and flavorful side dish that complements almost any main course.

The creamy, savory taste of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup combined with tender green beans and the crispy crunch of fried onions makes this dish irresistible. Over the years, variations have emerged to suit different tastes and dietary needs, but the original recipe remains a beloved favorite.

Whether you’re looking to recreate this dish for nostalgic reasons or trying it for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare the perfect green bean casserole.

Essential Ingredients for Campbell Green Bean Casserole

Before diving into the preparation steps, it’s essential to understand the key ingredients that make this dish a standout. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the traditional ingredients and their roles:

What Makes Campbell Green Bean Casserole Irresistible?

  1. Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • Role: The backbone of the casserole, providing creaminess and a rich, savory mushroom flavor.
    • Substitutions: You can use other creamy soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery for a slight twist.
  2. Green Beans
    • Role: The main vegetable in the dish, offering a fresh, tender texture that balances the creaminess.
    • Options:
      • Fresh Green Beans: Provide a vibrant color and crispness.
      • Canned Green Beans: Convenient and softer in texture, ideal for a quick preparation.
      • Frozen Green Beans: A middle ground between fresh and canned, offering both convenience and a firm texture.
  3. Crispy Fried Onions
    • Role: Add a signature crunch and a touch of savory sweetness to the dish.
    • Substitutions: Toasted breadcrumbs or panko can be used for a different type of crunch.

Enhance Your Campbell Green Bean Casserole with These Variations

While the traditional recipe is simple, you can elevate it with additional ingredients to suit your taste:

  1. Cheese
    • Add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor.
  2. Bacon Bits
    • Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon into the mixture for a smoky touch.
  3. Seasoning Variations
    • Experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Ingredient Proportions (Traditional Recipe)

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup.
  • 4 cups of cooked green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen).
  • 1 1/3 cups of crispy fried onions.
  • 1/2 cup of milk (for diluting the soup and achieving the right consistency).
  • Salt and Pepper to taste.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the ingredients, you’re ready to start preparing this classic dish.

How to Make the Perfect Campbell Green Bean Casserole

Preparing the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole is straightforward and quick, making it an ideal side dish for busy occasions. This step-by-step guide ensures you’ll achieve a delicious and well-balanced casserole every time.

Preparation Steps

  1. Gather Your Ingredients
    • Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients: Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, green beans (fresh, canned, or frozen), crispy fried onions, milk, and any optional additions such as cheese or spices.
  2. Prepare the Green Beans
    • Fresh Green Beans: Wash thoroughly, trim the ends, and blanch in boiling water for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to preserve their color and texture.
    • Canned Green Beans: Drain and rinse to reduce sodium content.
    • Frozen Green Beans: Allow them to thaw at room temperature or blanch briefly to remove excess moisture.
  3. Mix the Sauce
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup with the milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
    • Add salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Combine the Ingredients
    • Add the prepared green beans to the soup mixture. Toss gently to ensure the green beans are evenly coated.
    • If using optional ingredients like cheese or bacon bits, mix them in at this stage.

Baking Instructions

A green bean casserole fresh out of the oven with golden, crispy onions.
  1. Prepare the Baking Dish
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 inches recommended) with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Layer the Casserole
    • Pour the green bean mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
    • Top with 2/3 of the crispy fried onions, saving the remaining 1/3 for later.
  3. Bake the Casserole
    • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld.
  4. Add the Final Crunch
    • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
    • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Let It Rest
    • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to portion.

Presentation Tips

  • For an appealing presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese just before serving.
  • Serve directly from the baking dish or transfer to a decorative serving platter for special occasions.

With these detailed steps, you’re guaranteed to achieve a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful green bean casserole that everyone will enjoy.

Secrets to Elevating Your Campbell Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Creating the perfect Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole is both an art and a science. While the recipe is straightforward, these expert tips can help you refine the dish to ensure it’s as delicious as possible every time.

Choosing the Best Green Beans

  1. Fresh Green Beans
    • Fresh green beans offer the most vibrant color and firm texture.
    • Blanching them before use helps maintain their crispness while softening them slightly for baking.
  2. Canned Green Beans
    • Canned green beans are convenient and ready to use.
    • To improve their flavor and texture, drain and rinse them well before mixing with the other ingredients.
  3. Frozen Green Beans
    • Frozen green beans are a great middle-ground option. They retain their nutrients and are easy to store.
    • Thaw or blanch them before adding to the casserole to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

Enhancing Creaminess

  1. Using Extra Cream
    • For a richer casserole, mix in 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream with the soup and milk base.
  2. Incorporating Cheese
    • Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese can be stirred into the mixture or sprinkled on top for a gooey, flavorful twist.
  3. Seasoning the Sauce
    • Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of white pepper to elevate the flavor of the creamy base.

Getting the Perfect Crunch

  1. Timing Matters
    • To ensure the fried onions stay crispy, add most of them at the beginning of baking but reserve a portion for the final topping just before the dish is finished.
  2. Alternatives for Topping
    • If you run out of fried onions, you can use toasted breadcrumbs or a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese as a crunchy alternative.
    • For added flavor, toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter and herbs before sprinkling them on top.
  3. Prevent Soggy Toppings
    • Keep the casserole uncovered during the final minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up without trapping steam.

Balancing the Flavors

  1. Adjusting Salt Levels
    • Since canned soup and fried onions can be salty, taste the sauce mixture before adding salt.
    • Opt for low-sodium soup and green beans if you’re watching your sodium intake.
  2. Adding Fresh Herbs
    • Chopped parsley, thyme, or chives can add a fresh burst of flavor to the dish. Stir them into the mixture or use them as a garnish.
  3. Boosting Umami
    • A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can deepen the casserole’s savory notes without overpowering the original flavors.

Making It Crowd-Friendly

  1. Doubling the Recipe
    • For larger gatherings, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Be mindful of extending the cooking time to ensure even baking.
  2. Preparing Individual Portions
    • Divide the mixture into small ramekins or mini casserole dishes for personalized servings.
  3. Keeping It Warm
    • If serving at a buffet or holiday dinner, keep the casserole warm in an oven set to 200°F (93°C) until ready to serve.

With these tips, your casserole will be the highlight of any meal, satisfying even the pickiest eaters with its creamy, crunchy perfection.

Variations of the Recipe

The traditional Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole is beloved, but there’s plenty of room for creativity to suit different tastes and dietary needs. From vegetarian to vegan adaptations and regional twists, here are some exciting variations to try.

Vegetarian Version

For a meat-free version that stays true to the original’s comforting flavors:

  1. Ingredient Adjustments
    • Use Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup (vegetarian version) or a homemade mushroom soup with vegetable broth.
    • Substitute the crispy fried onions with gluten-free or organic fried onions, if needed.
  2. Enhance the Flavor
    • Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic to deepen the dish’s taste.
    • Sprinkle shredded cheese like Gouda or Gruyere for added creaminess.
  3. Optional Add-Ons
    • Include chopped walnuts or almonds for a nutty crunch.

Vegan Version

To make a vegan green bean casserole, swap out the dairy and animal-based products:

  1. Vegan Substitutes
    • Replace Campbell’s soup with a vegan-friendly mushroom soup (made with almond milk or coconut milk).
    • Use plant-based milk (e.g., soy, almond, or oat milk) to mix with the soup.
  2. Fried Onion Alternatives
    • Opt for store-bought vegan crispy onions or make your own by coating thinly sliced onions in flour and frying them until golden.
  3. Cheese-Free and Creamy
    • Blend cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and water to create a creamy, cheese-like sauce. Mix it with the soup base for a luxurious texture.
  4. Seasonal Additions
    • Add roasted vegetables such as butternut squash or sweet potatoes to make it more robust.

Holiday Variations

Transform your green bean casserole into a festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings:

  1. Thanksgiving Twist
    • Incorporate a cup of cooked and crumbled sausage for a rich, hearty casserole.
    • Top with dried cranberries and toasted pecans for a sweet-savory flair.
  2. Christmas Flair
    • Add shredded Gruyere or Fontina cheese for a sophisticated touch.
    • Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or sprinkle with nutmeg to evoke holiday flavors.
  3. Regional Holiday Additions
    • In the South, some families like to add cornbread crumbles to the casserole.
    • For a French-inspired version, stir in Dijon mustard and use crispy shallots as a topping.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

To make the casserole gluten-free while keeping its essence intact:

  1. Soup Swap
    • Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or create a homemade version using gluten-free flour as a thickener.
  2. Fried Onions
    • Replace traditional fried onions with gluten-free fried onions or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
  3. Crispy Texture Alternatives
    • Crushed gluten-free crackers or roasted chickpeas can provide a unique crunch.

Gourmet Version

Elevate the classic green bean casserole to impress guests:

  1. Premium Ingredients
    • Use fresh wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for a more intense mushroom flavor.
    • Substitute heavy cream for milk and mix in a splash of white wine or sherry for depth.
  2. Topping Innovations
    • Replace fried onions with a mix of caramelized shallots and toasted breadcrumbs flavored with fresh herbs.
    • Add Parmesan or Asiago cheese to the breadcrumb topping for a savory twist.
  3. Presentation
    • Layer the casserole in a shallow, decorative baking dish and bake until golden for an elegant table presentation.

These variations ensure there’s a version of the Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole to suit everyone’s taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a traditional family dinner or experimenting with bold new flavors, these twists will make your casserole memorable.

Explore more idea:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about green bean casserole, ensuring your dish turns out perfect every time.

How Many Cans Are 4 Cups of Green Beans?

The number of cans needed depends on the size of the can and whether it is labeled by weight or volume. Typically:

  • Standard Canned Green Beans: A standard 14.5-ounce can contains about 1 1/2 cups of green beans after draining.
  • To make 4 cups of green beans, you’ll need approximately 3 standard cans.

If you’re using fresh green beans, 1 pound of fresh green beans yields about 3 cups when trimmed and blanched, so you’ll need around 1 1/3 pounds to match the recipe requirements.

What Are the Ingredients in a Green Bean Casserole?

The classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole requires just a handful of ingredients, but the flavors are wonderfully rich and satisfying. Here’s the traditional ingredient list:

  1. Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup – Provides the creamy, savory base.
  2. Green Beans (4 cups) – Fresh, canned, or frozen, depending on preference.
  3. Crispy Fried Onions (1 1/3 cups) – Adds a crunchy and slightly sweet topping.
  4. Milk (1/2 cup) – Helps thin the soup for a smoother consistency.
  5. Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Balances the flavors.

Optional ingredients include shredded cheese, cooked bacon, or seasoning variations like garlic powder or paprika for a personalized twist.

Which Is Better in Green Bean Casserole: Canned or Frozen?

Both canned and frozen green beans work well in green bean casserole, but they have distinct characteristics that might influence your choice:

  1. Canned Green Beans
    • Advantages: Convenient and ready to use; already cooked and soft in texture.
    • Disadvantages: Can be overly soft and may lack the fresh, crisp texture of other options.
  2. Frozen Green Beans
    • Advantages: Closer in texture to fresh green beans; retains more nutrients during freezing.
    • Disadvantages: Requires thawing or blanching before use to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Verdict: If you prefer a more traditional, softer texture, go with canned green beans. For a fresher, firmer bite, frozen green beans are a better choice. Fresh green beans are ideal for those seeking a vibrant and crisp texture.

How Do You Keep Green Bean Casserole from Being Runny?

A runny casserole can detract from its creamy, comforting texture. Here are some tips to avoid this issue:

  1. Drain Excess Liquid
    • If using canned green beans, ensure they are well-drained and even patted dry with paper towels.
    • Thaw frozen green beans and remove excess moisture before adding them to the mix.
  2. Thicken the Sauce
    • Reduce the amount of milk slightly or use a thicker cream, such as heavy cream or sour cream, to mix with the soup.
    • Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce before combining it with the green beans.
  3. Avoid Overmixing
    • Mix the casserole ingredients gently to prevent breaking down the green beans, which can release water and thin the mixture.
  4. Bake Long Enough
    • Ensure the casserole bakes for the full recommended time, typically 30–35 minutes, to allow the sauce to thicken and set properly.

Following these steps will result in a perfectly creamy casserole with no excess moisture.

Conclusion

The Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole has stood the test of time as a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that appeals to all ages. Its blend of creamy mushroom soup, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making the classic version or experimenting with variations to suit dietary preferences or special occasions, this dish remains a versatile and beloved addition to any table.

By following the tips and tricks provided in this guide, you can ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner. Its simplicity, adaptability, and nostalgic appeal make it a recipe worth mastering and sharing with loved ones.