Campbells Green Bean Casserole: Quick & Creamy Holiday Favorite

Campbells Green Bean Casserole is one of those iconic holiday dishes that instantly sparks a little nostalgia—and maybe a slight onion ring addiction. Whether you’re hosting a big family Thanksgiving or just want something easy and cozy on a chilly weeknight, this casserole delivers comfort in every bite. It’s creamy, crunchy, salty, and totally satisfying—aka the trifecta of holiday perfection.

And guess what? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef or spend all day in the kitchen. With just a few pantry staples (we’re lookin’ at you, canned green beans and mushroom soup), this classic comes together fast. So if you’ve got picky eaters or not enough time, Campbells Green Bean Casserole is your new best friend. Let’s dig in—spatula first, questions later.

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What is Campbells Green Bean Casserole?

Campbells Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish that dates back to the 1950s and was originally dreamed up in the Campbell’s test kitchen. It’s a mix of green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce, all topped with those irresistible crispy French fried onions. Think of it as the cozy sweater of side dishes—humble ingredients, warm flavor, and universally loved (yes, even by that one uncle who swears he hates vegetables).

Traditionally served during Thanksgiving and Christmas, this dish has become a staple in millions of homes because it’s budget-friendly, foolproof, and always a crowd-pleaser. Some folks even get creative and make it in the air fryer! No matter how you bake it, it’s the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy—making it a forever favorite.

Reasons to Try Campbells Green Bean Casserole

First off—Campbells Green Bean Casserole is fast. Like, “throw it together between soccer drop-off and dinner” fast. It uses mostly pantry staples, meaning no special grocery run required (bless). Second, it checks all the boxes for picky eaters: creamy texture, familiar flavors, and just enough crunch from the onions to keep things interesting. Third? It’s reliable.

This casserole shows up, does its job, and never lets you down. If you’ve ever burned a turkey or forgotten the rolls in the oven, you know how comforting that can be. Plus, if you want to experiment with twists—like roasted garlic or homemade cream sauce—you can totally go there. In fact, we’ve got a few delicious variations like this Roasted Garlic Green Bean Casserole or even French Onion Green Bean Casserole to inspire your remix.

Ingredients Needed to Make Campbells Green Bean Casserole

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 4 cups cut green beans (canned, fresh, or frozen)
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups crispy French fried onions (divided)

That’s it. No complicated spices, no mystery ingredients. Just the classics doing their thing.

Instructions to Make Campbells Green Bean Casserole

Making Campbells Green Bean Casserole is surprisingly easy, and this step by step guide will walk you through every detail so you can get that perfect creamy-crunchy balance without a hitch. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, these tips will help you get it just right—and possibly win over that one family member who “doesn’t like green beans.” Let’s get started.

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Let’s start with the base of the dish: the green beans. You’ve got options here—canned, frozen, or fresh—and each one needs a slightly different approach.

• Canned green beans: Simply open the cans and drain the beans well. Easy peasy.
• Frozen green beans: Thaw them completely, then pat them dry using a paper towel. You don’t want any excess water or your casserole may turn out soupy.
• Fresh green beans: Wash thoroughly, trim the ends, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Then blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes. This keeps them tender yet slightly crisp—exactly what you want. Drain them and pat dry.

Want a homemade green bean alternative using fresh ingredients and roasted garlic? Try our Homemade Green Bean Casserole recipe.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together one can of condensed cream of mushroom soup with ½ cup milk until the texture is smooth and creamy. You want zero lumps here.

Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for that signature umami flavor. This little splash packs a flavorful punch, adding just enough saltiness without overpowering the dish.

Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, then gently fold in the prepared green beans and 2/3 cup of crispy French fried onions (this is about half of your total onion stash). These onions get soft during baking and infuse flavor throughout the casserole.

Need a dairy-free version? You can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk—just keep it neutral in flavor.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Lightly spray a 9×9-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking.

Now, pour your green bean mixture into the dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread everything evenly. Don’t skip this step—it helps the casserole bake consistently so you don’t end up with dry edges and a soupy middle.

Pro Tip: If you’re doubling the recipe for a bigger crowd, use a 9×13-inch dish to maintain that golden topping-to-casserole ratio.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F. Yes, this dish is air fryer friendly for those short on oven space (hello, holiday chaos).

For oven baking:
Place the casserole dish on the center rack and bake for 25 minutes. Midway through, give it a gentle stir—this helps the heat distribute and keeps the sauce from drying around the edges.

For air fryer cooking:
Air fry the casserole in a suitable dish for 10 minutes, then stir gently. This method works great if you’re making a smaller batch or just don’t want to fire up the big oven.

Looking for more oven-friendly comfort foods? You might love our Thanksgiving Stuffing Casserole or Pumpkin Chicken Chili as cozy sides.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Onion Topping

After your initial bake, pull the casserole out and give it one last loving touch: add the remaining crispy French fried onions evenly across the top.

This is the golden, crunchy crown that makes Campbells Green Bean Casserole so irresistible.

Pop it back in the oven for 5 more minutes, or air fryer for 2 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned and perfectly crisp.

Want to really impress? Sprinkle on a few extra onions just before serving for added texture. You can never go wrong with more crunch.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Scoop generous portions and pair it with your favorite mains. It shines alongside turkey, ham, or even a plant-based roast.

Looking to build a full meal? Try serving this with our Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake or warm up your table with a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Meatball Soup.

What to Serve with Campbells Green Bean Casserole

This casserole plays well with others. It’s basically best friends with turkey and mashed potatoes, but also complements baked chicken, glazed ham, or a juicy steak. For a hearty meal, pair it with Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake or keep it veg-forward with a cozy Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup. And let’s be honest—nobody would complain if you tossed some buttery dinner rolls and cranberry sauce on the table, too. Want more Thanksgiving magic? Our Thanksgiving Stuffing Casserole is another superstar worth trying.

Key Tips for Making Campbells Green Bean Casserole

First tip—dry those green beans. Too much moisture is the enemy of a good casserole (no one wants mushroom soup soup). If you’re using frozen or canned, pat ‘em down with a paper towel. Second, don’t skip the stir halfway through baking. It helps the sauce heat evenly and keeps the edges from turning into crunchy regret. Third, use the right size dish: 9×9 works best for even cooking and topping distribution. And finally—double the onions if you’re feeding a crowd or just love a little extra crunch. Pro tip: you can prep it ahead of time, store in the fridge, and just pop it in the oven right before serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Campbells Green Bean Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Campbells Green Bean Casserole keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes (uncovered for crispy topping).

Microwave works too, but it won’t keep the onions crispy—still tasty though! If you’re planning ahead, you can prep the casserole the day before up to the point of baking. Store it without the onion topping, then add and bake fresh for max crunch. This also freezes decently—just leave off the topping until bake day.

FAQs

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and swap the fried onions for a GF version (or make your own).

Can I use almond milk instead of dairy?
You sure can. Unsweetened almond or oat milk works great, especially if you’re dairy-sensitive.

Can I make this ahead for Thanksgiving?
Definitely. Assemble everything except the topping, cover, and refrigerate. Add onions and bake fresh when ready.

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of soup?
Yes—but it becomes more of a homemade green bean casserole. We have a full homemade version here.

Final Thoughts

Campbells Green Bean Casserole isn’t just a holiday side—it’s a time-saving, soul-warming lifesaver. It fits right in on your Thanksgiving table, but it also deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation (especially on those “I’m too tired to cook” nights). Whether you go classic or get creative, this recipe delivers every time. And if you’re craving more cozy classics, check out French Onion Green Bean Casserole or our extra-savory Roasted Garlic Green Bean Casserole. One taste, and you’ll see why this casserole never goes out of style.

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