Classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Every Thanksgiving, my grandmother’s green bean casserole brought joy to our family. It was creamy, bubbly, and topped with a crispy golden onion. This dish was more than a side, it was a tradition we all cherished.
The Campbell Soup green bean casserole recipe has been a favorite for many years. It turns simple ingredients into a magical holiday dish. Your campbell soup green bean casserole recipe is a comfort food that brings families together.
Key Takeaways
- Classic holiday side dish loved by millions
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Takes only 30 minutes total cooking time
- Serves 6-8 people perfectly
- Nutritious with balanced macronutrients
- Versatile recipe adaptable to dietary needs
The History and Heritage of Green Bean Casserole
The green bean casserole is a beloved part of American holiday meals. It started in the mid-20th century with Campbell’s Soup Company. This dish turned simple ingredients into a classic comfort food loved by many.
Origins in Campbell’s Test Kitchen
In 1955, Campbell’s test kitchen made a big splash with the green bean casserole. Dorcas Reilly, a skilled home economist, made the first recipe. She used common pantry items to create a quick and tasty side dish.
- Created in 1955 by Campbell’s test kitchen
- Designed to promote cream of mushroom soup
- Used common pantry staples like canned green beans
Evolution Into an American Classic
The green bean casserole quickly became a cultural icon. It captured the essence of 1950s cooking, focusing on ease and creativity. Home cooks in the mid-20th century loved it for its simplicity and delicious taste.
Why It Became a Holiday Staple
Thanksgiving tables in America started featuring this dish. Almost 60% of cooks enjoyed making side dishes more than the main course. The green bean casserole stood for family traditions, comfort, and memories. Its creamy texture and crispy onion topping made it a must-have for holidays.
In 2002, Dorcas Reilly donated her original handwritten recipe card to the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame, cementing the dish’s historical significance.
Essential Ingredients for Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe
To make the best green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup, choose top-notch ingredients. The campbell soup green bean casserole recipe needs a few key items. These turn simple veggies into a tasty side dish.
- Green Beans: 2 pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
- Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 standard can (10.5 oz)
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- French’s Fried Onions: 1 1/3 cups
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- optional : hot sauce
The ingredients you pick greatly affect the casserole’s taste and texture. Fresh green beans add a crunchy base. The cream of mushroom soup makes a creamy sauce that holds everything together.
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Green Beans | 2 pounds | Primary vegetable, provides texture |
Cream of Mushroom Soup | 1 can | Creamy binding sauce |
French’s Fried Onions | 1 1/3 cups | Crispy topping |
Pro tip: For less sodium, use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup. Adjust the salt to your liking. Try different ingredient amounts to make your green bean casserole just right.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Making the perfect green bean casserole needs the right tools and equipment. Whether you’re experienced or new to cooking, the right gear makes cooking easier and more fun.
Essential Cookware for Your Casserole
For your green bean casserole, you’ll need basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you must have:
- 9×13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for draining beans
Optional Equipment for Enhanced Preparation
For a better green bean casserole experience, consider these tools:
- Food processor for quick chopping
- Kitchen scale for exact measurements
- Mandoline slicer for even cuts
- Instant-read thermometer
Serving and Storage Solutions
Good serving and storage keep your casserole fresh. Get:
- Casserole carrier with lid
- Airtight storage containers
- Serving platter
- Aluminum foil for covering leftovers
Pro tip: Prepare your tools before cooking. This makes cooking your green bean casserole smooth and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Making green bean casserole is simpler than you think. This classic dish mixes easy ingredients into a tasty side. It will wow your family and friends.
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds frozen green beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cans French fried onions
- Preheat and Mix
- Set oven to 325°F
- Mix green beans with soup and milk in a large bowl
- Stir until ingredients are well combined
- Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Sprinkle 1 can of fried onions on top
- Ensure even coverage for maximum crunch
- Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
- Watch for golden brown top
- Add remaining onions during last 12-15 minutes
Pro tip: For the best green bean casserole, avoid overcooking your green beans. They should remain tender yet crisp. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
This classic recipe serves 8-10 people and takes just 40 minutes from start to finish!
Follow these simple steps to make a delicious side dish. It’s a true American classic. Enjoy your homemade green bean casserole!
Tips for Perfect Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Making the ultimate green bean casserole is more than just following a recipe. It’s about mastering key techniques to take this classic dish to the next level. With a near-perfect rating of 4.92 out of 5, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser.
Managing moisture is key when making your bean casserole. Professional chefs suggest drying your frozen green beans well before mixing. This step helps avoid a soggy texture. Use paper towels to dry them, ensuring a creamy dish.
Sodium levels are important too. Many find the traditional recipe too salty. Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and broth to fix this. You can also use half-and-half instead of whole milk for a creamy sauce without too much salt. The goal is to balance the flavors with the green beans and crispy onion topping.
The secret to a great green bean casserole is in the details. Bake it for 20-25 minutes at 350ºF for perfectly cooked beans and a crispy topping. Follow these expert tips to turn a simple side dish into a memorable meal that even skeptical diners will love.
FAQ
What makes Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole so popular?
Can I make substitutions in the green bean casserole recipe?
How do I prevent my green bean casserole from becoming too watery?
How long can I store leftover green bean casserole?
Can I prepare green bean casserole in advance?
Is green bean casserole a healthy dish?
What can I serve with green bean casserole?
Can I make a vegetarian version of green bean casserole?

Classic Campbell Soup Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Course: Dinner3
servings15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
2 cans (10.5 oz each) Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
OR 4 cups fresh green beans, cooked
1⅓ cups French’s Crispy Fried Onions
¾ cup milk
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk
- Stir in pepper and salt
- Add green beans
- Mix in ⅔ cup of the crispy fried onions
- Bake:
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes
- Top with remaining crispy onions
- Bake additional 5 minutes until onions are golden
Notes
- Pro Tips:
Use fresh green beans for best texture
Don’t overcook green beans initially if using fresh
Add onions at the end to keep them crispy
Let stand 5 minutes before serving