Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole (Original Classic Recipe)

This Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is the original classic: tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, baked under a golden layer of crispy French-fried onions. It uses just six ingredients, one dish and a can of soup, and it tastes exactly like the version that has been on holiday tables for generations.

Total time is 40 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven. It’s a true beginner recipe: stir everything together, bake, and add the topping at the end. Make it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any potluck where an easy, crowd-pleasing side is needed.

What is Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole?

It’s a baked side dish made with green beans, Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, a splash of soy sauce, and French fried onions. Everything is mixed in the baking dish, baked until bubbly, then finished with more onions on top for crunch.

The recipe was created in 1955 in the Campbell’s test kitchen and became one of the most-made Thanksgiving sides in America. The appeal is the contrast: soft green beans, a creamy savory sauce, and a crispy golden onion topping.

Reasons to Try Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

• Only six ingredients: soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, green beans and fried onions.
• 10 minutes of prep: no blanching, no roux, no stovetop.
• One dish: mix and bake in the same casserole dish.
• Works with any green beans: fresh, frozen, or canned all work.
• Make-ahead friendly: assemble the day before and bake when you need it.
• The taste everyone expects: this is the version most people grew up with.

Ingredients Needed to Make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

For the Casserole

• 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: the creamy base of the sauce. Do not dilute it with extra water.
• ¾ cup milk: loosens the soup into a smooth sauce. Whole or 2% both work.
• 1 tsp soy sauce: adds savory depth without tasting like soy.
• ⅛ tsp black pepper: freshly ground if you have it.
• 4 cups cooked cut green beans: use fresh beans boiled 5 minutes, two 14.5-oz cans drained, or 16 oz frozen beans thawed and drained.

For the Topping

• 1⅓ cups French’s French Fried Onions, divided: half goes into the casserole and half goes on top for the final bake.

Equipment Needed

• 1½-quart baking dish: an 8×8 dish or a medium oval casserole dish both work.
• Mixing spoon: you can stir everything directly in the baking dish.
• Colander: for draining canned or frozen green beans.

Instructions to Prepare Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

1. Preheat the oven: heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the casserole: in a 1½-quart baking dish, stir together the soup, milk, soy sauce and pepper until smooth. Add the green beans and ⅔ cup of the fried onions and stir to coat.
3. Bake: bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling around the edges.
4. Add the topping: stir the casserole, then sprinkle the remaining ⅔ cup fried onions evenly over the top.
5. Finish baking: bake 5 minutes more, until the onions are golden brown.
6. Rest and serve: let it stand 5 minutes before serving.

How to Double It for a Crowd

For 12 servings, use a 9×13-inch baking dish with:

• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1½ cups milk
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 8 cups cooked green beans
• 2⅔ cups fried onions, divided

Bake 30 minutes, add the remaining 1⅓ cups onions, and bake 5 minutes more.

What Goes Well With Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

• Roast turkey: the classic Thanksgiving pairing.
• Honey-glazed ham: the sweet glaze balances the savory sauce.
• Mashed potatoes: both are creamy comfort sides that belong together.
• Cranberry sauce: its tartness cuts through the richness.
• Dinner rolls: for soaking up extra sauce.
• Sparkling apple cider: a family-friendly drink for the holiday table.

Key Tips for Making Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

• Drain the beans well: extra water makes the sauce thin and runny.
• Don’t skip the soy sauce: it’s the secret ingredient that deepens the flavor.
• Save half the onions: adding them all at the start makes the topping soggy.
• Stir before topping: mixing halfway through keeps the sauce even.
• Watch the final bake: fried onions go from golden to burnt quickly.

Creative Variations of Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

• Cheesy: stir ½ cup shredded cheddar into the casserole before baking.
• Cream of chicken: swap the mushroom soup for Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup.
• Garlic lover’s: add ½ tsp garlic powder to the soup mixture.
• Extra crunchy: mix ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds into the onion topping.
• Lighter version: use Campbell’s Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup and skim milk.

Storage Guidelines for Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

• Refrigerate: store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: assemble without the onions, cover tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
• Make ahead: assemble through step 2 without the topping, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• Keep onions separate: store extra fried onions at room temperature and add them fresh when reheating.

Reheating Tips for Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

• Oven: reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, adding fresh onions for the last 5 minutes.
• Microwave: heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes. The topping will soften.
• Air fryer: 3–4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) brings back the crunch on small portions.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Based on 6 servings total. Values are approximate.

• Calories: about 165
• Protein: about 3g
• Fat: about 10g
• Saturated Fat: about 4g
• Carbohydrates: about 15g
• Fiber: about 2g
• Sugar: about 4g
• Sodium: about 600mg
• Cholesterol: about 5mg

FAQs

Can I make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble it without the fried onion topping, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to the first bake since it starts cold, then add the topping and bake 5 minutes more.

Can I use canned green beans?

Yes. Use two 14.5-oz cans of cut green beans, drained well. Canned beans are softer, but this is how many families make it.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes. Thaw 16 oz of frozen cut green beans and drain them well before mixing so the sauce doesn’t get watery.

Can I make it without soy sauce?

Yes. Leave it out or use ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce instead. The soy sauce adds savory depth, but the casserole still works without it.

Can I freeze Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole?

Yes, before baking. Assemble it without the onions, cover tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

How do I keep the fried onions crispy?

Add half the onions at the start and the other half only during the last 5 minutes of baking.

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