Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe: The Classic Holiday Favorite

Campbell’s green bean casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s an American tradition that has graced dinner tables for over 65 years. This iconic recipe, featuring tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, remains one of the most beloved and requested dishes at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings across the country.

The Story Behind Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

Created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly in the Campbell’s Soup Company test kitchen, this recipe was designed to be simple, affordable, and delicious. The goal was to create a quick and easy side dish using ingredients most home cooks already had on hand. Little did anyone know that this humble casserole would become one of the most popular recipes in American culinary history, with an estimated 40 million servings made each year, primarily during the holiday season.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

The enduring appeal of Campbell’s green bean casserole lies in its perfect combination of convenience and crowd-pleasing flavor. It requires minimal prep time, uses accessible ingredients, and delivers consistent results every time. The contrast between creamy, savory green beans and crunchy, golden onion topping creates an irresistible texture combination that keeps people coming back for seconds year after year.

Essential Ingredients

The beauty of this classic recipe is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Green beans – Fresh, frozen, or canned all work (about 2 pounds or two 10-ounce packages)
• Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup – The signature ingredient that makes this casserole iconic
• Milk – To thin the soup and create a creamy consistency
• Soy sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor
• Black pepper – For seasoning
• French’s French Fried Onions – The essential crispy topping that completes the dish

The Original Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This timeless recipe has remained virtually unchanged since 1955, and for good reason—it’s already perfected.

Step 1: Prepare the green beans. If using fresh beans, trim and blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain. Frozen beans should be thawed, and canned beans should be drained thoroughly.

Step 2: Mix the casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, cooked green beans, and half of the fried onions. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbling.

Step 4: Add the topping. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown.

Step 5: Serve. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Don’t skip the soy sauce: This ingredient might seem unusual, but it adds essential savory depth that elevates the entire dish.

Watch the onion topping: The fried onions can burn quickly. Add them during the last 5 minutes of baking only, and keep a close eye on them.

Drain thoroughly: Whether using frozen or canned beans, make sure they’re well-drained to prevent a watery casserole.

Use a shallow dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly and ensures even heating with plenty of crispy topping in every serving.

Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking so the sauce can thicken and cling to the beans.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the original recipe is perfection, these variations add exciting twists:

Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Add crumbled crispy bacon to the mixture and sprinkle more on top with the onions for smoky richness.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Stir in shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese into the sauce, and sprinkle more on top before adding the onions.

Garlic Mushroom Version: Sauté fresh sliced mushrooms with garlic and add them to the casserole for enhanced mushroom flavor.

Fresh Herb Enhancement: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the mixture for aromatic depth.

Crunchy Almond Topping: Mix slivered almonds with the fried onions for added texture and nutty flavor.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy heat.

Making It From Scratch

While the convenience of canned soup is part of the recipe’s charm, you can make a from-scratch version:

Create a homemade mushroom sauce by sautéing fresh mushrooms in butter, adding flour to make a roux, then whisking in chicken broth and cream. Season with garlic, thyme, and the classic soy sauce. This elevated version takes more time but offers incredible depth of flavor.

Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned Green Beans

Fresh green beans: Offer the best texture and flavor but require more prep work. Blanch them until crisp-tender before mixing into the casserole.

Frozen green beans: The most popular choice, offering great convenience and consistent quality. They’re already trimmed and blanched, making preparation quick.

Canned green beans: The original choice from 1955, canned beans are the most convenient but have a softer texture. If using canned, drain them extremely well.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for advance preparation, making holiday cooking less stressful.

Up to 2 days ahead: Assemble the entire casserole except for the onion topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting cold.

Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole (without the onion topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Campbell’s green bean casserole pairs beautifully with traditional holiday meals. It’s the perfect companion to roasted turkey, glazed ham, prime rib, or roasted chicken. The creamy, savory flavors complement herb-seasoned stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls perfectly.

For non-holiday meals, serve it alongside meatloaf, pork chops, baked chicken, or pot roast. It’s substantial enough to be satisfying yet light enough not to overpower your main course.

Scaling the Recipe

For a crowd: Double or triple the recipe easily. Use multiple baking dishes or a larger roasting pan to accommodate bigger batches.

For smaller gatherings: Halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. Cooking time remains the same.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The onions will soften during storage but still taste delicious.

Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For crispier onions, add fresh fried onions on top before reheating. You can also microwave individual portions, though the oven method yields better texture.

Freezing leftovers: Freeze for up to 2 months. The texture may change slightly upon reheating, but the flavor remains excellent.

Nutritional Information

One serving of traditional Campbell’s green bean casserole provides approximately 120-150 calories, making it a relatively light side dish compared to many holiday favorites. Green beans offer fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, plus important minerals. While the cream of mushroom soup adds sodium and some fat, the overall nutritional profile remains reasonable for an indulgent holiday dish.

Lightening it up: Use reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup, low-fat milk, and go easy on the fried onions to create a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Soggy casserole: This happens when beans aren’t drained properly or when too much milk is added. Stick to the recipe measurements and drain beans thoroughly.

Burnt onions: Always add the crispy onion topping during the last 5 minutes only. They brown quickly and can burn if left in the oven too long.

Bland flavor: Don’t skip the soy sauce—it’s the secret ingredient that makes this dish special. Also, season with enough black pepper.

Undercooked or mushy beans: Fresh beans need blanching first, and canned beans are already fully cooked. Time your preparation accordingly.

Why It Remains a Holiday Tradition

Decades after its creation, Campbell’s green bean casserole continues to be a non-negotiable part of holiday celebrations for millions of families. It represents comfort, tradition, and the joy of gathering around the table with loved ones. The recipe’s simplicity allows even novice cooks to contribute a successful dish to holiday meals, while its nostalgic flavors transport us back to cherished memories.

Many families have made this casserole every Thanksgiving and Christmas for three or even four generations. It’s become part of their family story—a edible tradition that connects past and present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of soup? While cream of mushroom is traditional, cream of chicken or cream of celery can work as substitutes, though the flavor will differ.

What if I can’t find French’s fried onions? French’s is the gold standard, but store brands work too. In a pinch, you can make your own by coating thinly sliced onions in flour and frying until crispy.

Is this casserole gluten-free? The traditional recipe is not, due to the fried onions and soup. However, gluten-free versions of both products are available.

Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Some people add sliced mushrooms, water chestnuts for extra crunch, or even carrots for color.

How do I keep the onions crispy? Add them only in the last 5 minutes of baking, and serve the casserole promptly. Leftovers will have softer onions.

Final Thoughts

Campbell’s green bean casserole proves that sometimes the simplest recipes become the most beloved. This five-ingredient wonder has earned its place on America’s holiday tables through its perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and delicious flavor. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the fiftieth, this classic casserole never disappoints.

This year, as you prepare this iconic dish, you’re not just making a side—you’re participating in a cherished American culinary tradition that brings families together and creates lasting memories.