Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Few Ingredients

Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dish Made Simple 

1. Introduction

The easy green bean casserole recipe is a timeless classic, evoking memories of holiday gatherings, potlucks filled with laughter, and cozy family dinners. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. This particular version takes the traditional recipe and simplifies it, proving that you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to create a truly comforting and flavorful dish. This simple green bean casserole focuses on highlighting the essential tastes and textures we all love.

If you’re searching for a simple green bean casserole that doesn’t compromise on that classic, comforting taste, then look no further! This recipe delivers everything you want without the fuss. Maybe you need a quick green bean casserole for a last-minute side dish to impress your guests, or perhaps you just want a straightforward, fuss-free way to enjoy this beloved classic. Either way, our green bean casserole with few ingredients is the perfect solution, allowing you to enjoy that creamy, savory goodness without spending hours toiling away in the kitchen. It’s about maximizing flavor with minimal effort! Consider serving it alongside other simple sides, and for main courses check our recipes section.

2. Why This Recipe Works

This easy green bean casserole recipe is a winner because it smartly focuses on the core ingredients that deliver maximum flavor impact, without unnecessary complications. The secret weapon here is the condensed cream of mushroom soup. It provides a remarkably rich and creamy base that binds everything together. Canned green beans are used for their convenience and consistent texture, ensuring a reliable result every time.

But let’s be honest, the real star of the show is the crispy fried onions topping. This adds that delightful crunch and irresistible savory flavor that elevates the creamy green beans to a whole new level. They’re the perfect counterpoint to the creamy base, creating a textural and flavor explosion in every bite. And the best part is, with minimal prep time and incredibly simple steps, absolutely anyone can make this simple green bean casserole. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a delicious, comforting side dish, even on the busiest of weeknights. Want something else for busy weeknights? Check our dinner section.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of cut green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/4 cups French fried onions, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste

4. Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Can opener
• Measuring cup

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Washing the Green Beans

Start by washing and draining the green beans thoroughly to remove any excess liquid or canning residue. This crucial step ensures that your easy green bean casserole recipe doesn’t end up too watery or have an off-taste. Nobody wants a soggy casserole! Give them a good rinse under cold water and let them drain completely in a colander before moving on to the next step. The fresher they are, the better the final result of this green bean casserole.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and ¾ cup of French fried onions. Be careful not to mash the green beans too much – you want them to retain some of their texture. Mix well, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! This will bring out the flavors and elevate this simple green bean casserole from good to amazing! For different ideas for lunch check lunch section.

Baking Preparation

Carefully pour the prepared mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This quick green bean casserole is now ready to be transformed in the oven! Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed to ensure that every bite is as delicious as the last.

Baking the Casserole

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of French 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 beautifully golden brown and perfectly crispy. Keep a close eye on it during this final stage to prevent the onions from burning. Once the onions are golden and crisp, your green bean casserole with few ingredients is officially complete and ready to be enjoyed! If you liked this recipe, check our potato leek soup recipe.

6. Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole

• For a deeper, more complex flavor, sauté some diced onions and sliced mushrooms in butter until softened before adding them to the green bean mixture. This adds an extra layer of richness and umami to this easy green bean casserole recipe.
• If you prefer using fresh green beans over canned, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they’re tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole. This will give them a better texture and prevent them from being too mushy.
• To prevent the French fried onions from burning during the second bake, consider using a lower oven rack or tenting the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil. This will allow the casserole to heat through without scorching the topping.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different condensed cream soups to create a unique twist on this easy green bean casserole recipe. Cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even cream of cheddar can all be delicious variations.

7. Serving Suggestions

This simple green bean casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses. It’s a classic side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas, complementing roasted chicken, juicy turkey, glazed ham, or tender beef. But it’s not just for special occasions! It’s also a fantastic addition to everyday vegetarian meals, adding a creamy and flavorful element to dishes like hearty lentil loaf or colorful stuffed bell peppers. It even goes well with potato soup recipe!

8. Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers of this quick green bean casserole (which is unlikely!), store them properly to maintain their quality and flavor. Transfer the leftover casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Keep in mind that the topping may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but it will still taste delicious! If you have different soups, check our chicken potato soup recipe.

9. Conclusion

This easy green bean casserole recipe is a shining example of the fact that truly delicious food doesn’t have to be overly complicated or require hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple, readily available ingredients and a minimal amount of effort, you can create a comforting and satisfying dish that will be loved by everyone at the table. Whether you’re putting together a grand holiday feast or simply looking for a quick and easy side dish for a weeknight dinner, this green bean casserole with few ingredients is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the effortless prep and the delightful, nostalgic flavors of this classic favorite! Did you like this recipe? Check our carrot potato soup recipe.

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