Green Bean Casserole is the kind of dish that immediately evokes cozy family meals and holiday warmth. With smoky bacon, sautéed mushrooms, creamy cheese sauce, and crunchy fried onions, it takes the classic comfort‑food side to the next level. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple enough to make any night but special enough for gatherings, this one fits the bill perfectly. Let’s dive into the why, how, and everything in between.
Why You’ll Love This Green Bean Casserole Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it elevates the traditional green bean casserole with added layers of flavor—bacon for smokiness, mushrooms for earthiness, and cheese for creaminess—while still remaining super approachable. The crunch of the fried onions on top gives the perfect textural contrast. It’s cozy, satisfying, and a side dish that steals the show without requiring hours of prep. Whether for a holiday table or midweek dinner, it brings comfort and crusty topping goodness in one bake.
Ingredients
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6 strips beef bacon
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½ yellow onion (finely diced)
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1½ cups chopped button mushrooms
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 (10.5‑ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
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¼ cup milk
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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Salt and pepper (to taste)
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4 (14.5‑ounce) cans cut green beans (drained)
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1½ cups French-fried onions
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Green Bean Casserole
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (≈175°C) and lightly spray a 9 × 13‑inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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In a large skillet over medium‑low heat, cook the beef bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels; crumble when cool. Drain away all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.
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Return the skillet to medium heat, add the finely‑diced yellow onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
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Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the undiluted cream of mushroom soups. Return the crumbled bacon to the skillet and stir until evenly mixed. Then stir in the milk and the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Gently fold in the drained green beans, making sure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbling, and the topping is golden.
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Remove from oven, let it rest briefly (5 minutes) then serve hot.
Helpful Tips
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Crisp bacon is key: Let bacon render its fat, then remove most of the fat but keep enough to flavour the onion & mushroom sauté.
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Sauté mushrooms until golden: Proper browning adds depth of flavor.
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Drain beans thoroughly: Especially if using canned or thawed frozen beans—excess water can make the casserole watery.
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Add topping last: To avoid soggy or burnt topping, add the fried onions right before baking or for the final minutes.
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Let it rest: 5 minutes after baking helps set the dish so it slices and serves better.
Substitutions And Variations
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Green Beans: You can use fresh or frozen instead of canned. If fresh, blanch first for best texture.
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Cheese: Swap Monterey Jack for Cheddar, Gouda, or Pepper Jack for a little heat.
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Soup Base: For a lighter version you could use cream of chicken or even make a homemade mushroom sauce (with flour, butter, milk and mushrooms) if you prefer no canned soup.
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Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and sauté onion & mushrooms in olive oil or butter; you may increase seasoning for depth.
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Topping Alternatives: Instead of French fried onions you could use panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, or even toasted slivered almonds for crunch and novelty.
Storage Instructions
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After baking, allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 2‑3 days.
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To reheat, place the dish (or portion) in a 350°F (175°C) oven uncovered until heated through (≈15‑20 minutes) to help maintain the topping’s crunch.
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If prepping ahead of time: Assemble everything except the fried onion topping, cover and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking. This prevents sogginess.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 215 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 11 g | Fat: 11 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 0.01 g | Cholesterol: 19 mg | Sodium: 654 mg | Potassium: 522 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 6 g | Vitamin A: 1233 IU | Vitamin C: 21 mg | Calcium: 159 mg | Iron: 2 mg
Serving Suggestions
This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is perfect alongside roast turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken. It pairs nicely with mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, dinner rolls or a green salad to balance. You can serve it in a buffet style for gatherings or as a comforting side for weekday dinners. For a festive twist, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sprinkle with a little paprika for colour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultimate Green Bean Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture ahead of time, cover and refrigerate it (without the topping) for up to a day before baking. Add the fried onions topping just before baking to keep it crisp.
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh or frozen green beans are great alternatives to canned. Fresh beans should be lightly blanched to soften them slightly, while frozen ones can be thawed and drained before using. Both options provide a firmer texture and more vibrant flavor.
What if my topping becomes soggy?
That usually happens if the topping is added too early or the beans release too much liquid into the dish. To avoid this: add the topping just before baking and ensure beans are well‑drained.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Simply skip the bacon, sauté the onion and mushrooms in olive oil or butter, use a vegetarian‑friendly cream soup, or make your own sauce, and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy making this Ultimate Green Bean Casserole as much as I do. It truly is a simple yet flavour‑packed side dish that has become a favourite in my kitchen. With the comforting creaminess, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and crunchy topping, it’s easy to love, whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight meal. Wishing you a delightful cooking experience and many moments around the table with loved ones. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
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Green Bean Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Green Bean Casserole with smoky beef bacon, creamy mushroom sauce, melty cheese, and crispy fried onions is a comforting, flavor‑packed side dish that’s perfect for holidays and weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients
6 strips beef bacon
½ yellow onion (finely diced)
1½ cups chopped button mushrooms
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
¼ cup milk
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper (to taste)
4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans (drained)
1½ cups French fried onions
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (≈175°C) and lightly spray a 9 × 13‑inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
-
In a large skillet over medium‑low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels; crumble when cool. Drain away all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet.
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Return the skillet to medium heat, add the finely‑diced yellow onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
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Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the undiluted cream of mushroom soups. Return the crumbled bacon to the skillet and stir until evenly mixed. Then stir in the milk and the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Gently fold in the drained green beans, making sure everything is thoroughly incorporated.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbling, and the topping is golden.
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Remove from oven, let it rest briefly (5 minutes) then serve hot.
Notes
To use fresh green beans, blanch them before adding. For a vegetarian version, skip bacon and use olive oil instead. Add the onion topping just before baking to keep it crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 11 g