Today, I’m excited to share a special dish that has been a staple at our family table for generations – the classic green bean casserole with canned beans. This recipe is more than just a delightful blend of tender green beans and creamy mushroom goodness; it represents a journey through cherished memories and shared laughter around the dining table.
I encountered this beloved casserole unexpectedly several years ago on a crisp autumn evening. Our new neighbors had invited us to a potluck dinner. As we mingled and shared stories, a particular dish caught my attention – a creamy, crunchy, and utterly divine green bean casserole. One bite took me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of her cooking promised a feast of flavors and love. That moment made me realize that I had to include this casserole in our family tradition.
Since that memorable evening, the green bean casserole with canned beans has become more than just a recipe to me; it symbolizes community, connects the past with the present, and reminds us that simple dishes often carry the most meaningful memories. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a grand holiday feast, this casserole always brings comfort and nostalgia to the table.
Type of Canned Green Beans for Casserole:
Any brand of canned green beans will work for making green bean casserole. It’s recommended to choose brands that use only water or water and sea salt and avoid those with chemical preservatives for a more pure flavored bean.
Canned vs. Fresh Green Beans:
The choice between canned and fresh green beans for a casserole depends on personal preference and convenience. Fresh green beans are preferred for their texture and flavor, but they require more preparation. Canned beans are softer and more convenient as they require no prep. Some people, however, find that canned green beans can make the casserole mushy.
Enhancing Canned Green Beans:
To improve the flavor of canned green beans, you can marinate them in bouillon, cook them in chicken broth, slow cook with butter, or add cheese, herbs, spices, bacon, olive oil, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, caramelized garlic, or corn.
Draining Canned Green Beans:
It is generally best to drain and rinse canned green beans before using them in a recipe. This practice can reduce the sodium content and prevent the alteration of the texture, composition, and liquid ratios in your recipe. The starch in the canned bean solution can affect the overall dish, so draining and rinsing is recommended unless the recipe specifies otherwise.
How to Prepare Green Bean Casserole with Canned Beans:
Ingredients:
- 30 ounces of canned green beans, pre-drained
- One 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup of whole milk
- One 2.8-ounce can of crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper, adjusted to taste
Step by step directions:
- Preheat your oven to a temperature of 350°F.
- Take a baking dish of medium size and combine inside it the pre-drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and about half the quantity of the crispy fried onions. Ensure that these ingredients are thoroughly mixed to achieve a uniform consistency.
- Transfer this dish into the preheated oven. Let it bake for around 25 minutes, or keep it in until you see the casserole turning hot with bubbles forming on the surface.
- Once this stage is reached, take the dish out of the oven and evenly scatter the rest of the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole.
- Place the dish back into the oven for an extra 5 minutes, or until you notice the onions have turned a nice golden brown color.
- Finally, add salt and pepper according to your preference to season the casserole. Do this step before you serve the dish.
Frequent Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned in a green bean casserole?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen green beans. For fresh beans, blanch them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then cool in ice water before adding to the casserole. For frozen beans, boil for 8-10 minutes.
Can green bean casserole be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole excluding the fried onions, let it cool completely, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the fried onions and bake as instructed.
How should I store leftover green bean casserole?
Store any leftovers in a covered or airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Should I drain canned green beans before using them in the casserole?
It’s best to drain canned green beans for casseroles to avoid excess liquid and improve flavor and consistency.
What dishes pair well with green bean casserole?
Good pairings with green bean casserole include bone-in chicken thighs, air fryer ham, Thanksgiving turkey, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes.
Can I freeze green bean casserole?
To freeze green bean casserole, prepare, freeze before baking, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual, possibly adding extra time.
Are there any variations I can make to the classic green bean casserole recipe?
For variations, try adding cheddar cheese, using homemade mushroom cream sauce, substituting fried shallots for onions, or cooking beans in chicken broth with garlic.
What size casserole dish is best for green bean casserole?
A 2-quart dish is typically used, but any dish from 1 ½ to 2 quarts will work.
Green Bean Casserole with Canned Beans
Ingredients
- 30 ounces of canned green beans pre-drained
- One 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup of whole milk
- One 2.8-ounce can of crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper adjusted to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating your oven to 350°F .
- In a medium-sized baking dish, combine the drained green beans, mushroom soup, milk, and half the can of fried onions. Stir the mixture until it's evenly mixed.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling.
- Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
- Season the casserole with salt and pepper to your liking before serving
