Campbell's Soup Green Bean Casserole: Classic Recipe & Tips

Campbell's Soup Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish created by the Campbell Soup Company in 1955, featuring green beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions. This iconic holiday staple requires just 6 simple ingredients and 30 minutes of preparation time, making it a beloved tradition at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners across the United States.

Nothing says holiday comfort food quite like the classic Campbell's Soup Green Bean Casserole. This simple yet satisfying dish has graced American dinner tables since the mid-1950s and remains a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations nationwide. The recipe's enduring popularity stems from its perfect balance of creamy texture, savory flavor, and satisfying crunch.

The History Behind This American Classic

Dorcas Reilly, a home economist working at the Campbell Soup Company test kitchen in Camden, New Jersey, created the original recipe in 1955. Reilly developed the dish using pantry staples that most American households already had on hand. The recipe was designed to be simple, affordable, and delicious—qualities that contributed to its rapid adoption as a holiday tradition.

What began as a test kitchen experiment became one of the most reproduced recipes in American history. Campbell's estimates that 40% of canned cream of mushroom soup sold in the United States each year is used to make this single dish. In 2002, Reilly donated her original recipe card to the National Museum of American History, cementing the dish's place in culinary history.

Traditional Campbell's Green Bean Casserole Recipe

The authentic recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. Here's how to prepare the classic version that's been enjoyed for nearly 70 years:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup	1 can (10.5 oz)	Original variety for authentic flavor
Milk	1/3 cup	Whole milk recommended
Soy Sauce	1 tsp	Enhances umami flavor
Cooked Green Beans	2 cans (14.5 oz each)	Drained, or 3 cups fresh cooked
French's Fried Onions	1/3 cup	For mixing in
French's Fried Onions	1/3 cup	For topping

Step-by-Step Preparation

Creating the perfect traditional green bean casserole with Campbell's soup requires attention to detail. Follow these steps for authentic results:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Thoroughly drain canned green beans or prepare fresh beans by boiling until tender-crisp
3. In a large bowl, combine Campbell's condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce until smooth
4. Gently fold in the green beans and 1/3 cup of fried onions
5. Pour mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish
6. Top evenly with remaining 1/3 cup of fried onions
7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly around edges
8. Let stand 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld

Variations on the Classic Recipe

While the traditional Campbell's green bean casserole recipe remains popular, many home cooks enjoy experimenting with these creative adaptations:

• Homemade mushroom sauce: Substitute the canned soup with a from-scratch mushroom sauce using fresh mushrooms, butter, flour, and broth for a more sophisticated flavor profile
• Protein additions: Incorporate cooked bacon, crispy pancetta, or shredded chicken for added protein
• Vegetable enhancements: Mix in roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic for deeper flavor complexity
• Cheesy version: Add ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère during the last 10 minutes of baking
• Crispy topping alternatives: Try panko breadcrumbs toasted with olive oil or crushed potato chips for different textures

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Professional chefs and experienced home cooks recommend these techniques when preparing your Campbell's soup green bean casserole:

• Don't overmix the ingredients—gentle folding preserves the green beans' texture
• For richer flavor, use dark soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce
• Add a pinch of black pepper and garlic powder to enhance the savory notes
• If using fresh green beans, blanch them in salted water for exactly 4 minutes for perfect tenderness
• For make-ahead convenience, assemble the casserole (without the fried onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate
• When reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture

Serving and Storage Recommendations

This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or glazed salmon. For holiday meals, serve alongside mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls for a complete traditional menu.

Proper storage ensures your Campbell's green bean casserole maintains quality:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze portions for up to 3 months (without the fried onion topping)
• Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes)
• Avoid microwaving the entire dish as it makes the fried onions soggy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Campbell's green bean casserole without canned soup?

Yes, you can create a homemade mushroom sauce using 2 tablespoons butter, 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup milk, and seasonings. Sauté mushrooms until golden, create a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

How can I make my green bean casserole less soggy?

To prevent sogginess, thoroughly drain canned green beans or properly blanch fresh beans. Don't add extra liquid beyond what the recipe specifies, and ensure your casserole dish is the correct size (1.5 quarts) to maintain proper ingredient ratios.

What's the best way to reheat green bean casserole?

Reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncovered for the final 5-10 minutes. Add a tablespoon of broth or milk before reheating to maintain moisture. Add fresh fried onions just before serving for optimal crunch.

Can I prepare green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole (without the fried onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Add the fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking for maximum crispness.

Why does my green bean casserole turn out too watery?

Excess moisture typically comes from insufficiently drained green beans or adding too much liquid. Always drain canned beans thoroughly, and if using fresh beans, ensure they're properly blanched and patted dry. The condensed soup should be used undiluted except for the specified milk and soy sauce.