Authentic Campbell's Green Bean Casserole Recipe (Classic Version)

The authentic Campbell's Green Bean Casserole recipe requires just 5 ingredients: 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1 dash soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 1/3 cups French's Crispy Fried Onions, and 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans. Mix soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper in a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Stir in green beans. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Top with fried onions and bake 5 more minutes until bubbly.

For over 65 years, Campbell's Green Bean Casserole has been a staple on American dinner tables, particularly during holiday celebrations. This classic campbell's green bean casserole recipe represents one of the most iconic convenience food creations in American culinary history. Created by Campbell's test kitchen employee Dorcas Reilly in 1955, this dish transformed simple pantry staples into a beloved comfort food phenomenon.

The History Behind America's Favorite Side Dish

Dorcas Reilly developed this recipe while working at Campbell's Soup Company in Camden, New Jersey. Her goal was simple: create an easy recipe using common pantry items that would appeal to home cooks. The original recipe called for condensed cream of mushroom soup, canned green beans, milk, soy sauce, and crispy fried onions. What began as a test kitchen experiment became a cultural touchstone, with Campbell's estimating that 40% of their condensed mushroom soup sales occur during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

Why This Simple Recipe Works So Well

The traditional green bean casserole ingredients create a perfect balance of textures and flavors through several culinary principles:

Umami synergy - The combination of mushroom soup, soy sauce, and onions creates multiple umami sources that enhance each other
Textural contrast - Tender green beans against the crispy topping provides satisfying mouthfeel variation
Temperature control - Adding the fried onions at the end preserves their crunch while allowing flavors to meld
Salt distribution - The soup base ensures even seasoning throughout the dish

Ingredient	Traditional Amount	Purpose
Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup	1 can (10.5 oz)	Base sauce with built-in seasoning and thickening
Milk	1/2 cup	Adjusts consistency to proper baking texture
Soy Sauce	1 dash	Enhances umami without making dish taste Asian
Black Pepper	1/4 teaspoon	Provides subtle heat and complexity
French's Crispy Fried Onions	1 1/3 cups	Creates textural contrast and caramelized flavor
Cut Green Beans	2 cans (14.5 oz each)	Provides vegetable component with consistent texture

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for the authentic campbell's green bean casserole recipe that has stood the test of time:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) - this precise temperature ensures proper heating without burning
Drain green beans thoroughly - excess liquid creates a soupy texture
Mix soup base - in large bowl, combine condensed soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper until smooth
Combine ingredients - gently fold in drained green beans until evenly coated
Transfer to dish - pour mixture into 1 1/2-quart casserole dish (9x13 inch works well)
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes - this allows flavors to meld without drying
Add topping - remove from oven and sprinkle 2/3 of fried onions evenly over surface
Final bake - return to oven for 5-7 minutes until edges bubble
Rest before serving - let stand 5 minutes to allow structure to set
Finish with onions - sprinkle remaining 1/3 of fried onions on top just before serving

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with this easy campbell's soup casserole instructions, several pitfalls can compromise your results:

Skipping the draining step - canned beans contain excess liquid that dilutes flavors
Adding all onions at the beginning - they'll become soggy rather than crispy
Overbaking the casserole - leads to dry, rubbery green beans
Using fresh instead of canned beans - fresh beans release too much moisture
Substituting condensed soup - regular mushroom soup won't provide proper consistency

Thoughtful Variations While Preserving the Essence

While purists prefer the original campbell's green bean casserole recipe, these tested variations maintain the dish's spirit while adding personal touches:

Homemade mushroom sauce - for those seeking homemade green bean casserole vs campbell's version, sauté 8 oz mushrooms with 2 tbsp butter, add 2 tbsp flour, then slowly whisk in 1 cup milk and seasonings
Protein boost - add 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon to the mixture before baking
Herb enhancement - stir in 1 tsp thyme or 1/2 tsp rosemary with the soup mixture
Crispy topping alternatives - mix fried onions with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
Gluten-free adaptation - use gluten-free condensed soup and certified GF fried onions

Serving and Presentation Tips

This thanksgiving green bean casserole recipe shines when presented thoughtfully:

Serve in the same dish you baked in for authentic presentation
Use a decorative serving spoon to maintain the crispy topping
Pair with roasted meats - the earthy flavors complement poultry and pork exceptionally well
For holiday meals, serve alongside other traditional sides in coordinating ceramic dishes
Consider individual portions in ramekins for special occasions

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Proper handling ensures your casserole maintains quality:

Refrigeration - store in airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheating - warm at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, adding 1-2 tbsp water if dry
Microwave option - heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes
Freezing - freeze before adding topping for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking
Crisp restoration - broil for 1-2 minutes after reheating to revive topping crunch

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can create a homemade mushroom sauce by sautéing 8 ounces of mushrooms with 2 tablespoons of butter, adding 2 tablespoons of flour, then slowly whisking in 1 cup of milk and seasonings. While this homemade green bean casserole vs campbell's version requires more effort, it offers a fresher taste. However, the authentic experience comes from using Campbell's condensed soup as originally intended.

Why is my green bean casserole watery?

A watery casserole typically results from not draining the canned green beans thoroughly or using regular mushroom soup instead of condensed. The traditional green bean casserole ingredients rely on the thick consistency of condensed soup. Always drain beans well and use condensed soup as specified in the authentic recipe to maintain proper texture.

How far in advance can I prepare green bean casserole?

You can assemble the casserole (without the fried onion topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, then add the onions and bake as directed, adding 5-7 minutes to the initial baking time since it's going in cold. This makes the easy campbell's soup casserole instructions perfect for holiday meal planning.

What's the best way to revive leftover casserole?

To restore leftovers to near-fresh quality, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to the casserole dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil and broil for 1-2 minutes to restore the crispy topping. Avoid microwaving the entire dish as it makes the fried onions soggy, though microwaving individual portions on medium power works acceptably.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

While possible, fresh green beans require additional preparation that changes the dish's character. You'd need to blanch 1.5 pounds of fresh beans for 5 minutes, then shock in ice water before using. The classic campbell's green bean casserole recipe relies on the specific texture and moisture content of canned beans. Using fresh beans typically results in a drier casserole with different texture unless you adjust liquid content.