Ultimate Green Bean Casserole - Julias Simply Southern - Best Ever! (2024)

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In this post I am sharing my Ultimate Green Bean Casserole recipe.

Hey Y’all! Easter dinner is coming up soon and you might be thinking of adding a green bean casserole to your menu. This classic dish is a favorite for holidays and celebrations.

I’ve worked to update my original green bean casserole, which I did consider to be a flavored up version. I’d always considered green bean casserole to be bland.

So here we are a few years later and I’ve perfected this casserole so that it is not only delicious but feeds a crowd. Ultimate green bean casserole is amazing!

I tested my newer version back at Christmas dinner and everyone loved it. Since then I’ve made it a couple more times to make sure I’ve got it just right to share with you.

See More Side Dish Recipes at Julia’s Simply Southern

Green Bean Casserole for 20

As I mentioned before, this casserole is more suited to feeding a crowd and will easily serve twenty to twenty five people. Leftovers are no problem either because it reheats beautifully.

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Here’s what I did…throw out the French cut green beans. It is not that I don’t like them but I think they don’t hold up well in a casserole and I want my green beans to have a little bite and texture to them.

Just use regular “cut” green beans instead. Problems solved. Next, add loads of flavor with pepper jack cheese, cream of mushroom and cream of onion soup, cheddar flavored and original fried onions, sauteed onions, and a bit of seasoning.

By the way….while I am thinking about it, I want to mention something. I’ve heard a lot of folks have to ask about whether or not you dilute cream of whatever soup when using it in a recipe. The answer is no, not unless the recipe specifically states to do that.

Easy Side Dish Recipes

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Okay y’all, let’s put this absolutely delicious green bean casserole together!

Step 1: Saute the diced onion in a tablespoon of butter until it begins to soften then add it to a large mixing bowl along with the green beans, canned soups, about 3/4 of the grated pepper jack, the French’s cheddar fried onions, salt and cracked black pepper. Mix to combine.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C)

Step 2: Add the green bean mixture to a large casserole dish then top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 45 minutes. Top the casserole with French’s original fried onions the last ten minutes of baking.

Green Bean Casserole Add Ins: Other ingredient options you might like are cooked sausage or bacon, mushrooms, nuts or peppers….spice it up with diced jalapeno.

You might also like these green bean recipes: Country Green Beans, Fresh Green Beans with Mushrooms, or a Classic 3 Bean Salad.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole - Julias Simply Southern - Best Ever! (3)

The ultimate delicious green bean casserole for holiday gatherings and celebrations

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time45 minutes

Total Time55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2- 50 oz Cans of Cut Green Beans, drained
  • 2- 10.5 oz Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 10.5 oz Cream of Onion Soup
  • 8 oz Pepper Jack Cheese, grated and divided
  • 1/2 c Sauteed Diced Onion
  • Salt and Cracked Black Pepper, to taste
  • 6 oz French's Cheddar Fried Onions
  • 6 oz French's Original Fried Onions

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, creamed soups, ⅔ grated pepper Jack cheese, salt, pepper and cheddar fried onions.
  2. In a small pan, saute the chopped onion in a tablespoon of butter then add it to the green bean mixture and combine.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  4. Pour the green bean mixture into a rectangle casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
  5. Top the green bean casserole with original fried onions the last ten minutes of cooking.
  6. Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

To reheat green bean casserole, cover with foil and bake in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

20
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 192Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 478mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 9g

What to serve with my amazing Ultimate Green Bean Casserole?

The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside it:

  1. Roast Turkey: This casserole is a staple at Thanksgiving dinners and complements roast turkey perfectly.

  2. Baked Ham: The sweet and savory flavors of baked ham go wonderfully with the creamy and savory green bean casserole.

  3. Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast or thigh is a versatile choice that works well with the casserole.

  4. Beef Roast: Whether it’s a tender roast beef or a succulent prime rib, the richness of beef pairs nicely with the creamy green bean casserole.

  5. Pork Chops: Pan-seared, classic fried, or oven-baked pork chops with a flavorful sauce make a great accompaniment to the casserole.

  6. Meatloaf: A classic meatloaf is a comfort food favorite that pairs harmoniously with green bean casserole.

  7. Salmon: If you’re looking for a seafood option, grilled or baked salmon with lemon and herbs can provide a refreshing contrast to the casserole’s richness.

  8. Vegetarian Options: For a meatless meal, you can serve the casserole with a hearty salad, quinoa, or a vegetarian lasagna.

  9. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another classic side dish that complements the casserole’s flavors.

  10. Cornbread: Cornbread is a Southern favorite and pairs well with the green bean casserole, offering a mix of textures and flavors.

With these options, you can create a well-balanced and satisfying meal to enjoy alongside your Ultimate Green Bean Casserole.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole - Julias Simply Southern - Best Ever! (5)

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“Weather means more when you have a garden. There’s nothing like listening to a shower and thinking how it is soaking in around your green beans.” ~ Marcelene Cox

See this recipe at: Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday

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Well, y’all, I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey with me today as we whipped up the ultimate green bean casserole!

It’s a dish that’s sure to bring comfort and warmth to your family gatherings, just like a big ol’ hug from Grandma. So, don’t forget to sprinkle those crispy fried onions on top and let the flavors meld together.

Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a weeknight supper, this casserole is a true Southern favorite that’ll have everyone saying, “Y’all, that’s some mighty fine eatin’!”

Thanks for joining me in my kitchen today, and remember, love and butter make everything better! Y’all take care now!

Author of Julia's Simply Southern

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole - Julias Simply Southern - Best Ever! (19)

About Julia

Hey Y'all! I'm Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia's Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Ultimate Green Bean Casserole - Julias Simply Southern - Best Ever! (2024)

FAQs

How to make Paula Deen green beans? ›

Add green beans to pan and sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add boiling water to pan and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes, just until beans are tender. Add vinegar, butter and salt and pepper and stir.

Why is my green bean casserole bland? ›

The Casserole Is Bland

Another one of the most common green bean casserole mistakes is to choose a recipe that's a bit too simple, which can result in a bland dish.

Why is my green bean casserole so soupy? ›

Green bean casserole should have a nice thick sauce that coats the green beans—it should not resemble soup. One common cause of a watery casserole is not adding enough thickener, such as flour or cornstarch, to your sauce.

Which is better in green bean casserole canned or frozen? ›

When I make green bean casserole, I skip canned beans all together. Frozen green beans are the best green beans to use for green bean casserole.

What is Paula Deen seasoning? ›

The ingredients listed in order are: "sea salt, granulated garlic, black pepper, granulated onion, ground cumin, and other spices". I have used the recipe listed on this site and included equal amounts of garlic powder and onion powder.

How can I improve my casserole flavor? ›

Fresh herbs or citrus zest can also punch up flavors with a bit of welcome brightness for a long-cooked dish, as can adding some heat in the form of a dash of hot sauce, a generous pinch of minced or sliced fresh chili pepper, or a shake of red pepper flakes.

Should green bean casserole be soupy before cooking? ›

Green Bean Casserole from Scratch FAQs

Cover and freeze until you are ready to bake. You can bake start from frozen without adding the onions until the casserole has already baked for about 20 minutes. Should green bean casserole be soupy? No, your green bean casserole should not be soupy.

How do you make a casserole taste better? ›

Try different herbs for added flavour: sage or lemon thyme work wonderfully well. For a meatier casserole, add chopped sausage or pancetta when cooking the chicken. Stir wholegrain mustard through the casserole at the end of cooking (to taste); this is especially good if you have sausage in the casserole.

Can you overcook green bean casserole? ›

Overcooking the beans won't just drain them of their appealing color, but it will also make them too soft and mushy, resulting in a less appetizing casserole.

How do you make green bean casserole not runny? ›

Mistake #5: A Runny Casserole

If you don't, the excess water from the beans can leak out into the casserole and make it thin and runny. If you sense it's a little watery, "add a thickener like roux or starch to absorb the additional liquid or cook a little longer," she says.

How many cans of green beans equals 4 cups? ›

✿ 4 cups of green beans is about 1½ pounds fresh or 16 ounces frozen or 2 cans (15 ounces each) drained.

How do you thicken green bean casserole? ›

Add a thickener

While your green bean casserole is on the stove, incorporate a thickener into the vegetables, such as cornstarch or flour. According to The Kitchn, you can combine cornstarch and a small amount of water or broth in a cup and stir until the lumps are gone, and it becomes a thick yet drizzly consistency.

Do people still eat green bean casserole? ›

Green bean casserole is a popular dish in the United States, especially during Thanksgiving.

Why is green bean casserole so good? ›

Fans love the dish in part because of how simple it is to throw together. It calls for ingredients that could be found in a typical home kitchen pantry: canned or fresh green beans, mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce and black pepper.

What to add to a can of green beans to make them taste better? ›

directions
  1. Heat entire contents of the canned green beans. Drain.
  2. Place butter in the bottom of a serving bowl and add DRAINED green beans, stirring gently until butter is melted.
  3. Sprinkle with parmesan (and thyme if using)and serve.
  4. NOTE: This would work equally well on fresh or frozen green beans.

Do fresh green beans need to be soaked before cooking? ›

Should I Soak Green Beans Before Cooking? Fresh green beans do not need to be soaked. To help tenderize the beans, blanch them in a large pot of salted water.

How to fancy up green beans? ›

15 Tips To Add Flavor To Green Beans
  1. Roast green beans. ...
  2. Blanch green beans and add butter. ...
  3. Grill green beans and serve with yogurt. ...
  4. Simmer green beans in chicken broth. ...
  5. Air fry green beans and add garlic powder. ...
  6. Roast in bacon fat and combine with bacon. ...
  7. Jazz them up with cream. ...
  8. Mix green beans into mac and cheese.
Feb 12, 2023

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