Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained (or 2 lbs fresh trimmed green beans)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups crispy fried onions, divided
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Green Bean Base – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you are using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes and plunge them into an ice bath first. If using canned beans, ensure they are thoroughly drained to prevent a watery casserole.
- Step 2: Fold in the Ingredients – Add the drained green beans and 1.5 cups of the crispy fried onions to the soup mixture. Stir gently with a large spatula until every bean is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If you chose to include bacon, fold it in at this stage to add a smoky depth to the dish.
- Step 3: Assemble for Storage or Baking – Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish (or two smaller dishes if you are splitting the crowd). Spread the mixture evenly with your spatula. If you are making this ahead of time, stop here. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. If you are ready to bake immediately, proceed to the next step.
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the casserole was refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. Bake for 25 minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and stir the mixture once.
- Step 5: Add the Final Crunch – Top the casserole with the remaining 1.5 cups of crispy fried onions. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes