Classic Green Bean Casserole (Campbell’s Original Recipe + Air Fryer!)

This classic green bean casserole is an iconic Thanksgiving side dish that’s been a holiday tradition since the 1950s. With just 5 simple ingredients—cream of mushroom soup, green beans, milk, soy sauce, and crispy fried onions—it’s incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. This recipe includes both oven and air fryer instructions!

Why This Recipe Works

Green bean casserole has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s super simple, creamy, comforting, and topped with irresistibly crispy onions. The secret ingredient? A touch of soy sauce that adds umami depth and makes this side dish truly special.

What makes this casserole great:

• Only 5 basic ingredients
• Ready in 30 minutes
• Creamy soup base with crispy topping
• Can be made in oven or air fryer
• Perfect for beginners
• Make-ahead friendly
• Serves at 20 million Thanksgivings annually

Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 4 cups cut green beans (2 cans, 16 oz frozen, or 1 1/2 lbs fresh)
• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pan Size: 9×9 inch baking dish or 1.5-2 quart casserole dish

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

• Canned: Drain the beans in a colander
• Frozen: Use directly from freezer, no thawing needed
• Fresh: Wash, trim ends, and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until completely smooth with no lumps. Add the soy sauce and stir again.

Step 3: Combine

Add the green beans and 2/3 cup (half) of the fried onions to the soup mixture. Season with black pepper and stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9 inch baking dish and follow either the oven or air fryer method below.

Oven Method (Traditional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Bake for 25 minutes
3. Stir and check that center is hot
4. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup fried onions on top
5. Bake 5 more minutes until onions are golden brown

Total Time: 30 minutes

Air Fryer Method (Space-Saving!)

1. Use a dish that fits in your air fryer (1.5 quart works well)
2. Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes
3. Stir and check that it’s hot throughout
4. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup fried onions on top
5. Air fry 2-3 more minutes until onions are browned

Total Time: 12-13 minutes

Air Fryer Tips:

• Use an air fryer-safe pan with handles for easy removal
• Wear silicone gloves when removing hot dish
• May need to work in batches for large quantities
• Check at 10 minutes to prevent over-browning

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare Ahead: Mix the bean mixture and refrigerate in the baking dish (covered) for up to 24 hours.

Cooking from Cold: If refrigerated, add extra cooking time:

• Oven: 35 minutes, then add onions and bake 5 more minutes
• Air Fryer: 15 minutes, then add onions and cook 2-3 more minutes

Complete Make-Ahead: Bake completely without onion topping. Refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, then add fresh onions and bake 5 more minutes.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze without the onion topping for up to 3 months. If onions are already on top, stir them in or scrape them off before freezing—they won’t be crispy when reheated.

Reheating from Frozen:

1. Thaw overnight in refrigerator
2. Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes
3. Stir and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes
4. Add fresh fried onions on top
5. Bake 5 minutes to brown onions

Recipe Variations

Bacon Lover’s: Add crumbled cooked bacon on top with the onions

Extra Cheesy: Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into the bean mixture and sprinkle more on top

Different Soup: Try cream of celery, cream of asparagus, or cheddar cheese soup

Almond Topping: Replace fried onions with sliced almonds for a different crunch

Worcestershire Twist: Use Worcestershire sauce instead of soy sauce

Mushroom Addition: Sauté fresh mushrooms and add them to the mixture

Garlic Herb: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Low-Sodium: Use unsalted soup and reduced-sodium soy sauce

Expert Tips

• Don’t add extra salt – The soup and soy sauce already contain plenty
• Stir before adding onions – Ensures even heating throughout
• Watch cooking times – If cooking multiple dishes in the oven, it may take longer
• Use the right pan – 9×9 inch or 1.5-2 quart dish works perfectly
• Fresh onions at the end – Add onions in the last few minutes for maximum crispiness
• Check the center – Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh green beans?

Yes! Use 1 1/2 pounds of fresh green beans. Wash, trim the ends, and blanch in boiling water for about 2 minutes before using.

How many cups are in 2 cans of green beans?

Two standard cans of green beans equal 4 cups.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

Yes, but freeze it without the onion topping for best results. Onions won’t be crispy after freezing and reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Do I need to thaw frozen green beans?

No! Frozen green beans can be used straight from the freezer without thawing.

Why use soy sauce in green bean casserole?

The soy sauce adds umami (savory depth) that enhances all the flavors. It makes a huge difference in taste! You can substitute Worcestershire sauce if preferred.

Can I make this ahead for Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add extra cooking time since it will be cold.

What size pan should I use?

A 9×9 inch square baking dish or a 1.5-2 quart casserole dish works perfectly for this recipe.

Why did my casserole turn out mushy?

If using a larger pan (like 9×13), reduce cooking time as it will cook faster in a shallower layer. Also ensure you’ve drained canned beans thoroughly.

Can I make this without a microwave?

Yes, this recipe doesn’t require a microwave at all. Everything is mixed cold and then baked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions to make it gluten-free.

History of Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

This iconic recipe was created by Dorcas Reilly, a chef at Campbell’s Test Kitchen, in 1955. Originally designed as an everyday side dish, it became a Thanksgiving staple in the 1960s and is now served at approximately 20 million Thanksgiving dinners each year!

Why This Is the Perfect Thanksgiving Side

Green bean casserole is beloved because it’s incredibly easy, uses pantry staples, and can be made ahead—a lifesaver on busy Thanksgiving day. The creamy mushroom sauce complements the green beans perfectly, while the crispy onion topping adds texture and flavor.

Whether you make it in the oven or air fryer, this classic recipe delivers every time. It’s comfort food at its finest and a tradition worth continuing.