Creamy Baked Green Bean Casserole (Easy Holiday Side Dish)

This creamy baked green bean casserole is the perfect easy holiday side dish—rich, comforting, and topped with crispy fried onions.

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes compete with the timeless green bean casserole. It’s rich, creamy, packed with savory flavor, and topped with that irresistible layer of crispy fried onions. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, planning Christmas dinner, or simply craving something warm and satisfying on a weeknight, this recipe delivers big comfort with minimal effort. Using simple ingredients and a streamlined method, it comes together in under an hour—no boiling, chopping, or complicated prep required.

What makes this version special is its added richness. By combining condensed cream of mushroom soup with heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, you get a deeper, more flavorful casserole that tastes like it simmered all afternoon. But the best part? It starts with frozen green beans, so the dish is not only easy but also incredibly convenient. This is a recipe you’ll return to year after year, becoming a staple for holiday tables and cozy family dinners alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this green bean casserole deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. First, it’s unbelievably easy—everything mixes together in one bowl, goes into a dish, and bakes to perfection. No need to pre-cook the green beans or dirty multiple pans.

Second, it’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Those three ingredients work together to create a silky, savory sauce that coats every green bean.

Third, this recipe is ideal for busy gatherings and holidays. It’s crowd-pleasing, inexpensive to make, and pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, roast chicken, and more. Plus, it reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

If you’re looking for a reliable, no-fail, easy green bean casserole recipe, this is it.

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Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at what makes this casserole so good:

Frozen String Beans (4 cups)

Frozen beans are the secret shortcut! They skip the trimming, washing, and blanching—yet they bake up tender, fresh-tasting, and perfectly textured.

Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can)

The classic binder for any traditional green bean casserole. It adds thickness, richness, and savory flavor without needing a roux or extra steps.

Heavy Cream (½ cup)

Heavy cream elevates the sauce from simple to luxurious. It adds richness and ensures the casserole stays creamy, not dry.

Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon)

A little goes a long way. It enhances the umami flavor and balances the richness with a subtle tang.

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Season as generously or lightly as you prefer—just remember the fried onions add a bit of salt too.

Crispy Dried Onions (2 cups, divided)

These bring the iconic crunch and golden-browned topping that everyone expects in a classic green bean casserole. Half go inside the casserole for texture, and the rest create the perfect crust on top.

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How to Make This Green Bean Casserole

This recipe keeps things simple while delivering maximum flavor. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F so it’s hot and ready once your casserole is assembled.

2. Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Frozen green beans
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup
• Heavy cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup of the crispy dried onions

Mix until everything is coated in creamy sauce.

3. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly in a casserole dish or 9×13 baking pan.

4. Bake (25–30 minutes)

Bake uncovered until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and slightly thickened.

5. Add the Crispy Onion Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of dried onions evenly across the top.

6. Finish Baking

Return the dish to the oven for 5–8 minutes, or until the onions are crisp and golden brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool slightly, then serve warm next to your favorite holiday entrée.

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How to Store This Recipe

One of the advantages of green bean casserole is that it stores and reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Freezer

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking:

• Before baking: Assemble completely but leave off the crispy topping. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen by adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time and topping with onions at the end.
• After baking: Let it cool completely and freeze in portions or in the entire dish. The texture will soften slightly, but the flavor stays excellent.

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Tips for Making the Best Green Bean Casserole

Here are a few ways to elevate your casserole even more:

1. Don’t Thaw the Green Beans

Mix them in straight from the freezer! This helps them stay firm during baking and prevents a watery casserole.

2. Add Extra Mushrooms

For a heartier version, sauté mushrooms in butter and fold them into the mixture.

3. Try Alternative Cream Soups

Cream of chicken or cream of celery both work great for a flavor twist.

4. Make It From Scratch (Optional)

If you prefer a no-can recipe, swap the condensed soup for a homemade mushroom sauce with butter, flour, broth, and cream.

5. Use a Broiler Finish

If the onion topping isn’t browning fast enough, place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—just watch closely!

6. Add Cheese

A handful of shredded cheddar or parmesan stirred into the base makes this even richer.

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More Holiday Side Dishes

FAQs

Can I make this casserole the day before?

Yes! Assemble everything except the crispy onion topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake the next day and add the topping at the end.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just trim and blanch them for 3–4 minutes before mixing them into the casserole.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half works well, or you can use whole milk for a slightly lighter texture.

Why is my casserole watery?

It typically happens if the beans were thawed before baking or if the casserole wasn’t baked long enough to evaporate excess moisture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes—perfect for large gatherings. Simply bake in a larger dish and increase the cook time by 5–10 minutes.