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Easy Thanksgiving Green Beans Casserole - Feeds 20 Million Families!

This Ultimate Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole recipe transforms the beloved holiday classic into an elevated, flavor-packed masterpiece. Featuring fresh green beans, sautéed mushrooms, creamy sauce, and crispy fried onions, this version delivers the perfect balance of texture and taste while honoring tradition. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive feast.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Holiday, Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole Base:
  • 1.5 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms finely sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
  • 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half or whole milk
Flavor Enhancers:
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
The Golden Finish:
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar optional
  • 1.5 cups crispy fried onions divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Blanch Beans: Boil green beans in salted water for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge into ice water bath.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms: In skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms; cook 5–6 minutes until browned. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
  4. Make Sauce: Stir in soup, stock, and half-and-half. Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and soy sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in cheddar if using.
  5. Combine: Fold green beans and half the fried onions into sauce mixture.
  6. Assemble: Transfer to baking dish; top with remaining onions and Parmesan if desired.
  7. Bake: Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Tent with foil if onions brown too quickly.
  8. Rest: Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture and presentation.

Notes

For make-ahead convenience, assemble the casserole (without fried onions) up to 2 days before serving. Add topping and bake just before your meal. Store leftovers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze up to 2 months.