This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
Best Ever Green Bean Casserole
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- #57318
A cheesier version of the traditional green bean casserole. It's made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onion rings, and Velveeta cheese (although American cheese will work too).
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
4 reviews
ingredients
1 can (26 ounce size) French-cut green beans, drained
1 can (10.5 ounce size) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
4 ounces Velveeta processed cheese, melted
1 can (6 ounce size) Durkee fried onion rings
directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x9- or 8x8-inch casserole dish.
In a bowl, gently combine the green beans and soup. Stir in the melted Velveeta.
Place the green bean mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Top evenly with the fried onion rings.
Place the casserole in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until bubbly in the middle.
Serve the green bean casserole hot.
recipe tips
If using fresh green beans, make sure they are cooked to your preferred tenderness before adding them to the casserole.
For a cheesier casserole, you can add extra cheese on top before adding the onion rings.
Stir the green bean mixture gently to avoid breaking the beans.
For a crunchier topping, add the fried onion rings in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Season the green bean mixture with salt, pepper, or garlic powder for added flavor. Make sure to taste it first as the soup and cheese are salty.
Let the casserole stand for a few minutes after removing it from the oven for easier serving.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and soup.
If the casserole seems too thick, add a little milk to the green bean and soup mixture.
Serve this dish as a side for holiday meals or family gatherings.
common recipe questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they are just tender before using them in the recipe.
Is there a substitute for Velveeta cheese?
You can substitute Velveeta with American cheese or a mild cheddar for a similar creamy texture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the fried onion rings just before baking to keep them crispy.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it's bubbly in the middle and the onion rings on top are golden brown.
Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?
You can add ingredients like sauteed mushrooms, bacon bits, or slivered almonds for extra flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken or celery soup as a substitute. Or, you can make a heavy white sauce and flavor it as desired.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, make sure that the cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian (some brands may use animal-based ingredients).
Can I freeze this green bean casserole?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the green beans and sauce may change upon thawing and reheating.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
For a healthier version, use low-fat cheese and a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup.
tools needed
Casserole Dish: A 9x9-inch casserole dish for baking the casserole in the oven.
Mixing Bowl: A bowl for combining the green beans and cream of mushroom soup, as well as for stirring in the melted Velveeta.
Spatula or Spoon: For mixing the ingredients in the bowl and for transferring the combined mixture into the casserole dish.
Can Opener: To open the cans of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onion rings, if needed.
what goes with it?
Roasted Turkey: The savory flavors of a slow roasted turkey provide a nice contrast to the creamy green bean casserole, making it a hearty main course.
Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes complement the texture of the casserole, enhancing the comfort food experience with their smooth and buttery flavor.
Stuffed Pork Chops: The savory stuffing in these baked pork chopss pairs well, as the richness of the meat balances the lightness of the green beans.
Grilled Salmon: The fresh, flaky texture of grilled salmon offers a lighter protein option, contrasting with the creamy casserole while still being satisfying.
Herbed Bread Rolls: Soft, warm bread rolls are great for scooping up casserole and provide a perfect vehicle for any remaining sauce.
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce adds a nice acidic balance to the richness of the casserole.
Caesar Salad: A crisp, dressed classic Caesar salad adds freshness to the meal, which helps cut through the creaminess of the casserole.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts, enhanced by balsamic glaze, can add complexity to the dish while providing a seasonal touch.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on the casserole can introduce a hint of heat, making the dish more dynamic without overpowering it.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan over the casserole can add depth and a slightly nutty flavor.
Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp for dessert offers a sweet finish that can balance the savory elements of the meal perfectly, especially with its spiced notes.
nutrition data
391 calories, 24 grams fat, 34 grams carbohydrates, 13 grams protein per serving.
A can of cream of mushroom soup can be a real dinner saver. It works great in casseroles and can turn into a sauce or gravy in a pinch.
Love the spinach dip at restaurants like TGIFriday's and the Olive Garden? Make it at home with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes.
see more thanksgiving green bean recipes
reviews & comments
August 13, 2016
The kids really liked this
April 4, 2016
This has become our family favorite and go to green bean casserole. I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Thanks so much for the awesome recipe! P.S. I use the Velveeta 4oz cheese sauce packets that come 3 in a box!!! Made this recipe that much easier :)
November 26, 2014
We serve some version of this every year at Thanksgiving. A quaint, but delicious Midwestern tradition, I guess. I think this recipe is our favorite!
January 8, 2014
Comfort food! The measurements are a little vague. I used a large can of green beans (not the 15 ounce size - I think it was 28oz?). I think the smaller can would have resulted in too soupy a casserole. If you don't have Velveeta you can use American cheese.