Imagine having a delicious, crowd-pleasing side dish ready to go at a moment's notice! This Green Bean Casserole is your secret weapon for stress-free meal planning and entertaining. Whether you're preparing for a busy weeknight dinner or planning ahead for holiday gatherings, this freezer-friendly recipe will save you time, effort, and ensure a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans of green beans, drained
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Drain the two cans of green beans thoroughly, ensuring no excess liquid remains. Pat the green beans dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
- Add the drained green beans to the soup mixture, stirring gently to coat all beans evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the green bean and soup mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- For freezing preparation, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label with the date and contents.
- If freezing immediately, place the covered casserole in the freezer. The casserole can be stored frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Tips
- Moisture Matters: Always thoroughly drain and pat dry your green beans to prevent a watery casserole.
- Freezing Hack: Use high-quality freezer-safe dishes with tight-fitting lids for best preservation.
- Crispy Topping Secret: Add the French fried onions only during the final 5-7 minutes of baking to maintain their crunch.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be prepared and frozen up to 3 months in advance, making meal prep a breeze.
- Thawing Tip: Always thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even heating and best texture.
- Customization Option: Feel free to add crispy bacon bits or sliced almonds for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Once baked, leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
