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Kid-Approved Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe

cheesy green bean casserole - featured image

This creamy, cheesy green bean casserole is a quick and easy 5-ingredient recipe that turns a simple vegetable into the star of the meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  2. Blanch the green beans: Add the trimmed and halved green beans to the boiling water and cook for exactly 3 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  3. Make the cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and garlic powder (if using). Stir until smooth. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix until well combined.
  4. Add the green beans: Fold the blanched green beans into the cheese mixture until every bean is coated.
  5. Transfer to the baking dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
  7. Add the crispy onion topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, until the onions are golden and fragrant.
  8. Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese from a block to ensure smooth melting. Blanching the green beans for exactly 3 minutes gives them a perfect tender-crisp texture. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set. If using frozen green beans, thaw and pat dry thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, cheesy green bean casserole, easy green bean casserole, 5-ingredient recipe, kid-friendly, Thanksgiving side dish, comfort food