When it comes to holiday side dishes, few recipes hold as much nostalgic charm as the classic green bean casserole. This creamy and crispy Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole is a rich and delicious upgrade of the original Campbell’s favorite. It delivers everything you expect in a comfort food dish: smooth mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and a golden crown of crunchy fried onions.
At Richy Bites, we believe that food should feel like a hug. Alessia, the heart behind our kitchen, keeps things simple and joyful. This casserole is a dish you can make with confidence. Whether you’re preparing a big holiday dinner or simply bringing warmth to a midweek meal, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This version of the Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole is more than just a throwback. It’s a carefully tested, flavor-packed update with just the right texture and balance. Here’s why it earns a spot at your table:
- It’s creamy without being soupy, thanks to the right balance of milk and mushroom soup.
- The crispy onions stay golden and crunchy, never soggy.
- It can be made with fresh, canned, or frozen green beans, depending on what you have on hand.
- It’s flexible enough to prepare ahead for busy holidays.
- It’s packed with flavor and ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on a few pantry staples that work together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering that cozy, creamy texture and deep flavor that makes this dish so loved.
Cream of Mushroom Soup:
This is the heart of the casserole. Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup is the traditional choice. It creates a velvety, savory base and blends seamlessly with milk for a creamy consistency.
Whole Milk:
Use whole milk to ensure a rich and smooth sauce. Skim or low-fat milk can make the sauce watery and thin.
Soy Sauce:
Just a teaspoon adds a gentle umami note that enhances the mushroom flavor. It deepens the taste without overpowering it.
Ground Black Pepper:
A quarter teaspoon of black pepper adds mild heat and balances the richness of the casserole.
Green Beans:
You can use fresh, canned, or frozen green beans.
- Fresh green beans should be trimmed and blanched in boiling salted water for about 4 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Frozen green beans should be fully thawed and drained before using.
- Canned green beans must be well-drained to avoid excess liquid.
Crispy Fried Onions:
French’s crispy onions are the gold standard for topping. You’ll mix some into the casserole for flavor and texture, then save the rest to sprinkle on top at the end of baking.
Optional Add-ins (to elevate flavor):
You can enhance the base with sautéed mushrooms, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, or a touch of garlic powder.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole
This recipe comes together in under an hour and is ideal for prepping ahead. The method is simple but delivers bold flavor and perfect texture.
First, get your ingredients ready. Blanch fresh beans if using them, or drain canned and thawed frozen ones. Preheat your oven to 350°F (or the same temperature in your air fryer).
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper until smooth. This is your creamy base.
Add the green beans and two-thirds of the fried onions, folding gently to coat evenly. Transfer to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 25 minutes (10 if air frying) until bubbling.
Remove, stir gently, then top with the remaining onions. Bake another 5 minutes (2 for air fryer) until golden brown.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Green Beans
Trim and cut fresh beans into 2-inch pieces, then blanch for 4–5 minutes in salted water. Drain well. If using frozen, thaw and drain completely. Canned beans only need draining.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F or the same temperature for air frying.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, soy sauce, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the green beans and two-thirds of the fried onions. Gently mix until coated evenly, keeping the onions as intact as possible.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pour into a greased 9×9-inch dish, spread evenly, and bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Remove from the oven, stir gently, then sprinkle the remaining onions on top. Return to bake another 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Helpful Tips
- Use whole milk for best texture.
- Drain beans well to prevent a watery casserole.
- Keep some onions aside until just before baking for the perfect crunch.
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole without onions up to 24 hours before serving.
Details
Flavor: Savory, creamy, and comforting with hints of umami and pepper.
Texture: Creamy center with crisp-tender beans and a crunchy topping.
Occasion: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy dinners.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Notes
For a twist, stir in shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms. A pinch of garlic powder adds a subtle savory layer. Each variation complements the creamy mushroom flavor beautifully.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, blanch them for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender and drain well before using.
How do I keep my green bean casserole from getting watery?
Drain beans thoroughly, avoid extra milk, and bake uncovered. Adding an extra spoonful of cream of mushroom soup helps thicken it.
Can I make Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble without onions, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add onions before baking.
What can I add to make the casserole taste even better?
Cheddar cheese, bacon, garlic powder, or mushrooms add richness and flavor depth.
Storage Instructions
Cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. To freeze, assemble without the final onion topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking and topping with fresh onions.
Print
Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole | Creamy & Crispy Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, crispy, and comforting Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole inspired by Pioneer Woman. Perfect for the holidays, this classic side dish combines rich mushroom flavor, tender green beans, and a golden onion topping.
Ingredients
½ cup whole milk
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup
4 cups green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Trim and cut fresh green beans into 2-inch pieces. Blanch for 4 to 5 minutes, then drain well. Thaw frozen beans or drain canned beans if using.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce until smooth and creamy.
3. Add green beans, black pepper, and ⅔ cup of fried onions. Stir gently to coat without crushing the onions.
4. Transfer the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until bubbling and hot.
5. Remove from the oven. Stir gently, top with the remaining fried onions, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
To make ahead, prepare the casserole without topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add onions right before baking.
For vegetarian, choose a vegetarian mushroom soup. To make gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free fried onions.
For more flavor, mix in shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Conclusion
This Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole is a heartwarming blend of creamy, crispy, and comforting. It’s everything a holiday side should be: simple, rich, and always satisfying. Whether it’s on your Thanksgiving table or part of a cozy Sunday dinner, it’s bound to bring smiles and seconds. Try it today and make it your new family tradition.