If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed side dish that will steal the show at any meal, look no further than this Cheesy Mushroom and Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures, enhanced by the rich earthiness of mushrooms and the sweetness of sautéed onions. Each bite bursts with warmth and nostalgia, but with a zesty twist thanks to pepper jack cheese and French’s® crispy fried onions that add that irresistible crunch. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole will quickly become your go-to dish to impress family and friends without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the short list — these ingredients are simple but absolutely essential. Every single item plays a starring role: the cream of mushroom soup adds silky richness, the green beans bring fresh brightness and color, and the sautéed onion and mushrooms deepen the flavor with their caramelized goodness. Plus, let’s not forget the star power of pepper jack cheese for a little kick and those crispy fried onions that make this dish shine.
- Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz. each): The creamy base that binds everything with umami richness.
- Milk (1 cup): Smoothes out the soup mixture for perfect casserole texture.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle heat that lifts all the flavors.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances every savory bite without overpowering.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Essential for sautéing the veggies and adding depth.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Keeps onions and mushrooms from sticking and browns them beautifully.
- Sweet onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Brings a gentle sweetness and soft texture.
- Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): Add earthiness and umami for a full-bodied flavor.
- Del Monte® Green Beans (4 cans, 14.5 oz. each, drained): The star green veggie, tender yet firm to complement the creamy filling.
- Pepper jack cheese (1 1/4 cups shredded, divided): Spicy, melty cheese that makes every bite extra special.
- French’s® Crispy Fried Onions (2 2/3 cups): The ultimate topping for irresistible crunch and golden color.
How to Make Cheesy Mushroom and Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Mixture
Start by bringing together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Stir vigorously until the mixture looks smooth and perfectly blended. This soup base is what makes the casserole so creamy and cohesive, so take a moment to get it right.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a medium sauté pan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onion and mushrooms, cooking them slowly while stirring occasionally. Wait until they are soft and golden brown, releasing their natural sweetness and rich earthiness. This step is absolutely crucial for adding complexity to the casserole’s flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In the large bowl with your soup mixture, add the drained green beans along with the beautifully caramelized onions and mushrooms. Stir everything together gently until every green bean is coated in that creamy, savory sauce. You’re building layers of flavor here, so don’t rush this part.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Fold in 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese to the mixed casserole ingredients, mixing thoroughly but gently. This cheese brings a delightful hint of spice and creaminess that balances perfectly with the mellow mushrooms and sweet onions.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the entire mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring there are no gaps or lumps. Leaving the dish uncovered prepares it perfectly for baking and helps the flavors mingle as it cooks.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place your casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes or until the mixture is heated through and bubbling deliciously. This step melds all the ingredients and deepens the flavors.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Finish Baking
After the initial bake, give the casserole a gentle stir to redistribute flavors. Then, sprinkle the top with the crispy fried onions and the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the onions turn that perfect golden brown and crispy. This finishing touch elevates the dish to irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Mushroom and Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving. The bright, fresh herbs not only add a pop of color but also brighten the rich and hearty flavors in the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like herb-crusted chicken or glazed ham. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a crisp, fresh salad or warm crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets. Top each serving with a few extra crispy fried onions to preserve crunch, and perhaps a light drizzle of honey or balsamic reduction to contrast the cheesy heat with a hint of sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This casserole stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a few extra crispy onions on top after reheating restores some of that fresh crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh green beans, blanch them briefly in boiling water until tender-crisp before adding to the casserole. It will add an even fresher bite and vibrant color to the dish.
Is there a substitute for pepper jack cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack or even a mild cheddar cheese works well if you prefer less spice. The pepper jack provides a lovely hint of heat, but feel free to adjust based on your taste.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese, and swap the fried onions for a homemade crispy topping. The flavor will be different but still delicious!
What can I do if I don’t have French’s® crispy fried onions?
You can make your own crispy topping by thinly slicing onions, tossing them in flour or breadcrumbs, and frying until golden. Alternatively, crushed fried shallots or even toasted breadcrumbs add great texture.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice from pepper jack cheese is very mild and more of a flavor enhancement than heat. If you prefer no spice, mild cheeses will keep it creamy and comforting without any kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Cheesy Mushroom and Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with layers of comforting flavors and textures that everyone will love. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want a cheesy, hearty side that’s anything but ordinary. Give it a go and watch it become a fast family favorite!
Print
Cheesy Mushroom and Onion Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Cheesy Mushroom and Onion Green Bean Casserole is a deliciously creamy and savory side dish perfect for family gatherings. Featuring tender green beans tossed in a creamy mushroom soup base with sautéed onions and mushrooms, all topped with melted pepper jack cheese and crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch. Easy to prepare and bakes in just 40 minutes, this casserole complements any holiday or weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Soup Mixture
- 2 cans (10.5 oz. each) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Sautéed Vegetables
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Main Mix-ins
- 4 cans (14.5 oz. each) any style Del Monte® Green Beans, drained
Cheese & Topping
- 1 1/4 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
- 2 2/3 cups French’s® Crispy Fried Onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Mixture: In a large bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, ground black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat butter and olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sweet onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained green beans, sautéed onions, and mushrooms to the bowl with the soup mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese: Fold in 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese and mix well until evenly incorporated into the casserole mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly and leaving the dish uncovered.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling.
- Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Stir the bean mixture gently, then sprinkle the top with crispy fried onions and the remaining 1/4 cup of pepper jack cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans and blanch them if preferred, but canned green beans save time and work well.
- For a spicier twist, substitute pepper jack cheese with cheddar-jalapeño cheese.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
