This is how to make our really easy green bean casserole with frozen green beans and bacon! It’s the best Thanksgiving side dish you can make as a leftover ham recipe topped with crispy onions too.
We love this so much we make it well beyond the holidays AND have doctored it up thru the years. This version is much yummier than the one that everyone typically makes because it’s packed with crispy bacon!
You are sick and tired of the old fashioned grandma way of making this right?? BUT it’s still a must when it comes to get togethers so it was time to think outside of the box. Adding meat was a given and this turned out to be a hit so much I tweaked it into green bean mashed potato casserole the next year too.
You can top it with freshly made air fryer onions if you don’t want the crunch but traditionally most use “the can” from French’s.
Should You Make Green Bean Casserole with Frozen Green Beans?
I start with right out of the freezer for this one so that they stay firmer while being baked. Somewhat similar to our Crack Green Beans but with that one I do run cool water over them first to defrost just slightly since the bake time isn’t quite as long. If choosing canned, frozen or fresh I choose frozen all the way!
Ingredient Notes
Frozen green beans are your best option. Fresh could be used too, cut into 3rds but that is a lot more work so we go for easy peasy. Canned come out quite soft and in my opinion, not recommended.
Bacon needs to be precooked and diced. I like uncured regular or thin cut vs. thick that doesn’t get as crispy.
We all love plenty of french fried onions or make your own crispy fried onions yourself beforehand so they are ready to use.
Cream of mushroom soup is typical but any of the condensed flavors will work, and milk or dairy free alternative like cashew is just fine.
Optional Add ins are; Mushrooms, fresh and sliced and/or 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top we love. Some prefer parmesan or id you wanted it totally dairy free you could leave that off totally.
Tips
Here’s a holiday tip: Use a Crockpot, Ninja Foodi and your Instant Pot to keep it warm once done! It is impossible to keep all that food warm since cooking times vary. Most people don’t have a double oven to keep it all in until meal time so:
I use this technique for yams and mashed potatoes too. After we cut up the turkey you can put it in a warmed crock to keep it warm so when you get seconds it isn’t cold! Now if you don’t want to make this in your oven you can try our Instant Pot green bean casserole recipe.
Foil on top of 1/2-quart casserole dishes left on your stovetop can keep the warmth in too.
Variations
If using a Crockpot, use our slow cooker green bean casserole recipe with these ingredients. Just know that you won’t get any crispy topping this way but if texture isn’t an issue for you then that is a good option. To make spicy you can sprinkle in a bit of red pepper flakes too.
Can you make this cheesy?
Want to transition this to a cheesy dish? NO problem. You can either swap out the fried onions for shredded cheddar cheese, or follow our Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with some inside and on top.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe with Bacon
Equipment
- 1 9×13 pan
Ingredients
- 22 oz frozen green beans, we have used 2 cans instead but frozen comes out fresher tasting
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, any brand, I use whatever is on sale really
- 1/2 cup milk, whole or 2%
- 1/4 tsp Garlic salt
- 1 1/2 cup fried onions, French's
- 8 strips bacon, cooked, can use real bacon bits or turkey bacon if desired
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced – optional
Instructions
- First add your frozen green beans (or canned but frozen turns out better visually and isn’t as mushy)
- Mix in 1/2 cup of milk and soup into an oven safe dish (spray 9×13" pan with non stick spray first)
- Cook your bacon until slightly crisp and then chop up into small pieces and add to your bowl.
- If you like cooked mushrooms, slice them up without stems and add them too.
- I shake some garlic salt on top, maybe 1/4 tsp, a bit of salt and pepper, and 1/2 cup of the fried onions. Fold ingredients together so onions don't get totally smashed.
- Empty mixture into dish that has been sprayed with non stick spray, then cover with foil. Bake for 25 min. at 350 degrees.
- Remove from oven, take off foil and shake another 1/2 – 1 cup of fried onions to the top Put back into the oven for 5 more minutes just so they get crispy.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Other easy Thanksgiving side dishes you’ll love
Swiss chard is a Southern fave. Or this easy roll recipe we have on all holidays. Ninja foodi green beans turn out tender with just salt and pepper. Add onions on top for a healthier version of your traditional dish. After the holidays you’ve got to try out leftover turkey recipe too, it can be made with ham too so you can enjoy the day or so after….hope you enjoy your day!
FAQ
I mean technically you can do what you like but the texture changes a lot, especially the topping if you do. Reheating will make it mushy, it is best to just refrigerated instead and enjoy within 3 days after the holidays.
Of course. If you want to keep the top crunchy throw it into the oven at 350 for about 10 minutes. OR use an oven safe dish and do the same in your air fryer for about 6 min.! Stir halfway through so the top doesn’t get too dark this way. Remove from oven, take off foil and shake another 1/2 – 1 cup of fried onions to the top Put back into the oven for 5 more minutes just so they get crispy.
I make mine with bacon, too. I cook the bacon, and set it aside to drain; fry diced onions in some of the bacon grease; add cream of mushroom soup plus salt; mix it all together; gently fold in beans (frozen and first cooked on the stove for 5 minutes); put in casserole dish and top with the bacon pieces and slivered almonds before baking it!
The bacon grease and onion permeate the whole dish.
Bacon is where it’s at