Green bean and potato casserole is a hearty and flavorful side dish that brings comfort to any dinner table. Combining tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and a rich, creamy sauce, this casserole is both filling and versatile. It’s the perfect companion to roasted meats, holiday dinners, or even a simple weeknight meal.
Unlike classic green bean casserole, this recipe adds potatoes for extra substance, making it not only a side but also a dish that can stand on its own. The creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheese, and golden baked topping tie everything together, creating a casserole that’s cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to please your family and guests.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 2 cans, drained)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fried onions or breadcrumbs (for topping)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes and Beans
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add diced potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes until just fork-tender.
- Add green beans in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make Creamy Sauce
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until softened.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and heated through.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
- In a large bowl, combine cooked potatoes, green beans, and sauce.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add Topping and Bake
- Sprinkle fried onions or breadcrumbs over the top.
- Add extra cheese if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Variations
- Bacon & Cheese Version: Stir in ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
- Loaded Style: Top with shredded cheddar, green onions, and sour cream after baking.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light cheese.
- Herbed Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with parsley, thyme, or rosemary before sprinkling on top.
Cooking Notes
- Yukon gold or russet potatoes work best for this casserole.
- Fresh or frozen green beans give the best texture compared to canned.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted chicken, baked ham, or turkey for a full meal.
- Serve alongside stuffing and cranberry sauce for a holiday spread.
- Enjoy as a vegetarian main dish with a side salad and bread.
💡 Tips
- Dice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Add extra cheese between layers for a gooey, indulgent casserole.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best results, not the microwave.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 540mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble everything (without topping), refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add topping and bake.
Q2: Can I freeze green bean and potato casserole?
- Yes. Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q3: Can I use other cheeses?
- Definitely. Mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.
Q4: Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?
- Yes. Use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make homemade white sauce.
Q5: Can I make it vegan?
- Yes. Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and mushroom soup alternatives.
Conclusion
Green bean and potato casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, hearty, and satisfying. With tender potatoes, crisp beans, a rich sauce, and a golden topping, this dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. It’s simple to prepare, versatile to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, this casserole may just become a new staple at your family table.