Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1.5 cups French fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 5 minutes, until they are bright green but still crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again thoroughly.
  3. Mix the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine: The blanched green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. Add Cheese (Optional): If youre using cheddar cheese, fold it in gently now for an extra layer of flavor.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish (approximately 9x13 inches).
  6. Bake Initial Layer: Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until bubbling around the edges.
  7. Add Topping: After baking for initial time, remove from oven and sprinkle French fried onions evenly on top of casserole.
  8. Final Bake: Return casserole to oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes or until topping is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve Hot: Remove from oven; let cool slightly before serving warm as a side dish.