Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole Recipes You’ll Love

Updated On: October 18, 2025

Green bean casserole is a beloved classic side dish that has graced holiday tables and family dinners for decades. When it comes to elevating this comfort food favorite, few chefs do it better than Paula Deen.

Known for her rich flavors and Southern charm, Paula Deen’s green bean casserole recipes bring a delightful twist to the traditional dish. Whether you’re preparing a feast for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a simple family meal, these recipes are sure to impress with their creamy texture, crispy toppings, and perfectly cooked green beans.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the delicious world of Paula Deen green bean casserole recipes. From her classic take to some interesting variations, you’ll find everything you need to make a mouthwatering casserole that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, we’ll share handy tips, nutritional insights, and serving ideas to complete your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Paula Deen’s green bean casserole recipes stand out because they combine rich, creamy flavors with the perfect crunch on top. Unlike some casseroles that can be soggy or bland, Paula’s versions balance texture and taste beautifully.

Her recipes often incorporate fresh ingredients alongside pantry staples, making the dish both accessible and upscale. Whether you prefer fresh green beans or canned, her recipes adapt easily without sacrificing flavor.

Additionally, these casseroles are incredibly versatile. They can be customized with cheese, bacon, or mushrooms, allowing you to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences.

The step-by-step instructions are straightforward, so even novice cooks can create a delicious outcome.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed and halved) or 3 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup French fried onions (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Optional: 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling or steaming green beans)
  • Colander (for draining beans)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • 9×13 inch casserole dish
  • Oven
  • Spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Prepare the green beans: If using fresh, rinse and trim the green beans, then cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. Boil them in salted water for about 5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
  3. Sauté the onions and garlic: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat.
  4. Mix the casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, sautéed onions and garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
  5. Combine beans and sauce: Add the cooked green beans (or canned beans if using) to the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Pour the green bean mixture into the 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
  7. Add the topping: Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top. If using bacon, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the onions for an extra burst of flavor.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For the crispiest topping, add the French fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking instead of at the start.”

Use fresh green beans when possible for the best texture and flavor. If fresh isn’t available, canned green beans work fine — just be sure to drain them well.

Customize the cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Add mushrooms: For a more indulgent casserole, sauté fresh mushrooms with the onions and garlic.

Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth in place of milk for a meatless option.

Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the crispy onions just before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 210
Protein 7g
Fat 14g
Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 3g
Sodium 420mg

Serving Suggestions

Paula Deen’s green bean casserole pairs beautifully with traditional Southern dishes. Serve it alongside:

  • Roasted turkey or ham for a classic holiday meal
  • Mashed potatoes to complement the creamy texture
  • Cornbread for a touch of sweetness and crumbly texture
  • Sweet potato casserole for a balance of savory and sweet flavors

For a lighter approach, serve the casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Conclusion

Paula Deen’s green bean casserole recipes are a must-try for anyone who loves classic Southern comfort food with a twist. The creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crunchy fried onion topping come together to create a dish that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or a regular weeknight dinner, these recipes are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

By following the simple steps outlined above and using fresh ingredients, you can bring a little Southern charm to your table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with cheese, bacon, or mushrooms to make the casserole your own.

And if you’re interested in more Southern-inspired dishes, be sure to check out our other favorites like Classic Southern Fried Chicken, Buttermilk Biscuits, and Creamy Mac and Cheese for a full, comforting meal.

Enjoy this delicious green bean casserole recipe and happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole

Description: A classic Southern green bean casserole with a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/3 cups French fried onions
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Boil green beans in salted water for 5 minutes; drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, sauté chopped onions in butter until soft.
  4. In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  5. Add green beans, sautéed onions, and half of the French fried onions to the mixture; stir well.
  6. Pour mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining French fried onions on top, and bake 5 minutes more until onions are golden.
  9. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 15 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A classic Southern green bean casserole with a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut”, “1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup”, “1 cup milk”, “1 teaspoon soy sauce”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 1/3 cups French fried onions”, “1 cup shredded cheddar cheese”, “1/2 cup chopped onion”, “2 tablespoons butter”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Boil green beans in salted water for 5 minutes; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a skillet, saut\u00e9 chopped onions in butter until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add green beans, saut\u00e9ed onions, and half of the French fried onions to the mixture; stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining French fried onions on top, and bake 5 minutes more until onions are golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “7 g”, “fatContent”: “14 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X