Microwave Green Bean Casserole is a great way to save oven space during Christmas or Thanksgiving, and it tastes just as incredible as oven-baked! The fried onions stay nice and crispy. In just a few minutes, it gets cooked to perfection. Plus, it can be made ahead!
Got invited to a holiday party and need to make a quick side dish? This microwave green bean casserole recipe is the perfect solution!
Green bean casserole is a classic holiday dish originating in the United States. I'm guessing that you know it well and have it every holiday.
It is made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. This dish is popular because it not only tastes incredible, but it is easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
While this holiday side dish is usually baked in the oven, the microwave is also a great cooking tool for this dish. Microwaving the green beans and the sauce saves time and energy. Plus, it frees up space in the oven if you make other dishes.
Ever since I discovered how I could microwave green bean casserole, it's been my go-to method. It's sooooo easy and tastes just as awesome.
Just because it's made in the microwave does not mean the flavor is compromised. This microwave green bean casserole is just as flavorful and creamy as the oven-baked version! And the fried onions stay nice and crispy!
If you're looking for more great microwave dishes, be sure to try Microwave Acorn Squash, Microwave Baked Potato and these other 25 Mind-Blowing Microwave Recipes!
Serve this side dish up with a tasty main, like Tajin Chicken, Shake and Bake Pork Chops, or Mustard Mayonnaise Chicken Drumsticks!
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Why Make This Recipe
Great when you're short on time but do not want to sacrifice flavor.
It's a great way to free up space in the oven over Thanksgiving or Christmas, when there's already a lot that needs to be cooked in there!
Make this microwave green bean casserole for a holiday meal or as a weeknight side dish with your favorite proteins.
The entire recipe is made with just 5 ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store.
It's easy to assemble ahead of time and then microwave when you're ready to eat.
Ingredients
- Cream of Mushroom Soup - A can of condensed cream of mushroom soups adds a creamy base with a comforting mushroom flavor.
- Milk - It helps thin out the concentrated soup to coat the green beans well.
- Black Pepper - Enhances the natural flavor of the green beans.
- Green Beans - You can use frozen, fresh, or canned green beans.
- Crispy Fried Onions - Adds a classic crunchy onion topping. You can use French's or any brand you enjoy.
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.
Instructions
Wondering how to make this Microwave Green Bean Casserole recipe? It's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Prepare the green beans: If using canned cut green beans, drain fully.
For fresh or frozen green beans, make sure they are fully thawed (I put them in a bowl of boiled water to thaw them quickly), then microwave them with a tablespoon of water for a few minutes until soft.
Mix the wet ingredients: To a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
Assemble the casserole: Add the canned/drained or lightly cooked fresh green beans to the wet mixture along with half of the fried onions. Stir to combine fully.
Dish: Add the mixture to an 8" square baking dish.
Microwave the casserole: Microwave on a high setting for 2-3 minutes, then stir.
Topping: Add the remaining onions on top of the casserole and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Cook's Tips
Whichever way you use green beans, make sure they are fully drained. Wet green beans will cause the casserole to be watery.
Use a microwave-safe casserole dish or a glass baking dish. Do not use a metal pan as it will cause sparks in the microwave.
To make ahead, mix all of the ingredients together as directed and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. When ready to serve, add everything to a microwave-safe dish and microwave according to the recipe.
Variations
For an even creamier casserole, use sour cream in place of milk.
Add in other vegetables like diced carrots, corn, or peas.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before microwaving. Then, microwave until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Instead of cream of mushroom soup, try using other flavors such as cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheese soup.
Add in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for extra smoky flavor and protein.
Instead of fried onions, you can also use chopped fresh onions, sautéed onions, or even onion rings.
If you want to try other green bean recipes, be sure to try Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon or Cheesy Green Bean Casserole.
Storage & Freezing
Cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
To freeze, mix all of the ingredients together except the final topping of crispy fried onions. Do not microwave. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe sealed dish and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge then microwave on half power until thawed, then on high until warmed through according to the instructions below.
FAQs
There are a few ways. First, make sure to drain any canned or frozen green beans very well. Second, do not add extra milk when mixing everything together. And finally, microwave the casserole until it's just warmed through - do not overcook.
In this case, you can assemble it the night before but do not microwave it. Instead, cover and store in the fridge overnight. Then, when you're ready to serve, microwave according to the recipe instructions.
Yes! You can absolutely use fresh green beans. Just cook them according to your favorite method - steamed, boiled, or even roasted - then proceed with the recipe as directed.
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📖 Recipe
Microwave Green Bean Casserole
Equipment
- 8" Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 10.5 ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup canned
- ½ cup milk
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups green beans cut - frozen, fresh or canned
- 1 ⅓ cups crispy fried onions I use French's
Instructions
- Cook the beans if they’re fresh or frozen, or drain them if using canned.
- To cook from frozen, add to a microwavable container with 1-2 tablespoons of water, and cover loosely. Microwave on ‘high’ for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the soup, milk, and pepper together.
- Add the green beans and ½ of the fried onions, and gently stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a microwaveable 8” square baking dish or casserole.
- Microwave on ‘high’ for 5 minutes, then gently stir the mixture and pour the remaining fried onions on top. Microwave on ‘high’ for a further 3 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Tayler
I NEVER have enough room in my oven during the holidays, so this recipe is absolutely genius! Saving for Thanksgiving!
Mirlene
Using the microwave is a time saving idea! I usually bake my green bean casserole but this method is way faster and easier!
Michelle
Could not love this more that it's made right in the microwave! Frees up all the space for holiday cooking!
Shadi
Love how easy this recipe is and that we didnt' need to take up oven space. It was perfect for our family!
Catherine
It doesn't get much easier than this! So delicious and perfect when you a vegetable side in a pinch.