Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a must-make comfort dish bursting with smoky bacon, crispy onions, and tender green beans. This homemade casserole is creamy, packed with texture, and incredibly easy to prepare with pantry staples. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners because it comes together quickly without complicated steps. For a hearty main, pair it with my Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe for a comforting dinner everyone will love.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for Weeknights
Enjoy this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe, a crispy, creamy, and flavorful side dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
- Loaded with crispy bacon and golden fried onions for extra flavor and crunch.
- Made with simple pantry staples and fresh green beans for an easy recipe.
- Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned for a classic comfort food taste.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks.
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for Weeknights
Green beans: Fresh is best for texture; frozen can be used but thaw and drain well.Bacon: Use thick-cut for better flavor and crunch; turkey bacon is a lighter substitute.
- Green beans: Fresh is best for texture; frozen can be used but thaw and drain well.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut for better flavor and crunch; turkey bacon is a lighter substitute.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for Weeknights are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for Weeknights
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté green beans: Add trimmed green beans to the hot bacon fat and sauté for 5-6 minutes until slightly tender and bright green. Remove from heat.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Mix the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), black pepper, and 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for Weeknights
- Don’t overcook green beans; keep them tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Use homemade crispy fried onions or store-bought for convenience and extra crunch.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, add a little extra sour cream or milk to the sauce.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for Weeknights
Enjoy this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe, a crispy, creamy, and flavorful side dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra crispy fried onions for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté green beans: Add trimmed green beans to the hot bacon fat and sauté for 5-6 minutes until slightly tender and bright green. Remove from heat.
- Mix the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), black pepper, and 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a casserole dish, combine sautéed green beans, cooked bacon, and sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and 1 cup fried onions. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with parsley and extra onions if desired before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for Weeknights FAQs
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a quick homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and mushrooms.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Dryness can result from overbaking or not enough sauce. Sogginess often comes from steamed green beans or excess liquid—avoid overcooking green beans before baking.
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Before You Go
If you try this Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for Weeknights, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.