In our family, my grandmother’s green bean casserole has always been the star of Thanksgiving. A few years ago, I decided to try making it myself but couldn’t find her recipe. So, I searched for the best green bean casserole recipes and found Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole recipe, which exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Ever since I started making it, every time I whip up this casserole, it feels like a special way to carry forward a piece of my grandmother’s legacy. It’s a comforting reminder of the family traditions she cherished. It also allows me to create new memories with my family, gathered around the table enjoying the same warm and hearty dish.
It’s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing sides that pairs perfectly with turkey and all the other festive foods. The combination of tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy topping is a timeless favorite that always brings everyone back for seconds.
This dish is also versatile and customizable, as it allows me to add a little twist to the recipe by tweaking the seasoning here and there and adding fresh herbs to elevate the flavors. However, the best part about this recipe is that Paula Deen uses her special seasoning, which elevates the taste of the dish to a whole new level.
With its rich flavors and delicious taste, I’m sure this recipe will become a part of your Thanksgiving menu, too. All you need to do is follow the recipe instructions to achieve the right balance of flavors and taste on your plate. So, let us dive into the recipe details to make your Thanksgiving with your loved ones extra special with this dish.
Equipment Required
- Sharp Knife: I use a sharp knife to dice the vegetables.
- Chopping Board: While I use a wooden board to chop the veggies, you can use a metal or plastic one, depending on your convenience.
- Deep Pot: You will need a deep pot to boil the green beans.
- Colander: Generally, I use a colander to strain the broth.
- Saucepan: I use a saucepan to prepare the green bean mixture, while you can use any large skillet.
- Casserole Dish: You will need a 1 ½ quart baking dish to prepare this recipe.
- An Oven: An oven will be needed to bake this dish.

Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients used in this recipe will help you make 6 servings. If you wish to serve more, you can easily increase the quantity of ingredients given below.
- 1 Pinch Paula Deen’s House Seasoning: This seasoning can be made from scratch by combining 1 cup salt with ¼ th of black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- 1 (2.8 oz) Can French-Fried Onion Rings: I usually fry the onions at home.
- 1 (10 ¾ oz) Can Cream Of Mushroom Soup: You can substitute cream of chicken soup.
- 3 Cups Chicken Broth: This recipe can also use vegetable broth.
- 2 Cups Sliced Green Beans: Snappeas or asparagus can be substituted.
- ½ Cup Sliced Fresh Mushrooms: Canned or dried mushrooms can also be substituted in this recipe.
- ½ Cup Diced Onions: This recipe uses either red or yellow onions.
- ⅓ Stick Butter: In this recipe, I prefer to saute the vegetables with extra virgin olive oil instead of butter.
- 1 Cup Grated Cheddar Cheese: I sometimes use Colby cheese or gouda cheese in place of cheddar in this recipe.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 40 Minutes |
How To Make Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole At Home

Step 1
Melt some butter in a saucepan and saute mushrooms and diced onions until tender.

Step 2
On the other hand, add water to a deep pot and boil the green beans for about 10 minutes. Drain the water and set the cooked beans aside. Skip this step if using canned beans, but make sure to drain the beans properly.

Step 3
Now add the beans to the sauteed mushroom and onion mixture, chicken broth, and fried onion rings over low, medium heat. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4
Season the mixture with Paula Deen’s house seasonings and let it simmer until it thickens.

Step 5
Finally, add the cream of mushroom soup and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then turn off the heat, pour the mixture into a greased 1 ½ quart baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 10 minutes until melted.

Step 6
Serve immediately while it is hot, and enjoy!
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I always let the casserole rest before serving, allowing it to firm up and set properly.
- Make sure to add everything in layers to achieve the casserole texture. I start with green beans, followed by the creamy mushroom sauce, then a layer of cheese, and finally the crispy fried onions.
- After baking, let the casserole rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Lastly, I always use freshly shredded cheddar cheese, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting properly.
FAQs About Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole is a healthy dish. It is made with nutritious veggies and is also low in calories. Therefore, you can enjoy this casserole as much as you can without any worries.
I have also added the nutritional values of the ingredients used in this recipe for your reference in the table below:
| Calories | 157 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 14 mg |
| Sodium | 2647 mg |
| Potassium | 879 mg |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Vitamin A | 1551 IU |
| Vitamin C | 34 mg |
| Calcium | 146 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
This dish is absolutely suitable for people following a gluten-free and sugar-free diet.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan Diet: People following a vegan diet can substitute chicken broth for vegetable or mushroom broth and vegan mushroom soup in this recipe. Also, regular cheddar cheese can be substituted by vegan cheddar cheese to make this casserole suitable for a vegan diet.
- Dairy-Free Diet: I usually substitute cream of mushroom soup with dairy-free cream of mushroom or chicken soup in this recipe, along with dairy-free cheddar cheese, as part of my dairy-free diet.
- Sodium-Free Diet: People following a sodium-free diet should avoid using Paula Deen’s House seasoning in this recipe as it contains a high amount of sodium. They can instead make the seasoning from scratch by replacing the regular salt with nu-salt, which is sodium-free, along with garlic and onion powder. This sodium-free seasoning will make this dish suitable for their diet as well.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Refrigerator: I typically cover leftover Green Bean Casserole with foil right in the same baking dish and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh this way for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: I freeze green bean casserole for longer storage for up to three months. I wrap it in plastic wrap first, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. When I’m ready to serve, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Oven: I prefer to reheat Paula Deen’s green bean casserole in the oven. I bring the casserole to room temperature and bake it at 400°-425°F for 10-15 minutes, keeping it covered with foil to ensure the crust remains crispy.
- Microwave: If I’m in a hurry, I heat a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes in a microwave-safe bowl. However, I only use this method when pressed for time since the crust tends to get soggy.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This green bean casserole is traditionally served with turkey, but I love it with Mashed Potatoes on the side. My family loves it with honey-glazed Ham and Baked Sweet Potatoes.
You can also serve this dish with Cornbread Salad, roasted vegetables, Roasted Chicken, etc. It is a versatile dish, and you can add different ingredients to enhance its flavor and texture.
Printable Version
Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Pinch Paula Deen’s House Seasoning
- 1 Can French-Fried Onion Rings
- 1 Can Cream Of Mushroom Soup
- 3 Cups Chicken Broth
- 2 Cups Sliced Green Beans
- ½ Cup Sliced Fresh Mushrooms
- ½ Cup Diced Onions
- ⅓ Stick Butter
- 1 Cup Grated Cheddar Cheese
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping Board
- Deep Pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Casserole Dish
- Oven
Instructions
- Melt some butter in a saucepan and saute mushrooms and diced onions until tender.
- On the other hand, add water to a deep pot and boil the green beans for about 10 minutes. Drain the water and set the cooked beans aside. Skip this step if using canned beans, but make sure to drain the beans properly.
- Now add the beans to the sauteed mushroom and onion mixture, chicken broth, and fried onion rings over low, medium heat. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Season the mixture with Paula Deen’s house seasonings and let it simmer until it thickens.
- Finally, add the cream of mushroom soup and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then turn off the heat, pour the mixture into a greased 1 ½ quart baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 10 minutes until melted.
- Serve immediately while it is hot, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- I always let the casserole rest before serving, allowing it to firm up and set properly.
- I also ensure to add everything in layers to achieve the casserole texture. I start with green beans, followed by the creamy mushroom sauce, then a layer of cheese, and finally the crispy fried onions.
- After baking, let the casserole rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Lastly, I always use freshly shredded cheddar cheese, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting properly.
Nutrition
Other Paula Deen Recipes That You Can Try






Conclusion
Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for Thanksgiving and family gatherings. I have adapted this recipe to my grandmother’s taste and added my own tweaks to make it suitable for my family.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can also create a warm, creamy casserole that everyone will love. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or add twists, it will surely become a favorite in your home. So try it, and enjoy the flavors and memories it brings! Also, please share your thoughts about this recipe in the comment section below.






