Introduction

This Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a comforting twist on classic favorites. Creamy macaroni combined with green beans and topped with crispy fried onions makes for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

The dish is a close-up of a creamy green bean casserole with three visible layers. The bottom layer shows tender green beans, dark green in color with a smooth texture, spread evenly. Above that is a pale beige creamy sauce mixed with tender macaroni pasta, creating a soft and smooth texture. The top layer is golden brown, crispy fried onions scattered unevenly, adding a crunchy texture with some melted cheese strings stretching slightly over the surface. The dish is served on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz macaroni noodles, uncooked
10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon pepper
14.5 oz canned cut green beans, drained
3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
2 cups French’s crispy fried onions

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup and heavy cream.
Step 4: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
Step 5: Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and well blended.
Step 6: Stir the cooked macaroni into the mixture, ensuring all noodles are coated in sauce.
Step 7: Add the drained green beans and mix well to combine.
Step 8: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheese blend until evenly distributed.
Step 9: Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 10: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Step 11: Top with the crispy fried onions.
Step 12: Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Step 13: Bake the casserole for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
Step 14: Remove the foil and continue baking for 4-6 minutes until the fried onions turn golden and crispy.
Step 15: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Step 16: Enjoy your creamy, cheesy casserole!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture.
Use fresh green beans instead of canned for a crisper texture; blanch them before mixing.
Substitute the mozzarella and cheddar blend with your favorite cheeses such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
If you prefer a spicier dish, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked casserole in a clear glass dish shows a crispy golden-brown top layer made of fried onion strings. Below this crunchy layer, there is a smooth creamy layer with a pale yellow color, likely a cheesy sauce. The casserole dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface with a beige cloth underneath. The edges of the glass dish show some slight browning from baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole through step 11, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini work well as substitutes for macaroni.

Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

This Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish combining tender macaroni noodles, a rich cheddar cheese sauce, and crisp green beans topped with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, finished with a crunchy layer of crispy fried onions. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a delicious twist on classic comfort food, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

8 oz macaroni noodles, uncooked
10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Vegetables and Cheese

14.5 oz canned cut green beans, drained
3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Topping

2 cups French’s crispy fried onions

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole.
Cook Macaroni: Boil the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to prepare for mixing.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup and heavy cream for a rich base.
Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the sauce with savory flavors.
Mix Sauce: Whisk all ingredients in the bowl well to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce consistency.
Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the sauce and stir until every noodle is thoroughly coated.
Add Green Beans: Incorporate the drained green beans into the mixture and stir well to evenly distribute them.
Add Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, mixing until integrated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top, followed by the crispy fried onions to add crunch.
Cover Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep in moisture while baking.
Bake Casserole: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and heat through.
Brown Topping: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the casserole onto plates and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and crunchy comfort food classic.

Notes

You can substitute fresh green beans if preferred; blanch them before adding.
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of mustard powder to the sauce.
The crispy fried onions on top can be replaced with breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Ensure not to overcook the macaroni to avoid mushiness in the casserole.
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness on top.

Keywords: mac and cheese, green bean casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, baked casserole, side dish, holiday recipe