Tater Green Bean Casserole

Tater Green Bean Casserole is a comforting holiday side dish that combines creamy soup, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions with a fun twist from finely diced potatoes. It brings a bit more texture and heartiness to the classic green bean casserole without losing the familiar flavors. This dish has become one of my favorite go to sides during festive meals because it’s easy to prepare yet feels special enough to impress guests.

I first made this casserole during a family Thanksgiving, and it quickly became the dish everyone asks me to bring every year. The potatoes add a delicious surprise in every bite.

Ingredients

• Cream of mushroom soup: provides the creamy, savory base but can be swapped for cream of chicken or celery if preferred
• Whole milk: keeps the casserole rich and luscious (2 percent works if you want lighter creaminess)
• Garlic salt: boosts flavor and should be adjusted based on your salt tolerance
• Frozen O’Brien potatoes: these finely diced potatoes with peppers and onions add bursts of flavor and texture no need to thaw before using
• Canned green beans: an easy choice that ensures consistent texture fresh or frozen green beans could work but need different prep
• French’s Crispy Fried Onions: the signature crunchy topping that gives the casserole its famous finish
• Shredded cheese: I blend Colby and Monterey Jack for mild melty goodness but sharp cheddar or gouda work beautifully as well

Instructions

Spoon Creamy Mixture Together:

In a large bowl, whisk the cream of mushroom soup with the milk, garlic salt, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth and well combined. This creates the flavorful creamy sauce that holds everything together.

Fold in Vegetables and Cheese:

Add the frozen O’Brien potatoes, drained green beans, 1 1/3 cups of the crispy fried onions, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the bowl. Gently stir everything together until the potatoes and beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce and the onions and cheese are worked throughout.

Pour into Baking Dish:

Transfer the mixture into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This size ensures the casserole will cook through without being too thick or too thin.

Bake Until Hot and Bubbling:

Place the baking dish uncovered in a preheated oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot all the way through and the edges start to bubble.

Add Topping and Finish Baking:

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1 1/3 cups of the crispy fried onions evenly on top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the fried onions turn a lovely golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole makes a perfect side that’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor.

One of my favorite parts about this casserole is the crispy fried onions on top. They provide that classic green bean casserole crunch and create a beautiful golden crust that makes the dish irresistible during holiday dinners. This dish brings my whole family to the table with smiles every year.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days for best freshness. Reheat gently to keep the potatoes from getting mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have O’Brien potatoes, shredded frozen hash browns make a good replacement. Fresh potatoes must be diced very fine and par boiled before using. Cream soup varieties like cream of chicken or celery can swap in easily if you dislike mushrooms or want a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully alongside roasted turkey, ham, or baked chicken. A light salad or cranberry sauce balances the creaminess perfectly for a well rounded meal.

This tater green bean casserole is an easy crowd pleasing side that elevates holiday meals. Make it ahead and bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What are O’Brien Potatoes?

O’Brien Potatoes are frozen diced potatoes combined with onions and green and red peppers, perfect for quick cooking.

→ Can I substitute O’Brien Potatoes?

Yes, shredded frozen hash browns work well, or finely diced fresh potatoes that are par-boiled to ensure even cooking.

→ What can replace cream of mushroom soup?

Alternatives include cream of chicken, potato, or celery soups, each adding a unique creamy flavor to the dish.

→ How can this be turned into a main dish?

Add cooked, crumbled ground beef, chicken, or turkey to the mixture before baking for added protein.

→ Is this dish freezable?

Yes. Prepare as directed but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.