I’ve transformed this classic combination of green beans and potatoes into a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings. This recipe takes convenience ingredients and turns them into a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
Main Components
- 2 (15 ounce/425g) cans diced potatoes, drained
- 2 (14 ounce/400g) cans green beans, drained
- 454g (1 pound) shredded Colby cheese
- 1 (10.5 ounce/298g) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Optional Seasonings (to enhance flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thoroughly drain both the potatoes and green beans to prevent a watery casserole.
- Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Assembly
- In your prepared casserole dish, combine:
- Drained diced potatoes
- Drained green beans
- Three-quarters of the shredded Colby cheese
- Condensed cream of chicken soup
- Any optional seasonings you’re using
- Gently fold the ingredients together until well combined, taking care not to break up the potatoes.
Baking
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Continue baking uncovered for 15 minutes until:
- The top is golden brown
- The edges are bubbling
- The cheese is completely melted
Finishing
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
- For best results when reheating full portions, use the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
Pro Tips
- Draining: Make sure to drain the canned vegetables very well to prevent a watery casserole.
- Cheese Selection: While Colby is specified, you can also use cheddar or a cheese blend.
- Layer Strategy: Reserve some cheese for the top to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Temperature: Always start with room temperature cream of chicken soup for better mixing.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect alongside roasted chicken or meatloaf
- Great for potluck dinners
- Excellent make-ahead side dish
- Ideal for holiday meals
This casserole combines the heartiness of potatoes with the freshness of green beans, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a perfect way to get vegetables onto the plate in a form that everyone will enjoy. The convenience of using canned vegetables makes this a quick-assembly dish that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually requires.
Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or contributing to a holiday spread, this casserole delivers comfort food at its finest. The combination of tender potatoes, green beans, and melted cheese creates a satisfying side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.