Creating Savory Green Bean Casserole can be a delightful experience if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Green Beans: In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the trimmed green beans and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are bright green and just tender.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Beans and Sauce: Add the sautéed green beans to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir in half of the fried onions and cheddar cheese if using.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it is bubbling and heated through.
7. Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top.
8. Final Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
9. cool slightly: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Following these steps will guide you in creating this incredible Savory Green Bean Casserole effortlessly.