Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and coat a 9×3-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
If using canned green beans, drain them well. For fresh, wash and trim ends, then boil for 5-6 minutes until tender and drain.
In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, and broth until smooth.
Add diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, and black pepper; stir well.
Add green beans, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup French fried onions; mix evenly.
Pour mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top and evenly distribute 1 cup French fried onions over cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts and onions begin to brown.
Remove from oven, add the remaining 1 cup French fried onions on top, and bake an additional 10 minutes.
Serve hot or at room temperature.

To make homemade French fried onions:
Soak onion rings in milk or buttermilk for 20 minutes.
Mix flour, garlic powder, hot red pepper powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over high heat.
Dredge soaked onion rings in the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour.
Fry coated onions in hot oil until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and repeat until all onions are fried.