Dorcas Lillian Bates was born in Woodbury, New Jersey. Her early life shaped her interest in home economics and cooking, skills that would later lead to her influential contribution to American cuisine.

Dorcas graduated from the Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University) with a degree in home economics. This education provided her with a solid foundation in food science and nutrition, which proved invaluable in her future career.

Reilly joined Campbell Soup Company's home economics department. This marked the beginning of her professional culinary journey, where she would collaborate with other food experts to develop recipes using Campbell's products.

While working in the Campbell's home economics department, Dorcas Reilly was tasked with creating a simple and appealing recipe using readily available ingredients. The result was the now-iconic Green Bean Casserole, consisting of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and topped with French-fried onions. The recipe was designed to be quick, easy, and affordable, making it an instant hit with home cooks.

The Green Bean Casserole's popularity exploded during this period. Campbell's heavily promoted the recipe through advertisements and recipe booklets, and it quickly became a Thanksgiving and holiday staple across the United States.

After a long and successful career, Dorcas Reilly retired from the Campbell Soup Company. Although retired, her most famous creation continued to thrive, and her influence on American cuisine remained strong.

The original recipe card for the Green Bean Casserole, handwritten by Dorcas Reilly, was donated to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, solidifying her place as an influential inventor.

Dorcas Reilly passed away in New Jersey at the age of 92. Her legacy continues to live on through the enduring popularity of the Green Bean Casserole, a testament to her culinary ingenuity and understanding of the American palate.