Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a perfect combination of textures and flavors. It’s a comforting side dish ideal for holiday dinners or family gatherings, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
Dairy and Fats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups half & half
Pantry Items
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.
- Add flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, ensuring a smooth sauce later.
- Make the sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half & half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine green beans and sauce: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the blanched green beans, mushroom sauce, and half a cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix everything together directly in the dish until the green beans are evenly coated. Spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy finish.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the onions on top are golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce with the soy sauce in the sauce step.
- Fresh green beans are preferred, but frozen can be used if blanched properly.
- Make sure to cool the beans quickly in ice water to retain their bright color and crisp texture.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Crispy fried onions can be store-bought or homemade for best crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
