Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features fresh green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting, flavorful side dish perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings, combining tender green beans with a rich, savory sauce and a crunchy topping 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 & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings & Others
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.
- Blanch 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 become slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release 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 cook out the raw flour taste, helping to thicken the sauce later.
- Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half & half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the blanched green beans, mushroom sauce, and half a cup of crispy fried onions. Mix everything thoroughly until the green beans are well coated with the sauce. Spread the mixture in an even layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy, golden topping after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the onions on top are golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and thicken slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as a delicious side dish for any meal, especially during festive occasions.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans preserves their bright color and crisp-tender texture.
- Using fresh mushrooms rather than canned adds better flavor and texture.
- If preferred, use vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half & half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Ensure to mix the onions into the sauce and save some for the topping to maintain both creaminess inside and crunch on top.
