Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole combines tender blanched green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and a crispy fried onion topping, baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or family dinners, offering a delightful balance of fresh vegetables and rich, savory flavors.
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 Liquids
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings and 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 prepare for baking the casserole later.
- 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 become bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then 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. Stir in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking an additional 5-7 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and half & half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the blanched green beans, the thickened mushroom sauce, and ½ cup of the crispy fried onions. Mix everything directly in the dish until green beans are evenly coated and spread into an even layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the onions on top are golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, substitute some or all half & half with heavy cream.
- Use vegetable broth to make the casserole vegetarian.
- Make sure to blanch the green beans just until tender to avoid overcooking during baking.
- The crispy fried onions can be prepared from scratch or store-bought for convenience.
- This recipe freezes well; to reheat, bake covered with foil until warmed through.
