Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 ½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 3 cups frozen green beans, thawed)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups mushrooms, sliced (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or use homemade for extra flair)
- ½ cup milk (whole milk is best)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesier casserole)
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cook the Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Drain and immediately plunge the beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve their bright green color. Drain again and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and mushrooms, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and tender.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans and the creamy mushroom mixture. Stir to coat the beans evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
- Add the Topping and Bake:
- Spread the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory!
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture (frozen works in a pinch).
- Make it ahead! Prep everything except the fried onions, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Customize the seasoning—add a dash of cayenne for heat or some smoked paprika for depth.
DON’T:
- Overcook the green beans during the boiling step; you want them tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Skip the ice bath—it keeps the beans vibrant and prevents overcooking.
- Forget the topping; crispy fried onions are non-negotiable!
Optional Add-Ins:
- Bacon Bits: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon into the casserole for a smoky twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add slivered almonds to the topping for extra crunch.
- Cheesy Boost: Mix Parmesan cheese into the fried onion topping for an extra savory kick.
This green bean casserole is the ultimate comfort food and a must-have on any holiday table. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to make even green bean skeptics come back for seconds. 🥘✨
