Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features fresh green beans smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunchy finish. A comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 2 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- 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 are slightly tender. Transfer immediately 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 finely 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 begin to brown.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Make Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and the half & half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Combine Green Beans and Sauce: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the blanched green beans, the creamy mushroom sauce, and ½ cup of crispy fried onions. Mix everything together directly in the dish until the green beans are evenly coated in the sauce. 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, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the fried onions on top have turned a beautiful golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Blanching the green beans helps maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture in the baked casserole.
- You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian if desired.
- For an extra crispy topping, you may add more fried onions before serving.
- This casserole can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bake it just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
