Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features fresh green beans coated in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
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 & Broth
- 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- 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 bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: 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 to thicken: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste while combining with the sautéed ingredients.
- Make the creamy sauce: Gradually whisk in the broth and half & half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine green beans and sauce: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, mix the blanched green beans, mushroom sauce, and ½ cup of the crispy fried onions together until the beans are evenly coated. Spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Add crispy onion 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 until the sauce is bubbly and the onions on top turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Blanching green beans helps retain their bright color and crisp texture.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Ensure to sauté mushrooms until browned for deeper flavor.
- If crispy fried onions are not available, you can make your own by frying thinly sliced onions until golden.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
