Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features tender green beans enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions baked to golden perfection. A comforting and flavorful 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 & Flour
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Toppings
- 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 they turn bright green and become slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Add flour to make roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste while allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Make the creamy sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth followed by the half & half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine green beans and sauce: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add the blanched green beans, mushroom sauce, and half a cup of crispy fried onions. Mix everything together thoroughly directly in the dish to evenly coat the green beans, then 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, flavorful finish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the onions on top turn golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting green bean casserole!
Notes
- Using fresh green beans and blanching them helps keep their bright color and crisp texture.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can prepare the mushroom sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time.
- Crispy fried onions can be found pre-packaged or you can make your own by thinly slicing onions, breading, and frying them.
- To make the casserole gluten-free, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends.
- Make sure the casserole cools slightly before serving to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
