Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Old-School Green Bean Casserole is a true holiday classic that brings warmth and nostalgia to any family table. This creamy, comforting side dish perfectly balances tender green beans with rich, savory mushrooms and the delightful crunch of crispy fried onions. Whether you’re gathering for a festive feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple.

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This casserole combines fresh green beans that retain a bright color and crisp-tender bite with a luscious, homemade mushroom sauce. Baking the dish to perfection creates bubbling richness beneath a golden crust of fried onions, making every spoonful a delight.

Ingredients

• Vegetables
  • 900 g (2 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or substitute with 900 g frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)
• Sauce Base
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk
  • 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
  • 120 ml (½ cup) low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Topping
  • 150 g (1½ cups) crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

5. Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

6. Transfer the mixture to a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top.

7. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven, top with remaining onions, and bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden and crisp.

8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To deepen the flavor, try sautéing the mushrooms until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Be sure not to overcook the green beans during boiling to keep their vibrant color and slight crispness. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling it up to the baking step and refrigerating, then adding the topping and baking when ready.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a cheesier variation, add 50 g of grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce before mixing in the green beans. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the cream and whole milk with vegetable broth. To make this dish vegan, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and ensure the fried onions are dairy-free.

Serviervorschläge

This Old-School Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with roast turkey or chicken, enhancing festive meals or Sunday dinners. It also works well alongside mashed potatoes or stuffing for a complete comfort food experience.

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This timeless casserole continues to delight with its perfect blend of creamy sauce, fresh vegetables, and crunchy topping. Keeping the recipe simple and relying on quality ingredients makes it an enduring favorite that fits seamlessly into any special occasion or comforting everyday meal.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen green beans before adding them to the dish for similar results.

→ How do I make the casserole ahead?

Assemble up to baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add onions and bake before serving.

→ What cheese can I add for extra flavor?

Grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère are excellent choices to add depth to the creamy sauce base.

→ Are homemade fried onions recommended?

Homemade fried onions offer fresher flavor, but store-bought work conveniently and add great texture.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

Pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, chicken, or other hearty main dishes, especially during holidays.

→ How can I avoid overcooking green beans?

Blanch beans for 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water to retain their bright color and firm texture.