Old-School Green Bean Casserole (Print Version)

Savory green beans, creamy sauce, and crunchy onions for festive meals and comfort food dinners.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, or substitute with 2 pounds frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained

→ Sauce Base

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 9 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional

→ Topping

13 - 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, store-bought or homemade

# How to Make It:

01 - Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat.
02 - 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 rinse under cold water to stop further cooking. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
04 - Add flour and stir constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in whole milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if desired.
05 - Add blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss to ensure all beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
06 - Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
07 - Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling.
08 - Remove from the oven. Top with the remaining fried onions, and bake for 5 to 7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
09 - Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: American
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
02 -
  • For extra flavor, add 50 g grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce.
  • To make ahead, assemble up to step 6 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add onions and bake before serving.
  • Pairs well with roast turkey or chicken.
03 -
  • For perfectly tender-crisp green beans, blanch them for only 5 minutes. Make sure to immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
  • When making the sauce, gradually whisk in the liquids to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
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