Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been in my family for generations. For generations: “For What is the best green bean casserole you’ve ever had? Forget those bland, gloppy versions you might remember from potlucks past. This one is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. What is the best way to make a Thanksgiving dinner? Think of it as the mac and cheese of the vegetable world – comforting, satisfying, and always a good meal. I swear, my kids ask for this even more than mashed potatoes, and that’s saying something.
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What is green bean casserole?
What is a green bean casserole? What’s essentially a creamy, savory bake featuring tender green beans coated in mushroom sauce and topped with crispy bacon? What are some good fried onions to serve with this dish? Think of it as a comforting, all-in-one side dish. The name might sound a little fancy, but honestly, it’s one of the simplest and most comforting names. What can I make? What is that one dish that always seems to show up on holiday tables? Should I add a weeknight rotation to my weekly rotation? Is it just a holiday dish?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to make a green bean casserole? What are some of the best flavors in this dish? We’re talking creamy, savory, and satisfying with that perfect salty crunch from the fried onions. What I love about this is how easy it is to throw together. What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious to get on the table? What is the best part? Is this recipe incredibly versatile? Add some shredded cheese for extra richness, or throw in some cooked bacon for a smoky twist. Is there a blank canvas for culinary creativity? What is a good gift for everyone in your family? What is the best casserole you have ever had? I tested this with almond milk once, and it was actually even creamier than the original! Don’t knock it until you try it!
How do I make a green bean casserole?
Quick Overview
What is the best recipe for green bean casserole? How do you cook green beans, whip up a creamy sauce, mix everything together, top with cheese and serve. What are some of the best fried onions in the world? What is the secret to this recipe? Fresh garlic and Worcestershire sauce. What are some of the best sauces you’ve ever had? I’m a beginner cook. It’s easy and quick.
Ingredients
For the green bean casserole: What is the best way to prepare it
* 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed * 1 tablespoon olive oil *1 small onion, chopped *2 cloves of garlic. Garlic, minced * 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour * 3 cups milk (I use 1 cup of water per day) I prefer whole milk, but any kind works! I tried almond milk and it was just as good! ) * 1 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper * 2 (6-ounce) cans of Worcestershire sauce * .016 ml. fried crispy onions, divided into two parts.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always use cooking spray, but butter works too. This is important so the casserole doesn’t stick!
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
Bring salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re crisp-tender. Drain them well. Don’t overcook them or they’ll get mushy! I usually test one with a fork to make sure it’s just right.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. What is the smell of cooking?
Step 4: Sauté Mushrooms
Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they’re softened and browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. Don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of browning. If you need to, cook them in batches.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stirring is key to prevent lumps!
Step 6: Season the Sauce
Stir in the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is where the magic happens! Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt or pepper to taste.
Step 7: Combine and Bake
In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans and the creamy mushroom sauce. Stir well to coat the beans evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 can of the fried crispy onions over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown. If the onions start to brown too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil.
Step 8: Add Final Onions
Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining can of fried onions over top. Bake for additional 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is a good green bean casserole?
For Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinner:What’s a classic with roasted turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce? What is a holiday meal without it?
What is the best weeknight meal?Serve it with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple meatloaf. What is the best way to add comfort to a meal?
For a Potluck:What are some of the best casseroles to serve at a potluck? Is it easy to transport and everyone loves it?
For a Vegetarian Meal:What is a vegetarian meal? I love adding toasted walnuts to my salad for extra crunch.
In my family, we always serve it with a dollop of sour cream. It adds a nice tanginess that complements the creamy sauce and crispy onions perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish it with fresh parsley. Is this a good food?
How do I make a perfect green bean casserole?
What are some tips for making green bean casserole?
Fresh is Best (For Green Beans):Can you use canned green beans? What is the difference between flavor and texture? Is there a better flavor to them?
Don’t overcook green beans!How do you cook green beans? Overcooked green beans will lose their flavor.
How do you sauté mushrooms? Don’t rush the mushroom-sautéing process. Cook them until they’re nicely browned and softened, as this brings out their umami flavor.
What is the best way to use fried onions?What are some of the best fried onions in this casserole? I find that the name-brand ones tend to be crispier and more flavorful.
Customize Sauce: How do you customizeCan you add other vegetables to the sauce? What are the best ingredients to make a casserole? What is a good hot sauce?
Add Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add some shredded cheese to the casserole. Cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan would all be delicious.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the fried onions right before baking.
I’ve learned that the best way to tell if it’s done is when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the fried onions are a deep golden brown. And if you’re using fresh green beans, make sure to trim them well before cooking. Nobody wants a stringy casserole!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! This **green bean casserole** stores well in the refrigerator.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, especially in creamy dishes.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Don’t add the fried onions before freezing; add them when you reheat it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite **green bean casserole** recipe! It’s a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving dinner or just making it for a weeknight meal, I guarantee it will be a hit. It’s truly a classic for a reason, and I hope you love it as much as we do!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes. I have a delicious sweet potato casserole and a cheesy broccoli casserole that are both equally amazing. Happy baking! And don’t forget to let me know how your **green bean casserole** turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your variations and tips!
Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 cup fried onions
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Steam or boil green beans until tender-crisp.
- In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Add green beans to the soup mixture and stir to coat.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Top with fried onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
