Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole features tender green beans mixed in a creamy homemade mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions for the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Base
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups finely diced baby Bella mushrooms
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Casserole Mix
- 24 ounces frozen green beans
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced baby Bella mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid from the mushrooms has mostly evaporated.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir well to combine, creating a roux to thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps, until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Whisk in the whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, whisking constantly to maintain smoothness.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 4-6 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the homemade mushroom sauce, frozen green beans, shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of milk, and half of the crispy fried onions. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Initial Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until it’s bubbly and heated through.
- Top with Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the green bean casserole hot as a delicious, comforting side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Make sure to thaw frozen green beans slightly or rinse under warm water to reduce excess ice before mixing.
- Crispy fried onions can be found pre-packaged or made at home by frying thinly sliced onions in oil.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead up to step 9, then refrigerated and baked fresh before serving.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor, or mild cheddar for a subtler taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
