Looking for a tasty Green Bean Casserole recipe that's perfect for Thanksgiving or the holidays? This one's a winner. It's loaded with fresh green beans and mushrooms, all in a creamy béchamel sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. It's bursting with flavor and incredibly comforting.
Our casserole is not only delicious but also easy to make. It's the ideal side dish for your holiday meals or any time you need a delicious, comforting addition to your dinner. Give it a try, and it might just become a new favorite at your table!
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What is Green Bean Casserole?
Green Bean Casserole is a classic American side dish that typically consists of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It is a popular dish often served during holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving.
The dish is known for its creamy and savory flavors, as well as the crunchy texture provided by the fried onions on top. Green Bean Casserole is easy to prepare and has become a beloved tradition in many American households during the holiday season.
✨Key Features of Our Green Bean Casserole Recipe:
- Fresh Ingredients: Our recipe begins with fresh green beans and mushrooms, infusing the dish with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, unlike canned or frozen alternatives.
- Homemade Bechamel Sauce: We prepare a velvety béchamel sauce from scratch, elevating the dish with richness and a profound depth of flavor. Using fresh ingredients instead of canned soup enhances the overall taste.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Top it off with crispy fried onions for a delicious crunch and an explosion of oniony goodness. These add both texture and flavor, enhancing the dish.
- Roasting Vegetables: We intensify the flavors of green beans and mushrooms by roasting them before incorporating them into the dish. This technique ensures they maintain their character and don't turn overly soft.
- Variety and Customization: Our recipe offers options for substitutions and variations, allowing you to personalize the dish to meet your specific preferences and dietary requirements.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this casserole in advance to simplify your holiday meals. Its make-ahead flexibility makes it a hassle-free choice for busy occasions.
Green Bean Casserole Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Fresh Green Beans: These are the dish's star and provide a crisp and vibrant vegetable base.
- Mushrooms: They add a savory, earthy flavor and complement the green beans.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor to the roasted vegetables.
- Evaporated Milk: Forms the creamy base of the sauce, making it rich and luscious.
- Yellow Onion & Fresh Garlic: Offers a sweet and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a buttery flavor to the bechamel sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Serves as a thickening agent for the sauce.
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg: Adds warmth and a subtle, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Grana Padano: Adds a nutty flavor to the sauce, making it even more delicious.
- French's Fried Onions: Provide a crispy and flavorful topping that adds a delightful crunch and a hint of onion flavor to the casserole.
Tools You'll Need
How to Make Green Beans Casserole
Note: The full instruction is provided in the recipe card below.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roast the Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the green beans and sliced mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Spread the vegetables on two rimmed baking sheets in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned, the green beans are tender, and any liquid has evaporated. Remove the vegetables from the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Bechamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, cooking until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth mixture. Cook for 3 minutes. Gradually add both the evaporated and regular milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Assemble and Bake the Casserole: Fold the roasted vegetables into the bechamel sauce. Transfer the mixture to a buttered 4-quart baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Finish with Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the crispy fried onions. Return it to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes until the onions are slightly golden and fragrant.
- 6. Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Substitutions:
- Fresh Green Beans: If fresh green beans are not available, you can substitute with frozen or canned green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as canned green beans are already cooked and only need to be heated through.
- Mushrooms: You can substitute any variety of mushrooms for this recipe.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You can substitute with another neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, or even butter for a richer flavor.
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg: If you don’t have fresh nutmeg, pre-ground nutmeg will work, or it can be omitted if preferred.
- French Fried Onions: You can make your own crispy onions at home, use store-bought crispy onions, or substitute with breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil for a crunchy topping.
Variations:
- Cheesy Twist: Incorporate cheddar, Gruyère, or another favorite cheese into the Bechamel sauce for a cheesier casserole. This adds a rich, gooey texture and a depth of flavor.
- Meaty Addition: For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked bacon pieces, diced ham, or crumbled sausage to the green bean mixture for added flavor and protein.
- Spicy Kick: Spice up the casserole with a bit of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños mixed into the Bechamel sauce for a spicy twist.
- Mushroom Variety: Experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or a mix of wild mushrooms for a variety of earthy flavors.
- Almond Topping: For a nuttier, crunchier topping, add slivered almonds or chopped pecans to the crispy fried onions.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a shortcut or more traditional approach, use cream of mushroom soup instead of making Bechamel sauce from scratch.
- Crispy Bacon Topping: Replace the fried onions with crispy bacon bits for a smoky, crunchy topping.
Serving Suggestions:
Green bean casserole is a versatile side dish that's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight dinner. It complements dishes like Dry-brined Turkey with Gravy, Roasted Chicken and Herb Crusted Roast.
How to Store & Re-Heat
Store Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated 350F oven for 30 to 35 minutes until heated through or in the microwave until you achieve your desired temperature.
Make Ahead & Freeze
Green Bean Casserole (without crispy onions) can be made a day ahead. Cool, wrap, and refrigerate for 3 days. To freeze, cool, wrap, label, and freeze for 2 weeks. Reheat at 350°F, covered, for 25-30 mins, then top with onions and bake 3-5 mins more.
FAQ
My green bean casserole turned out too watery. How can I thicken it?
If your green bean casserole is too watery, it may be due to excess vegetable moisture. To thicken it, you can remove some liquid or use a slotted spoon to serve. Alternatively, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and then stirring it into the casserole. Simmer the casserole briefly to thicken the sauce.
The bechamel sauce in my casserole is lumpy. How can I make it smooth?
If your bechamel sauce is lumpy, it may be due to not whisking it constantly or not adding the milk gradually. You can strain the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer to make it smooth to remove any lumps. Next time, whisk continuously and slowly add the milk to prevent lumps from forming.
The fried onions on top of my casserole became too dark. How can I prevent them from burning?
To prevent the fried onions from burning, add them to the casserole during the last few minutes of baking, just until they are slightly darker and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-browning.
My green bean casserole lacks flavor. How can I enhance the taste?
To enhance the flavor of your green bean casserole's flavor, add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the bechamel sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to add extra flavor.
More Favorite Recipes:
- Easy Savory Cornbread with Cheese and Anise Seeds
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Spoonbread
- Sausage Cornbread Stuffing
- Cornbread
Recipe
Easy Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
For the Green Beans:
- 2 pounds fresh green beans , trim the ends
- 1 pound crimini , baby Bella or portabella mushrooms, sliced
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Bechamel Sauce:
- 1 medium sweet or yellow onion , chopped
- 4 garlic , minced
- 1 12 oz (1-½ cups) evaporated milk or whole milk
- ½ cup whole milk
- 5 tablespooons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt , to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Grana Padano or Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 6 oz (170g) cup French’s fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roast the Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the green beans and sliced mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Spread the vegetables on two rimmed baking sheets in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned, the green beans are tender, and any liquid has evaporated. Remove the vegetables from the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Bechamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, cooking until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth mixture. Cook for 3 minutes. Gradually add both the evaporated and regular milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Assemble and Bake the Casserole: Fold the roasted vegetables into the bechamel sauce. Transfer the mixture to a buttered 4-quart baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Finish with Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and top it with the crispy fried onions. Return it to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes until the onions are slightly golden and fragrant.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Top the Green Bean Casserole with fried onions and bake until onions are slightly darker and fragrant about 5 minutes. Remove the Green Bean Casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.