Old-School Green Bean Casserole (Print)

Tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions.

# Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 2 lb frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)

→ Sauce Base

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 9 oz 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 - ½ cup heavy cream
09 - ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
12 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

→ Topping

13 - 1½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until tender but crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned. Add onion and garlic; cook an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and vegetable broth. Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired.
05 - Add drained green beans to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
06 - Transfer the green bean mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the mixture is bubbling.
08 - Remove from oven, add the remaining fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crisp.
09 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Creamy and comforting with tender green beans and rich mushroom sauce.
  • Crispy fried onion topping adds delightful texture and flavor contrast.
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for holiday meals or family dinners.
  • Vegetarian and made with familiar, wholesome ingredients.
  • Can be made ahead and baked fresh when ready to serve.
02 -
  • Drain and rinse green beans immediately after boiling to preserve their bright green color and crisp texture.
  • Cook mushrooms until browned to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
  • Whisk the sauce ingredients gradually to avoid lumps and ensure smooth consistency.
  • Store-bought crispy fried onions save time, but homemade versions add unique flavor and freshness.
  • Check labels on fried onions and broth for allergens like soy.
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