Green bean casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions. Over the years, I’ve found that this simple recipe can yield a truly satisfying result.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this classic side is always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (optional)
- 1 cup French-fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Boil or steam the green beans until tender, about 5-7 minutes. If using canned beans, simply drain them.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. If you’re using cheese and chopped onions, add them to the mixture.
- Combine: Add the green beans to the bowl and stir until well coated with the soup mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Add Topping: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your casserole. They might be a bit softer than fresh beans, but they will still work great in the recipe.
What is the best way to prepare the green beans?
For the best texture and flavor, blanch green beans before adding them to your casserole. Boil them in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
This method helps preserve their bright color and crunchiness.
