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Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 290 reviews

This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe offers a creamy and crunchy side dish perfect for holidays or family dinners. Fresh or frozen green beans are sautéed with onions and garlic, mixed into a savory mushroom soup and milk base, topped with crispy fried onions and optional cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a comforting, flavorful casserole with a delightful combination of textures.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 lb green beans, fresh or frozen
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Binder and Flavorings

  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 0.5 cup milk, whole milk recommended
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)
  • Black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • 1 cup fried onions plus extra for topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and gather all your ingredients to get ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic: In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they turn translucent and release a warm, fragrant aroma.
  3. Cook green beans: Add the green beans to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to blister and emit a sweet smell.
  4. Prepare soup mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well until smooth and thoroughly blended.
  5. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked green beans, sautéed onions, and garlic to the soup mixture, gently folding everything together so the beans are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
  6. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish using a spatula for an even layer.
  7. Add toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (if using) and a generous handful of crispy fried onions on top of the casserole for extra flavor and crunch.
  8. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown.
  9. Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the top to crisp up nicely.
  10. Garnish and serve: Garnish with extra fried onions if desired, then serve warm and enjoy the creamy, crunchy goodness.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, ensure to use a mushroom-based cream soup and omit the cheese if preferred.
  • Fresh green beans provide the best texture, but frozen green beans work well as a convenient alternative.
  • Do not overcook the green beans during sautéing—they should be tender but retain a slight bite.
  • The casserole’s top should be golden and crispy rather than soggy for a perfect texture contrast.
  • The mixture should gently bubble in the oven, but avoid boiling over for a clean bake.