Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Green Bean Casserole is not your typical canned version. With a homemade mushroom gravy and the perfect blend of seasonings, it’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. The addition of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top gives the dish a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. It’s easy to prepare, and it can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal side for busy holiday meals.

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
½ cup Half & Half or heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1½ pounds frozen green beans, thawed and drained
¾ cup French’s fried onions

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 15 seconds.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the thyme leaves. Sauté for 8 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their liquid and the liquid evaporates.

Step 3: Make the Mushroom Gravy

Sprinkle the mushrooms with flour, and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), half and half (or heavy cream), Parmesan cheese, and ground nutmeg. Add this mixture to the skillet with the mushrooms, and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Add the Green Beans

Add the thawed and drained green beans to the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and fully coated with the mushroom gravy.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the green bean and mushroom mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the edges are golden.

Step 6: Add the Fried Onions and Finish Baking

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French’s fried onions on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut or almond milk in place of half and half. You can also use a vegan Parmesan or omit the cheese altogether.
Add More Veggies: For added flavor and color, mix in some diced carrots or a handful of peas to the green beans.
Crunchy Topping: Swap out the French’s fried onions for homemade crispy onions or even crushed crackers for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble everything and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh green beans work great in this recipe. Just make sure to blanch them first by boiling them for 2-3 minutes, then draining and cooling them before using.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are great for this dish, you can substitute them with white button mushrooms or even a mix of wild mushrooms for added flavor.

How do I make the casserole creamier?

If you like a creamier casserole, you can add more Half & Half or heavy cream to the gravy. For a richer flavor, try adding extra Parmesan cheese.

How do I prevent the green beans from being too soft?

To avoid overly soft green beans, be sure not to overcook them in the skillet before transferring them to the oven. Aim for the beans to remain slightly tender but still have a bit of bite.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just make sure to cover it well with foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until heated through.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add a little heat, you can sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the mushroom gravy.

What can I serve with Green Bean Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or a simple salad. It’s a great side dish for any holiday or weeknight meal.

Can I use non-dairy cheese?

Yes, if you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or simply omit it for a lighter version.

Conclusion

This Green Bean Casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish that will make a perfect addition to your next holiday meal. With its creamy mushroom gravy, perfectly tender green beans, and crispy fried onions, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will surely be the highlight of your table. Make it from scratch for an unforgettable side dish that everyone will love!

Green Bean Casserole

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: : 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This homemade Green Bean Casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish made from scratch with a rich mushroom gravy. Perfect for holidays or weeknight meals, it features tender green beans, creamy sauce, and a crispy fried onion topping. A classic dish that’s sure to impress!

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 15 seconds.
Sauté the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the thyme leaves. Sauté for 8 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their liquid and the liquid evaporates.
Make the Mushroom Gravy:
Sprinkle the mushrooms with flour and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), Half & Half (or heavy cream), Parmesan cheese, and ground nutmeg. Add this mixture to the skillet with the mushrooms, and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Add the Green Beans:
Add the thawed and drained green beans to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and fully coated with the mushroom gravy.
Bake the Casserole:
Transfer the green bean and mushroom mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the edges are golden.
Add the Fried Onions and Finish Baking:
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French’s fried onions on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown.
Rest and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut or almond milk instead of Half & Half. Substitute vegan Parmesan or omit cheese altogether.
Add More Veggies: For added color and flavor, mix in some diced carrots or a handful of peas with the green beans.
Crunchy Topping: Swap the French’s fried onions for homemade crispy onions or even crushed crackers for a different texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American