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!

Ingredients

For the Mushroom Gravy:

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

For the Casserole:

1½ pounds frozen green beans, thawed and drained

¾ cup French’s fried onions

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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