Save to Pinterest A nostalgic, creamy side dish featuring tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onions—a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
This recipe reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone looked forward to this comforting side dish on the table.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 900 g (2 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or substitute with 900 g frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)
- Sauce Base: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced, 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream, 120 ml (½ cup) low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Topping: 150 g (1½ cups) crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms and Aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine:
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven, top with remaining onions, and bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this casserole at family gatherings always brings back warm memories and smiles around the table.
Nutritional Information
Per serving provides 265 calories, 15 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten in flour and fried onions), and possibly soy (in store-bought fried onions). Always double-check labels before use.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large skillet, whisk, 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, oven.
Save to Pinterest This classic green bean casserole is a warm and inviting addition to any holiday meal highlighting simplicity and flavorful comfort.
Ask About This Recipe
- → Can frozen green beans be used?
Yes, thawed and drained frozen green beans work well, offering convenience without compromising texture.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Ensure to cook the flour briefly before adding liquids, then simmer the sauce until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- → What can enhance the flavor?
Adding grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce provides extra richness and depth.
- → How to keep fried onions crispy?
Add the crispy onions halfway through baking and again near the end to maintain their crunch and golden color.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the dish uses vegetable broth and does not include meat, making it vegetarian-friendly.