Introduction
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to bring warmth to your table, this Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is just what you need! Bursting with creamy flavors and crunchy textures, every bite will have your taste buds singing. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to please everyone around.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- Salt for boiling water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 12 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get ready to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
2. Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Add those green beans and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they’re bright and just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the mushrooms and garlic, letting them cook until the mushrooms are golden and fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mix, stirring it all together. Gradually whisk in the broth and heavy cream. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens up and is beautifully smooth.
5. Season your amazing sauce with salt and black pepper. Give it a taste test—yummy, right?
6. Mix the green beans into your sauce, ensuring all the beans are generously coated.
7. Transfer the green bean mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Top with those irresistible crispy fried onions for the perfect crunchy finish.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until everything is bubbling and slightly golden.
10. Let it cool just a tad (if you can wait), then serve up this deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately:
Calories: 300 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get ready to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
2. Boil the Green Beans
Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Add the trimmed and halved green beans, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they are bright and just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic, letting them cook until the mushrooms are golden and fragrant.
4. Create the Thickening Mixture
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring it all together. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully smooth.
5. Season the Sauce
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Give it a taste test—yummy, right?
6. Combine Green Beans with Sauce
Mix the cooked green beans into your sauce, ensuring all the beans are generously coated.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the green bean mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Add the Topping
Top the mixture with the crispy fried onions for the perfect crunchy finish.
9. Bake the Casserole
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until everything is bubbling and slightly golden.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool just a tad (if you can wait), then serve up this deliciousness!
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the sauce.
Storage Suggestions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This green bean casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes and is especially great for holiday gatherings.
Cook Techniques
Boiling Green Beans
To achieve tender yet crisp green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed and halved green beans and cook for about 5 minutes until they are bright in color and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing Mushrooms and Garlic
In a skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are golden and release their fragrance. This step infuses the butter with rich flavors.
Creating the Sauce
After sautéing, sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well. Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. This will serve as the base for coating the green beans.
Coating Green Beans
Once the sauce is achieved, fold in the cooked green beans, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the rich and creamy sauce. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Baking the Casserole
Transfer the green bean mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with crispy fried onions for added crunch, and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden.
FAQ
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. However, adjust the cooking time as frozen green beans may require a longer boiling time.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth in the sauce and ensure the fried onions are free of any animal products.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Certainly! You can enhance the casserole by adding other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even corn to the green bean mixture.
Conclusion
