Green Bean Mushroom Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Green Bean Mushroom Casserole is an iconic dish that’s beloved for its creamy texture and savory flavor. The tender green beans are perfectly complemented by the earthy mushrooms and a creamy sauce, all topped off with crispy fried onions for added crunch. It’s the ideal side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit dietary needs, and it can even be made ahead of time for convenience.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
• 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (or 1 can of mushroom slices, drained)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (plus extra for topping)

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

Directions

1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
4. Make the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine the Green Beans and Sauce: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them in the creamy mushroom sauce. Stir to coat the beans evenly with the sauce.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the green bean and mushroom mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup of crispy fried onions.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the top is golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle additional crispy fried onions on top before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes (including baking)

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use non-dairy butter, plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk), and vegetable broth to make this dish vegan-friendly. You can also use vegan fried onions or make your own.
• Cheesy Green Bean Mushroom Casserole: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a cheesy twist.
• Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables like sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even corn to make this casserole even more hearty and colorful.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. If the casserole looks dry after reheating, you can add a splash of broth or cream to restore some moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it fully and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add the fried onions on top and bake as directed.

3. Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?

Yes, canned mushrooms work fine in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well before using.

4. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour alternative such as cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to thicken the sauce.

5. Can I add cheese to this casserole?

Yes, you can add cheese! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan can be added to the sauce for extra flavor or sprinkled on top before baking.

6. How can I make the casserole creamier?

If you want a creamier casserole, you can add more cream or substitute some of the broth with more cream. You can also stir in some sour cream for added richness.

7. Can I make this dish without the fried onions?

Yes, while fried onions add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor, you can make this casserole without them, or top with homemade breadcrumbs for a similar effect.

8. How do I prevent the green beans from becoming too soft?

Be sure to blanch the green beans in boiling water for just a few minutes to keep them tender-crisp. Don’t overcook them before adding them to the casserole.

9. Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or even bell peppers to suit your preferences.

10. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

Green Bean Mushroom Casserole is a comforting, flavorful side dish that brings together tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce with a crunchy topping. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and versatility, it’s a dish that can easily be customized to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this classic dish with your family and friends!

Green Bean Mushroom Casserole

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Green Bean Mushroom Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and a rich sauce topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for holidays or family dinners, this casserole is easy to prepare and can be customized for dietary needs.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes (including baking)
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
2. 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (or 1 can of mushroom slices, drained)
3. 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
6. 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
7. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8. 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
9. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
10. 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
11. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12. 1 cup crispy fried onions (plus extra for topping)

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Instructions

Blanch the Green Beans: Boil salted water and cook green beans for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

1. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
2. Make the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add cream and broth, stirring until thickened. Add Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Add blanched green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat in the creamy mushroom sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with 1 cup crispy fried onions.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
6. Garnish and Serve: Add extra fried onions on top and serve hot.

Notes

1. For a vegan version, use non-dairy butter, plant-based milk, and vegetable broth. Replace the fried onions with a vegan version.
2. For extra flavor, add shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan to the sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.
3. For a gluten-free casserole, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
4. You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to make this dish even heartier.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg