Description
A classic and comforting Green Bean Casserole made from scratch with a creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, melty cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect holiday side dish or everyday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushroom Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups finely diced baby Bella mushrooms
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Main Ingredients
- 24 ounces frozen green beans
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Mushroom Sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until the liquid is mostly reduced, concentrating the mushroom flavor.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir thoroughly to create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth, ensuring no lumps remain in the sauce base.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Whisk in the whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while whisking constantly to prevent scorching.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 4-6 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: While the sauce cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the homemade mushroom sauce, frozen green beans, shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup milk, and half of the crispy fried onions to evenly combine all flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake First Stage: Bake the casserole for 25 minutes until it is bubbly and heated through.
- Add Topping and Bake Again: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions turn golden brown and the casserole is bubbly at the edges.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot as a delicious, hearty side dish that pairs well with any meal.
Notes
- Make sure to stir constantly while simmering the sauce to prevent it from burning or developing lumps.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based milk.
- For extra flavor, you can add a dash of nutmeg to the sauce while simmering.
- Use fresh green beans if available; blanch them before adding to the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
