Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Let’s talk about a classic dish that always steals the show at holiday dinners—Green Bean Casserole. It’s comforting, flavorful, and just the right mix of creamy and crunchy. This homemade version takes it up a notch, with fresh green beans, a rich and savory sauce, and crispy, golden fried onions on top. If you’re tired of the canned soup version and craving something more from scratch, this recipe is going to become your go-to. Trust me, once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Green Bean Casserole

  • Made from Scratch: No canned soup here! This casserole is made with fresh ingredients, so every bite is packed with flavor.
  • Creamy & Crunchy: You get the perfect balance of a creamy mushroom sauce combined with that irresistible crunchy topping.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday meal, a family dinner, or just a comforting side dish, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Easy to Make: It may sound fancy, but this recipe is straightforward and easy to prepare. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll nail it on your first try.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients based on your preferences—add some cheese for extra richness or swap in different seasonings for a fun twist.

Ingredients in Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy, flavorful casserole from scratch:

  • Fresh Green Beans: The star of the dish! Fresh green beans bring a crisp texture that’s perfect in the casserole.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are the foundation of the creamy sauce, adding an earthy, rich flavor.
  • Butter: To make the sauce silky smooth and deliciously savory.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that creamy consistency.
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds depth to the sauce, making it flavorful without being too heavy.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce that rich, luxurious texture that makes this casserole so comforting.
  • Garlic & Onion: For that savory base flavor that makes everything taste amazing.
  • Fried Onions: The crispy, golden topping is what makes this casserole so irresistible.
  • Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, to bring everything together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to whip up the most delicious green bean casserole ever? Let’s dive into the steps!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot when the casserole is ready to go in.

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

Trim and wash your fresh green beans, then blanch them in boiling salted water for about 4-5 minutes, just until they’re tender-crisp. Drain and set them aside. You want them to still have a little bite to them when they go into the casserole.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they release their juices and become tender—about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly add the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Then, add the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In a large baking dish, combine the blanched green beans and the creamy mushroom sauce. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly in the sauce. Top the casserole with a generous layer of crispy fried onions.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the fried onions are golden and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, and it’s bound to disappear in no time!

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

  • With Roasted Meat: This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or beef. It’s a classic side dish for holiday meals or family dinners.
  • As a Holiday Side: This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. It’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to be a hit.
  • With Mashed Potatoes: Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a truly comforting meal.
  • As a Standalone Dish: If you’re craving a lighter meal, this casserole can stand on its own as a satisfying veggie-based dish.

Additional Tips

  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook!
  • Cheese: Add some shredded cheese to the sauce or sprinkle it over the top before baking for a cheesy twist.
  • Vegan Option: Swap the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives, and use vegetable broth to make this dish vegan-friendly.
  • Fried Onion Substitute: If you don’t have fried onions on hand, you can make your own by frying thinly sliced onions in hot oil, or use crispy breadcrumbs instead.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen green beans?
A1: Yes, frozen green beans work just as well! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the casserole.

Q2: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I make this casserole without mushrooms?
A3: Yes! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them or substitute them with another veggie like zucchini or celery for some extra crunch.

Q4: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A4: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce on top for extra heat.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes, this casserole freezes well! You can freeze it before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook it as directed.

Q6: Can I use a different topping instead of fried onions?
A6: Sure! You can top the casserole with crispy breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even grated cheese for a different twist.

Q7: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A7: If the sauce is too thin, you can add a little more flour to the mix and cook it for a few extra minutes, or let it simmer until it thickens.

Q8: Can I use dairy-free alternatives for this casserole?
A8: Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, such as coconut milk or almond milk, to make this casserole dairy-free.

Q9: Can I double this recipe?
A9: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd. Just use a bigger baking dish and increase the cooking time if needed.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, but be sure to keep the fried onions crispy by adding them fresh on top when reheating.

Conclusion

Homemade Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of delicious flavors that make every bite something to look forward to. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday feast, or just a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Make it from scratch, and you’ll see just how easy and delicious this classic dish can be! Enjoy!

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Homemade Green Bean Casserole


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 serving 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A timeless classic, this Green Bean Casserole features creamy green beans topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, it’s simple to make and full of flavor!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/3 cups French-fried onions, divided
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (for extra flavor)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp, then drain. If using frozen green beans, thaw them according to the package instructions and drain.
  • Mix the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and 2/3 cup of the French-fried onions. Stir in the cooked green beans and optional grated cheddar cheese.
  • Assemble the Casserole: Pour the green bean mixture into a 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly.
  • Add Fried Onions: After 25 minutes, sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of French-fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy.
  • Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: side dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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