Old-School Green Bean Casserole (Printer View)

Creamy green beans with mushrooms and crispy onions for a classic holiday side.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)

→ Sauce Base

02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 9 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - ½ cup heavy cream
09 - ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - ½ tsp black pepper
12 - ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

→ Topping

13 - 1½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

# Method:

01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).
02 - Boil a large pot of salted water. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and tender. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring continuously. Gradually whisk in milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
05 - Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the sauce.
06 - Transfer mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Evenly sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions over the top.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling.
08 - Remove from oven, add remaining crispy fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crisp.
09 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Comforting, creamy texture that appeals to all ages
  • Packed with vegetables and flavor
02 -
  • This casserole contains milk and wheat, so check labels on fried onions and broth for allergens
  • Assembly can be done up to 24 hours in advance for easy holiday prep
03 -
  • Substitute frozen green beans to save time on busy days
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle hint of warmth in the sauce
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