Easy Green Bean Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
American, Vegetarian
Easy Green Bean Casserole
Description
The Easy Green Bean Casserole starts by blanching green beans to maintain their bright color and crisp bite. A sautéed mushroom and onion mixture is flavored with garlic, thyme, and fresh nutmeg, providing earthiness and warmth. This mixture is combined with a creamy base of milk, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce thickened by a cornstarch slurry to create a smooth sauce that clings to the beans. Sprinkled generously with fried onions, the casserole is baked until the top is bubbly and golden brown, adding a satisfying crispy texture that contrasts with the creamy interior.
The dish pairs well with roasted or grilled mains, adding a vegetable component that maintains some bite rather than being overly soft. The use of both Worcestershire sauce and fresh nutmeg gives the casserole subtle layers of flavor, distinguishing it from simpler green bean dishes. Baking just until bubbly preserves the fresh green bean texture.
This casserole is best served hot from the oven to enjoy the contrast between creamy sauce, tender beans, and crisp topping. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before baking to suit taste preferences. Preparing the green beans and sauce ahead of time and assembling just before baking can streamline cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms thinly sliced
- 1 onion diced
- ¼ teaspoon thyme dried
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup fried onions or more, to taste, French's Original brand
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9×13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch green beans until bright green in color and tender crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain well and cool in a bowl of ice water. Drain well and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water; set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic, mushrooms, onion, thyme and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in milk, heavy cream and Worcestershire.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and stir in cornstarch mixture until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in green beans.
- Add green bean mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with fried onions. Place into oven and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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