Homemade Green Bean Casserole
User Reviews
5
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Description
Homemade Green Bean Casserole uses fresh green beans cooked briefly to tender-crisp, then coated in a sauce made from sautéed caramelized onions, mushrooms, and garlic combined with a creamy mixture of half-and-half thickened by flour or cornstarch. The sauce is seasoned with salt and pepper. The mixture is placed into a baking dish, topped with a layer of crispy fried onions, and optionally sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
The casserole bakes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and the topping is golden and crisp. The caramelization of onions and mushrooms adds depth, while the creamy sauce binds the vegetables together, yielding a satisfying contrast between tender beans and crisp topping.
This dish is a classic accompaniment at holiday meals or everyday dinners, delivering a flavorful way to serve green beans beyond steaming or boiling. The note about using half-and-half instead of lighter dairy ensures the sauce achieves a desirable thickness and richness. Adaptable for fresh, frozen, or canned beans with slight differences in preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Green bean ends snapped off, fresh
- 8 Tablespoons butter divided, salted
- 1 Large onion (chopped)
- 8 ounces mushroom sliced
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 1/2 cups half and half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 2 cups onion such as French's, fried
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese optional, grated
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 4 Tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until tender and caramelized, about 7-8 minutes, stirring often. Add mushrooms and cook for 4 minutes longer. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- After the onion-mushroom mixture has been removed, use the same skillet. Heat skillet to a medium heat and add remaining 4 Tablespoons of butter. Add flour or cornstarch and begin to quickly whisk the mixture. Let cook, whisking often, for about 2 minutes. Stir in half-n-half, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until mixture thickens. Taste and check for seasonings.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 6-7 minutes. Drain and transfer to ice bath to cool (optional).
- Add onion-mushroom mixture to cream sauce and stir. Add green beans and stir to coat. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, if using. Pour into a 9 x 9 baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from the oven and cover with fried onions. Bake for 5 minutes longer. Serve immediately, if possible.
Notes
- Fresh, frozen, or canned green beans can be used; canned beans do not require pre-cooking.
- Use at least half-and-half for the sauce to achieve the proper thickness and creaminess.
- To create bite-sized pieces, cut fresh green beans in half before cooking.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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