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Homemade Green Bean Casserole
5 from 438 votes

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

This homemade green bean casserole features fresh green beans mixed with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a creamy half-and-half sauce thickened with flour or cornstarch. Topped with crispy fried onions and optional Parmesan cheese, the casserole bakes until bubbly and golden, offering a rich and comforting vegetable side dish with layered savory flavors and varied textures.

Cook Time
25 mins
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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).
  4. 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.