This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a comforting dish packed with tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crunchy fried onions on top. It’s simple to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser!
I love how this casserole brings everyone together at the table. It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies! Plus, who doesn’t love that crispy onion topping? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are ideal for this dish, giving a nice crunch. If fresh isn’t available, frozen green beans work too—just thaw them before adding.
Mushrooms: I love using fresh mushrooms for their texture and flavor. If you can’t find fresh, canned mushrooms can be a quick substitute; just drain and rinse them beforehand.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. However, you can use olive oil for dairy-free alternatives or if you want a lighter option.
Chicken Broth: If you want a vegetarian version, vegetable broth is a perfect swap. Homemade broth is great if you have it, but store-bought is convenient too.
Fried Onions: Store-bought crispy fried onions save time, but for a homemade touch, you can make your own using thinly sliced onions and frying them in oil until they’re golden and crispy.
How Do I Make Creamy Sauce Without Lumps?
Creating a smooth and creamy sauce is key to making this casserole stand out. Here’s how to master it:
- Start by cooking the onions, garlic, and mushrooms well so their flavors blend nicely.
- When adding the flour, stir constantly to cook it a bit—this helps with that raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, which helps prevent lumps. If you add them slowly while stirring, it promotes even mixing.
- Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 5 minutes. If it’s too thick, a little more broth or milk can adjust it to your liking.
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup whole milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole will take you about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. All in all, you should expect to spend about 40-45 minutes from start to finish, including the baking time. It’s perfect for a comforting family meal or a gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly butter a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook them for about 4-5 minutes, so they’re just tender but still have a nice crisp texture. Drain the beans and immediately plunge them into ice water to halt the cooking. After a few minutes, drain them again and set aside.
3. Make the Mushroom Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender and their moisture has evaporated. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to keep it smooth—this prevents lumps! Allow the sauce to cook until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Then season it with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you like.
5. Combine and Transfer:
Add the drained green beans into the creamy mushroom sauce, stirring gently to coat them completely. Transfer this lovely mixture to your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Top It Off:
Sprinkle the crispy fried onions generously over the top of the casserole for that perfect crunch.
7. Bake and Serve:
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the onions are golden brown. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade green bean casserole!
This recipe highlights fresh green beans and mushrooms in a creamy sauce topped with crunchy fried onions—it’s comfort food at its best!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the casserole. You might want to sauté them briefly in the pan to reduce extra moisture before mixing in with the sauce.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. You can also use gluten-free crispy fried onions for the topping. Adjust the liquid slightly if needed to maintain the right sauce consistency.
Can I Make the Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the green bean mixture and the sauce ahead of time, assemble it in the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add the fried onions before baking for the best crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave, but be aware that the crispy topping may lose some crunch!