Description
A comforting green bean casserole made completely from scratch, combining sautéed fresh mushrooms and tender green beans in a creamy, flavorful sauce topped with melty cheddar cheese and crispy French fried onions. This classic side dish is perfect for holiday dinners or any family meal, offering a homemade twist on a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 (28-oz) package frozen cut green beans
- 8 oz fresh sliced mushrooms
Dairy & Cheese
- 6 Tbsp butter, divided
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings & Others
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp granulated garlic
- 2 Tbsp minced onion
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¾ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9-inch square or 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside for later.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Green Beans: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the fresh sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Then, add the frozen green beans along with another 2 tablespoons of butter. Continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and the vegetables soften.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and sour cream until you achieve a smooth sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in paprika, granulated garlic, minced onion, salt, and black pepper to season.
- Combine Vegetables and Sauce: Transfer the cooked mushrooms and green beans to a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over them and stir well to coat everything evenly. Add ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the French fried onions, folding them into the mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly. Top with the remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese and the rest of the French fried onions, creating a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- You can use fresh green beans instead of frozen if preferred; just blanch them beforehand.
- For a richer sauce, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
- If desired, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- This casserole can be made a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
