Save A nostalgic, creamy side dish featuring tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onions—a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
This casserole always reminds me of celebrations around the table, especially during chilly evenings when comfort food brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: 900 g (2 lb), trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or substitute with 900 g frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp
- Cremini or Button Mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz), sliced
- Yellow Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole Milk: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Heavy Cream: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black Pepper: ½ tsp
- Ground Nutmeg (optional): ½ tsp
- Crispy Fried Onions: 150 g (1½ cups), store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Blanch Green Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth. Simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine Beans and Sauce:
- Add drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer mixture to a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven, top with remaining onions, and bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This was always my grandmother's go-to side for Thanksgiving, and now it's a staple at my own table during the holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the casserole up to the point before adding fried onions, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Simply add the onions and bake when ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside roast turkey, chicken, or baked ham for festive dinners. It also pairs nicely with mashed potatoes and fresh cranberry sauce.
Flavor Variations
Add grated cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce for extra richness. Incorporate a dash of cayenne for subtle heat or swap mushrooms for caramelized shallots.
Save Enjoy this classic casserole as a comforting centerpiece at your next gathering—guaranteed to bring smiles and second helpings.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can frozen green beans be used?
Yes, thawed and drained frozen green beans work well and save prep time without compromising texture.
- → How do I make the sauce thicker?
Cooking the butter, mushrooms, and flour before adding liquids helps create a smooth, thick sauce that coats the beans nicely.
- → Is it possible to add cheese?
Adding sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce enriches flavor and adds creaminess.
- → What’s the best way to keep the onions crispy?
Adding half the fried onions before baking and the rest near the end ensures the topping stays crunchy.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead?
Yes, assemble up to step 6, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake with onions before serving.