Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Push the mushrooms and garlic to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty side. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to combine, creating a roux.
- Cook the roux, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden brown.
- Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the green bean mixture, covering it evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole for extra flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the green bean casserole hot as a delicious side dish for your holiday or weeknight meals.
- Enjoy your homemade green bean casserole, packed with creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions! It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
FAQs:
1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned for the casserole?
Answer: Yes, you can use fresh green beans instead of canned for the casserole. Simply blanch the fresh green beans in boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp, then drain and plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them well and proceed with the recipe as directed. Fresh green beans can add a vibrant color and slightly crisp texture to the casserole.
2. Can I make Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can prepare Green Bean Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to remove the chill, then bake as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
3. Can I freeze Green Bean Casserole?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze Green Bean Casserole, but it’s best to freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it according to the recipe instructions.
4. How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Answer: To make the topping extra crispy, you can add extra French-fried onions or breadcrumbs to the top of the casserole. Spread a generous layer of onions or breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking, ensuring that they are evenly distributed. You can also mix melted butter with the breadcrumbs or onions to help them crisp up in the oven.
5. Can I make Green Bean Casserole without condensed soup?
Answer: Yes, you can make Green Bean Casserole without condensed soup by making a homemade creamy sauce. To do this, melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken or vegetable broth and milk until smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Use this homemade sauce in place of the condensed soup in the recipe, mixing it with the green beans before baking.