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 brings back warm memories of family gatherings and festive meals. I first made it for a Thanksgiving dinner and every guest asked for seconds because it was so flavor-packed and familiar.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Blanch beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Make sauce:
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Combine beans and sauce:
- Add drained green beans to skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble casserole:
- 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 Every Thanksgiving, my aunt and I share this dish and recall stories from past family feasts. Even the kids request extra helpings, making it a cherished staple at our table.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large skillet, whisk, 2-liter baking dish, oven
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy), wheat (flour and fried onions), and possible soy in store-bought fried onions. Always double-check labels if you are sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 265, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 25 g, Protein 6 g
Save This casserole is guaranteed to delight any crowd. Try it for your next holiday gathering—it's easy, timeless, and honestly irresistible.
Recipe Guide
- → Can frozen green beans be used instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be substituted. Thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking to ensure proper texture.
- → How is the creamy sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by cooking flour with butter before gradually whisking in milk, cream, and vegetable broth until it simmers and thickens.
- → What is the purpose of rinsing green beans after boiling?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process, preserving the bright color and crisp-tender texture of the beans.
- → Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping and bake just before serving.
- → Is there a way to add extra flavor to the dish?
Adding grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce enriches the flavor and creates a more indulgent texture.