Let’s talk about holiday comfort food. You know, the dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. For so many of us, that one dish that has to be on the table is a classic green bean casserole. It’s a staple for a reason.
This isn’t just any recipe. This is what I believe to be the Best Green Bean Casserole you can make. It’s got that creamy, savory filling and the essential crunchy fried onion topping that everyone loves. It is simple, satisfying, and always a crowd pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this the Best Green Bean Casserole? It’s all about the texture and flavor. The combination of tender green beans swimming in a rich, creamy sauce is just so good. We even add beef bacon for a smoky depth that takes it to another level.
Plus, the crispy fried onions on top give it that signature crunch. Every bite is a mix of creamy and crispy, which is just delightful. It’s the kind of side dish that might just steal the show from the main course.
This recipe is also incredibly easy to make. We use simple, accessible ingredients. This is a fantastic Green Bean Casserole Canned Green Beans recipe, which means less prep time for you. No need to spend hours blanching fresh beans. It’s straightforward enough for even beginner cooks to tackle with confidence.
It’s the quintessential Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole. It tastes like tradition and happy memories. But honestly, it’s great for any family dinner, potluck, or Sunday supper. It’s a reliable and delicious dish you can count on every single time.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to make this amazing casserole. Nothing too fancy, just good old fashioned ingredients that come together beautifully.
- 6 strips beef bacon
- 1/2 yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- salt and pepper
- 4 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans (drained)
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s walk through how to make the Best Green Bean Casserole. I’ll break it down for you so it’s super simple to follow along.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating up, grab your 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Give it a light spray with some nonstick cooking spray. This little step will make cleanup so much easier later.
Step 2: Cook The Bacon And Sauté Veggies
Place a large skillet over medium low heat. Add the beef bacon strips and cook them until they are nice and crisp. Once done, move them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Then, crumble them up. Don’t get rid of all the bacon fat in the pan! It’s full of flavor.
Drain away all but about two tablespoons of the rendered fat. Return the pan to medium heat. Now, add your finely diced onions. Cook them, stirring every now and then, for about five minutes. You want them to become soft and translucent. This is a key step for building flavor.
Step 3: Add Mushrooms And Garlic
Next, add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet with the onions. Let them cook for about five minutes. Stir them occasionally. You’re looking for them to get a lovely golden brown color. This means they are caramelizing and developing a deep, savory taste.
Once the mushrooms are browned, it’s time for the garlic. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that amazing garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Create The Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time to build that rich, creamy sauce that makes this the Best Green Bean Casserole. Stir in the undiluted cream of mushroom soup right into the skillet with your veggies. Then add the crumbled beef bacon back into the mix. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
Pour in the milk and the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Keep stirring until that cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This is where the magic really starts to happen! Go ahead and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Remember the soup and bacon are already salty, so don’t go overboard.
Step 5: Combine And Bake
Time to bring it all together. Gently fold in your drained canned green beans. Make sure they are well coated in that delicious, cheesy sauce. You want every single green bean to be part of the party. This is a proper Green Bean Casserole Canned Green Beans dish, and it’s proud of it.
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Now for the grand finale. Sprinkle the French fried onions all over the top. Don’t be shy! This is the crunchy topping everyone loves.
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and bubbly around the edges. The top should be a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible. This is the hallmark of a great Traditional Green Bean Casserole.
How To Store Leftovers
So you made the Best Green Bean Casserole and have some left over? That’s great news because it’s just as good the next day. Storing it properly is key to enjoying it again.
First, let the casserole cool down to room temperature. You don’t want to put a hot dish directly into the fridge. Once it’s cool, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container.
Your leftover green bean casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, you have a couple of options. For the best results, reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it’s hot and bubbly again. This helps the topping get crispy.
If you’re in a hurry, you can definitely use the microwave. Just know that the fried onion topping might lose some of its crunch. It will still be delicious, though!
Tips
Want to make your Traditional Green Bean Casserole even better? I’ve got a few simple tips for you. These little tricks can make a big difference and help you customize the dish to your liking.
First, let’s talk cheese. Monterey Jack is great because it melts so well. But feel free to experiment! A sharp cheddar would add a nice tang. Gruyere would give it a nutty, sophisticated flavor. A mix of cheeses is always a fun idea too.
Want to make this ahead of time for a big holiday meal? You can! Prepare the casserole right up to the point of adding the fried onions. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, take it out of the fridge, top with the onions, and bake as directed. You might need to add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.
For an extra crispy topping, you can add the fried onions in two stages. Add half of them before baking, and then sprinkle the other half on top during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This ensures a super crunchy layer. This is a pro move for the Best Green Bean Casserole experience.
Don’t be afraid to add other flavors. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of nutmeg in the mushroom sauce can add a wonderful depth of flavor. A little bit of spice from a pinch of cayenne pepper can also be a nice touch if you like a little heat. Making the Best Green Bean Casserole is all about making it your own.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, classic, and incredibly delicious recipe for the Best Green Bean Casserole. It’s a dish that brings people together and adds a touch of comfort and tradition to any meal. Whether you’re making it for a special holiday or just a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit.
This is more than just a recipe; it’s a foundation. Feel free to use my tips to make it your own. Cooking should be fun, and this Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole is a joy to both make and eat. I hope your family loves this dish as much as mine does. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! This is a great dish to prep in advance, especially for a busy holiday like Thanksgiving. You can assemble the entire casserole, without the fried onion topping, up to 24 hours ahead. Cover it and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just top with onions and bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I Use Fresh Or Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, you can. While this is designed as a Green Bean Casserole Canned Green Beans recipe for convenience, you can substitute. If using fresh green beans, you’ll want to trim them and blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes first. For frozen green beans, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the sauce. You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 pounds of fresh or frozen beans.
What Can I Use Instead Of Cream Of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re not a fan of canned soup, you can make a homemade cream sauce. Melt about 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour, and then slowly pour in 2 cups of milk or half and half. Cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a little onion and garlic powder. This will keep the creamy texture of your Traditional Green Bean Casserole.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Of course! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the beef bacon. To replace some of that savory, smoky flavor, you could try adding a dash of smoked paprika or a little bit of liquid smoke to the mushroom sauce. It will still be a contender for the Best Green Bean Casserole you’ve ever had.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
A traditional holiday favorite, this green bean casserole features a rich, creamy sauce with smoky beef bacon, tender green beans, and a crunchy fried onion topping. A simple and satisfying side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the beef bacon strips and cook until crisp. Move to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble.
- Drain all but two tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat from the pan. Return to medium heat and add the finely diced onions. Cook for about five minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for another five minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and the crumbled beef bacon. Pour in the milk and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the drained green beans, ensuring they are well coated in the sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Notes
For an extra crispy topping, add half the fried onions before baking and the other half during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or Gruyere for a different flavor profile.
To make this ahead, assemble the casserole without the fried onions, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add onions just before baking (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time).
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