There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. For me, that dish has always been a good green bean casserole. It’s a staple at holiday dinners and family get togethers for a reason. It is comforting, savory, and brings everyone to the table.
Today, we’re taking that classic comfort food and giving it a fresh, flavorful update. This is truly the Best Green Bean Casserole you will ever make. We are using fresh green beans, a homemade creamy cheese sauce, and a topping of crispy beef bacon and fried onions. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on taste.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this the Best Green Bean Casserole? It is all about the fresh ingredients and the simple process. Forget the bland, mushy casseroles of the past. This recipe brings texture and deep flavor to the forefront. The green beans stay tender crisp, which is a lovely contrast to the smooth, rich sauce.
Plus, this is a fantastic Loaded Green Bean Casserole. The cheddar cheese brings a wonderful sharpness, and the crumbled beef bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch that is just so good. It feels special enough for a celebration but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner side dish. You get all the comfort without any fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 10.5 ounces condensed Cream of Mushroom soup (1 can)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 slices crumbled cooked beef bacon
- 1 ½ cups french fried onions
Step By Step Instructions
Getting this dish ready is straightforward. Here’s How To Make Green Bean Casserole from scratch. Just follow these simple steps for a delicious result every time.
Step 1: Prep The Oven And Green Beans
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a one quart casserole dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking later on. Set the dish aside for now.
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add your trimmed green beans and cook them for just 3 minutes. You want them to turn bright green but stay crisp. Quickly drain them and place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cool, transfer them to a large bowl.
Step 2: Make The Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now for the heart of our Loaded Green Bean Casserole. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the condensed soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer.
Once it is simmering, it is time for the cheese. Whisk in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep whisking until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This creamy sauce is what makes this the Best Green Bean Casserole.
Step 3: Assemble The Casserole
Pour that beautiful cheese sauce over your cooled green beans in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the beans are coated. Then, transfer this mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake To Bubbly Goodness
Sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. You are looking for it to be warmed through and bubbling around the edges. The cheesy goodness is almost ready.
Finally, remove the casserole from the oven. Top it with the crispy french fried onions and the crumbled beef bacon. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This last step gets the topping perfectly golden and toasty.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the casserole cool completely to room temperature first. Then, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warm. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Tips
Want to switch things up a bit? Try using a different cheese. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack would be delicious. You could also add some sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an even richer flavor. Just saute them before adding the other sauce ingredients.
For a heartier dish, you could make a Green Bean And Potato Casserole. Just add a layer of thinly sliced, pre cooked potatoes at the bottom of the dish before adding the green bean mixture. It adds another layer of comforting goodness.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that proves homemade is always worth it. This recipe shows you exactly How To Make Green Bean Casserole that your whole family will love. It is more than just a side dish; it is a centerpiece of comfort.
I hope this Best Green Bean Casserole becomes a new favorite in your home. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a classic recipe with a simple, delicious twist. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, you certainly can. If you use frozen green beans, there is no need to boil them first. Just let them thaw completely and pat them dry to remove any excess water before mixing them with the cheese sauce. The texture will be slightly softer than with fresh beans.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, but do not add the fried onions and bacon topping. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, you might need to add about 10 to 15 extra minutes to the initial baking time. Then add the topping and bake for the final 5 minutes.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
While french fried onions are classic, you can get creative. Toasted breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter make a great crunchy topping. Crushed crackers or even some toasted slivered almonds would also add a nice texture to this Loaded Green Bean Casserole.
Best Green Bean Casserole
A fresh, flavorful update to the classic green bean casserole, featuring tender-crisp green beans, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and a crispy topping of savory beef bacon and French fried onions. Easy enough for weeknights, special enough for gatherings.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a one-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add trimmed green beans and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Once cool, move beans to a large bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooled green beans in the large bowl. Gently toss until all beans are coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbling.
- Remove casserole from oven. Top with French fried onions and crumbled beef bacon. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until topping is golden and toasty.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or in the microwave for individual portions.
Customize by using different cheeses like Monterey Jack, or adding sautéed mushrooms for richer flavor. For a heartier casserole, add a layer of thinly sliced, pre-cooked potatoes to the bottom of the dish.
Frozen green beans can be used; thaw and pat dry before mixing. No need to boil.
Assemble the casserole a day ahead (without toppings). Store covered in the fridge, then bake, adding 10-15 minutes to initial bake time before adding toppings.
Alternative toppings include toasted breadcrumbs with butter, crushed crackers, or slivered almonds for added crunch.
Nutrition
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