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Close-up of a creamy and delicious Green Bean Casserole, ready to be served as a classic holiday side dish.
Lady Maria

ULTIMATE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE BEST

This ultimate green bean casserole recipe elevates the classic dish with fresh ingredients and homemade mushroom sauce. It delivers a comforting and flavorful experience that will impress family and friends, making it the star of any holiday meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped, or 2 14.5 ounce) cans of green beans, drained, or 2 (10 ounce
  • 1 pound cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups store-bought crispy fried onions, or homemade recipe follows
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced for homemade crispy fried onions
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for homemade crispy fried onions
  • 1 teaspoon salt for homemade crispy fried onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for homemade crispy fried onions
  • Vegetable oil for frying for homemade crispy fried onions

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large bowl
  • whisk
  • slotted spoon
  • paper towels
  • Pot or deep fryer (for homemade fried onions, optional)
  • knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they're bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well. If using canned or frozen green beans, drain them well and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they're softened and have released their moisture, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. In a large bowl, combine the green beans and the mushroom sauce. Stir to coat.
  7. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle 1 cup of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the onions are golden brown.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. This prevents them from burning.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
  12. To make homemade crispy fried onions: Separate the onion slices into rings. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture, making sure they're evenly coated. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the onion rings to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Remove the onions from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season the onions with a little extra salt, if desired. They're best served immediately!

Notes

For a richer flavor, use fresh green beans. Don't overcook the green beans; aim for tender-crisp. Sauté the mushrooms properly to concentrate their flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom sauce. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese adds a delicious cheesy element. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Leftover green bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended.