Pin It 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 reminds me of family Thanksgivings where the aroma of crispy onions filled the house. Every year, it's the first dish emptied at our table—everyone asks for seconds.
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans: 900 g (2 lb), trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or use frozen, 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: ½ tsp (optional)
- Crispy fried onions: 150 g (1½ cups), store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook green beans:
- Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Make sauce:
- In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add thickener:
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Simmer sauce:
- Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Combine green beans:
- Add drained green beans to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Layer casserole:
- Transfer mixture to 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half of crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove, top with remaining onions, and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin It My grandmother always insisted I be the one to sprinkle the crispy onions—a job I took seriously! It's now my own kids' favorite tradition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside roast turkey or chicken. This casserole pairs perfectly with stuffing, mashed potatoes, or savory gravy.
Make Ahead Tips
Assemble up to the onion topping and refrigerate for 24 hours. Add crispy onions just before baking for best texture.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 265 calories, 15 g fat, 25 g carbs, and 6 g protein—making it satisfying yet not too heavy.
Pin It This timeless casserole is sure to bring smiles and nostalgia to your next feast. Prep it ahead and enjoy every creamy, crispy bite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can frozen green beans be used instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cut green beans can be thawed, drained, and used. They maintain texture well after brief cooking.
- → What mushrooms work best for the sauce base?
Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal for a rich, earthy flavor and tender texture when sautéed.
- → How is the creamy sauce thickened?
Flour is cooked with butter and vegetables, then combined with milk, cream, and vegetable broth, simmered until it thickens into a velvety sauce.
- → Can the dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble through baking dish filling, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add fried onions and bake before serving.
- → What adds the crispy texture on top?
Crispy fried onions, either store-bought or homemade, are sprinkled on top before baking to add a crunchy finish.
- → Are there options to enhance flavor?
Adding grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese to the sauce enriches taste and adds depth.