Pin A nostalgic, creamy side dish featuring tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onions—a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.
I grew up watching this casserole come together every Thanksgiving, the smell of onions and mushrooms filling the kitchen. Now, it is the dish my family expects on every special gathering.
Ingredients
- Fresh or Frozen Green Beans: 900 g (2 lb) trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces, or use frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp for sautéing
- Cremini or Button Mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz), sliced
- Yellow Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp for thickening the sauce
- 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, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Cook Beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add green beans Cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking Set aside
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a 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 another 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 (if using)
- Combine:
- Add drained green beans to the skillet Toss to coat evenly in the sauce
- Transfer and Top:
- 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
- Finish:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving
Pin This casserole is the dish my kids pile onto their plates first, asking for seconds before we've even sat down together. It always brings laughter and tradition to our table.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large skillet, whisk, 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, oven
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten in flour and fried onions), and possibly soy (check fried onion labels and broth)
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides 265 calories, 15 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein
Pin Serve this casserole warm so the topping stays crisp and the sauce creamy. It pairs beautifully with any holiday main dish.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, thawed frozen green beans work well and should be drained thoroughly before using.
- → How do I keep onions crispy?
Sprinkle half the fried onions before baking, and add the rest just before the final minutes for best crunch.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
The dish can be assembled a day ahead. Add the fried onions and finish baking before serving.
- → Is there a dairy-free option?
Swap milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and check fried onions for dairy ingredients.
- → Does cheese enhance the flavors?
Adding sharp cheddar or Gruyère to the sauce provides an extra savory touch if desired.
- → What pairs well with this dish?
This side complements roast poultry, beef, or vegetarian mains for festive meals.