Classic Green Bean Casserole (Printable)

Tender green beans in creamy mushroom sauce with crispy onion topping

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced

→ Sauce

05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

→ Topping

13 - 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook for another 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and any liquid has evaporated.
04 - Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk and vegetable broth. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
06 - Add drained green beans to the sauce and mix to coat evenly.
07 - Transfer mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
08 - Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling. Remove from oven, top with remaining crispy onions, and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
09 - Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The homemade mushroom sauce puts the canned version to shame with its velvety texture and deep earthy flavor
  • That crispy fried onion topping creates the most irresistible crunch against creamy tender beans
  • It comes together faster than you would think and actually tastes better made ahead
02 -
  • Overcooking the green beans during blanching is the mistake that turns this dish into mush
  • The sauce will seem thick before baking but that is exactly what you want since the beans release moisture
  • Adding the second batch of fried onions for just five minutes prevents them from burning while still getting perfectly crispy
03 -
  • Pat the mushrooms dry with paper towels before cooking so they brown instead of steam
  • Grate fresh nutmeg instead of using pre ground, the difference is remarkable
  • Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly
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