Easy Green Bean Casserole
Creamy green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese topped with golden fried onions — a timeless side dish for any feast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans trimmed and cut in half (or 2 cans green beans, drained)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella for extra stretch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Prep green beans – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Make creamy sauce – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce – Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in broth and cream until smooth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble casserole – Add green beans to the sauce and stir until coated. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Top & bake – Sprinkle crispy fried onions evenly on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
- Serve – Enjoy hot as the perfect side dish!
Notes
Tips & Variations
Shortcut: Use canned cream of mushroom soup instead of homemade sauce. Cheese swap: Try Gruyère or Parmesan for richer flavor. Add bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits for smoky depth. Make-ahead: Assemble (without onions) and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add onions before baking.Best Served With
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Mashed potatoes & gravy
- Holiday spreads (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)