Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

To create this delicious casserole, here are the ingredients you'll need:

• 3 lbs of fresh green beans, trimmed (or 4 cans of green beans)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened

• 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup (about 10.5 oz each)

• 1/2 cup of milk

• 3 tbsp of butter

• 1.5 cups of French fried onions (homemade or store-bought)

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Gather these ingredients and prepare to dive into the cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

The first step in our casserole adventure is blanching the fresh green beans. This method helps to keep their bright color and crisp texture.

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

   
   

2. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and let them cook for 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.

   
   

3. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl filled with ice water. This process, known as shocking, stops the cooking process and locks in that beautiful green color.

   
   

4. After a few minutes, drain the beans and set them aside.

   
   

Freshly blanched green beans in a bowl of ice water

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet, it’s time to create the aromatic base for our casserole.

1. Place the skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.

   
   

2. Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté until golden brown, typically taking about 7-10 minutes.

   
   

3. Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. The aroma will surely fill your kitchen!

   
   

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Now we will transform those sautéed onions and garlic into a creamy sauce.

1. Lower the heat and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until it melts and combines with the onion-garlic mix.

   
   

2. Next, pour in the two cans of cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of milk. Mix until everything is smooth and well-combined.

   
   

3. Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist!

   
   

Creamy mushroom sauce ready for the green beans

Step 4: Combine Green Beans with Sauce

It’s time to bring everything together!

1. Pour the blanched green beans into the creamy mushroom sauce. Stir gently, ensuring the beans are evenly coated with that creamy goodness.

   
   

2. Make sure every green bean receives its share of the delicious sauce!

   
   

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Now, we’ll transfer our green bean mixture into a baking dish.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   

2. Pour the green bean and sauce mixture into a large casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

   
   

3. Top the casserole generously with French fried onions to create that beloved crunchy layer on top.

   
   

Prepared green bean casserole topped with fried onions

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Now it’s time for the casserole to bake.

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 45 minutes.

   
   

2. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered, giving your casserole a beautiful golden-brown crust on top.

   
   

Serving the Casserole

When baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

Scoop generous portions to serve alongside your favorite main dishes. This creamy delight pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or even as a standalone vegetarian dish.

Do not miss out on the satisfying crunch of the fried onions with every delicious bite!

Delicious green bean casserole served on a plate