Description
Creamy, crunchy Homestyle Green Bean Casserole. This comforting side features fresh green beans and a rich sauce, topped with crispy fried onions.
Ingredients
Scale
- Green Bean Casserole Base:
- 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Rich Cream Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Crispy Topping:
- 2 cups crispy fried onions (plus more for serving)
- Flavor Boosters (Optional):
- 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine (for mushrooms)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Prep the Greens:: First things first for your Homestyle Green Bean Casserole, get those fresh green beans ready. Snap off the tough ends – I usually just snap ’em with my hands, it’s oddly satisfying. Then, give them a good rinse. Pop them into a pot of lightly salted boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. We want them tender-crisp, not mushy. I always set a timer because I’m notorious for overcooking veggies. Drain them well and set aside. You want to see that vibrant green color, not a dull army green, you know?
- Sauté the Aromatics:: Next, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt a couple of tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely heavenly, honestly. Sauté them until the mushrooms release their liquid and get nicely browned, and the onions are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. I once tried to rush this step, and the flavors just weren’t as deep. Patience, my friend, is a virtue here.
- Build the Rich Sauce:: Now for the creamy heart of this Homestyle Green Bean Casserole! Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies and stir it in, cooking for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly, and I mean slowly, whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Then, pour in the heavy cream and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your liking. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
- Combine and Season:: Once your sauce is lovely and thick, take it off the heat. Gently fold in those blanched green beans. This is where you really want to taste and adjust the seasonings. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper until it tastes just right to you. I always err on the side of slightly under-seasoning here, knowing I can add more later if needed. It’s better to add than try to take away, right? This Homestyle Green Bean Casserole is coming together!
- Assemble the Casserole:: Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the green bean and sauce mixture evenly into the dish. This part is pretty straightforward, but I sometimes make a little mess with the saucy beans. Just embrace the kitchen chaos! Smooth out the top with a spatula. This Homestyle Green Bean Casserole is looking good already, even before its crispy crown.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:: Now for the grand finale! Pop the dish into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and heated through. Then, here’s the crucial part: sprinkle a generous amount of crispy fried onions all over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until those onions are golden brown and super crunchy. Watch them closely, they burn fast! The aroma fills the whole house, and honestly, that’s when you know it’s ready.