Easy Green Bean Casserole (No Cream of Mushroom!)

A classic green bean casserole gets a sophisticated boost with the addition of a rich, from-scratch cream sauce that can be prepared in mere moments. Indulge in this luscious spread, boasting a luxurious texture and an irresistible essence of crispy bacon. Why settle for a canned mediocrity when you can craft a game-changing green bean casserole from scratch? You’ll experience exceptional, homemade-like taste without sacrificing convenience. This iconic green bean casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

Contents

Why Our Recipe Ingredient Notes Using Fresh Green Beans Adding Mushrooms Make Ahead Instructions Storage and Reheating Instructions

Discover the secret to extraordinary green beans!

Why Our Recipe

A creamy twist on a classic recipe? No way, no cream of mushroom soup in sight! With its rich and creamy homemade cream sauce.
By incorporating the rich essence of bacon and subtly sweet notes of garlic, we craft a robustly flavoured sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
Make this dish effortless with the convenience of canned green beans or opt for freshness by using your own homegrown beans if available.

This straightforward recipe allows for effortless assembly with canned green beans; however, we’ve also got you covered should you opt for the freshness of using them from scratch. You could always add mushrooms to taste, if that’s your preference. Our mission is to deliver a delectable culinary experience with streamlined simplicity. On the day we took the photos for this recipe, a enthusiastic fan stopped by our studio. The two women were immediately enamored with the green bean casserole, their curiosity piqued by its unexpectedly delightful flavor.

Ingredient Notes

An overhead view of the ingredients needed to make green bean casserole.

The addition of this ingredient lends a depth of flavour to the casserole that truly elevates its overall culinary profile. Utilize sharp blades or instruments to slice ingredients into bite-sized portions prior to culinary preparation. Don’t drain the excess grease; this will actually enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
The secret to a rich and velvety texture lies in this crucial step. You can also use cornstarch.
Minced ingredients, when freshly processed, consistently exhibit a superior flavour profile. While pre-minced jars of garlic may occasionally exhibit a hint of bitterness, If you’re running low on garlic, a suitable substitute is to use half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Utilize reduced-sodium alternatives to effectively manage salt levels and enhance overall flavor profiles.
Adding a pinch of creaminess to this sauce creates an inviting aroma. To take your casserole to a rich and indulgent level, substitute the traditional cream with heavy cream instead?
Canned or packaged goods are typically sold in containers designed for their preservation and distribution. You’ll typically locate them in proximity to canned goods, often situated alongside other packaged produce items at your local supermarket.

Using Fresh Green Beans

Fresh green beans are a perfect choice for this recipe. To ensure optimal results, soften them beforehand? Steam them for 15-20 minutes to achieve optimal results.

Trim excess from approximately 1 1/2 pounds of fresh green beans and thoroughly rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Position a steamer basket within a substantial cooking vessel, allowing for approximately one inch of water to accumulate at the base. Steam green beans in a steamer basket over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach a tender yet crunchy texture, ensuring optimal flavor and texture preservation. Allow the beans to drain thoroughly and then let them cool slightly before incorporating them into the baking dish.

Adding Mushrooms

For mushroom enthusiasts, incorporating them into their beloved green bean casserole is a straightforward process. Slice approximately 8 ounces of button or cremini mushrooms into thin strips or, alternatively, finely chop them to create a uniform texture for your dish.

After crisping the bacon, sauté the sliced mushrooms in its rendered fat over a moderate heat for approximately five minutes or until they’re tender and infused with the savory aroma of the cooked bacon. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms to ensure a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, then proceed with the recipe as instructed.

An overhead view of a plate of green bean casserole with a fork sticking out.

Make Ahead Instructions

As a staple often served at large gatherings and celebrations, it’s crucial to know how to successfully prepare this dish in advance?

To prepare the recipe, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Next, trim the ends off a pound of fresh green beans and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the green beans with two tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the green beans to coat them evenly with the oil and seasonings.
Meanwhile, cook four slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet with a sliver and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease in the skillet. Evenly distribute all contents within the baking dish, omitting any additional topping of crispy fried onions.
Wrap the baking dish securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours.
When preparing to bake, set your oven to a temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results. Allowing the refrigerated casserole to stand at room temperature for 20-30 minutes prior to baking, concurrent with the preheating of the oven. Bake according to instructions, allowing for an additional 5-10 minute extension of the baking time if necessary, ensuring the dish is thoroughly warmed throughout.
Following the casserole’s baking, sprinkle crispy fried onions atop, then bake for a further 5 minutes, ensuring the onions attain a golden, crunchy finish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will remain fresh for up to 5 days.

Stirring after each 30-second interval on high in the microwave, continue heating until the dish is warmed through consistently.

Joining Rachel as she guides you meticulously through each stage of this mouthwatering dish. With the help of visuals, our cooking show is always ready to provide an immersive experience for your culinary journey. Discover the entire array of recipes on YouTube, Facebook, and this very website, where each dish is accompanied by its own unique recipe.