Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Introduction

The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort dish with a rich twist of bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, it combines creamy texture and crispy topping for a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

• 6 strips bacon
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the pan and return it to medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until translucent.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in the undiluted cream of mushroom soup, crumbled bacon, milk, and shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Fold in the drained green beans until well combined.
7. Step 7: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly top with the French fried onions.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use homemade cream of mushroom soup or substitute with creamed spinach for a twist.
• Swap Monterey Jack cheese for sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy taste.
• Use fresh green beans blanched briefly instead of canned for a fresher texture.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness of the topping, or microwave for a quicker option but expect a softer topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add the fried onions on top and bake as directed.

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?

While this recipe relies on cream of mushroom soup for creaminess, you can make a homemade sauce using fresh mushrooms, cream, and flour as a substitute for a fresher, less processed dish.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 136 reviews

This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a rich and comforting classic side dish, featuring crisp bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and tender green beans, all baked to golden perfection with a crunchy French fried onion topping.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 6 strips bacon
• 1/2 yellow onion (finely diced)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans (drained)

Dairy

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Canned Goods

• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup

Other

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Bacon and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the bacon strips until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet and return the pan to medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
3. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the chopped button mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Soup and Dairy: Stir in the undiluted cream of mushroom soup. Return the crumbled bacon to the skillet and mix well. Add milk and shredded Monterey Jack cheese; stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add Green Beans: Fold the drained green beans gently into the mixture until well combined.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with French fried onions. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is nicely golden.

Notes

• Draining the bacon grease to just 2 tablespoons enhances flavor without excess fat.
• Using undiluted cream of mushroom soup ensures the casserole has a creamy, rich texture.
• For extra crispiness, you can add additional French fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Feel free to substitute Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly.

Keywords: green bean casserole, classic holiday side, baked green beans, bacon green bean casserole, creamy casserole