Are you ready to experience a green bean casserole that's both nostalgic and incredibly delicious? Forget the canned versions; this recipe uses fresh green beans and homemade creamy mushroom sauce for a taste that's truly unforgettable. This easy recipe takes the classic comfort food and elevates it to a whole new level, perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly simple yet stunning dish! It's a perfect example of homemade cooking done right – delicious and satisfying without excessive effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Durkee Famous Sauce (or substitute with Worcestershire sauce and onion powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup French fried onions (or homemade, see variations below)
Instructions:
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Prep the Green Beans: Steam or blanch the green beans until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcook them; you want them to retain a bit of bite. Immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant green color. Drain well.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and brown slightly, about 5-7 more minutes.
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Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
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Creamy Perfection: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Durkee Famous Sauce (or substitute), salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine and Bake: Add the cooked green beans to the creamy sauce and gently stir to coat. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with French fried onions.
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Bake to Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, use a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.
- If you don't have Durkee Famous Sauce, a mixture of 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder makes a decent substitute.
- Don't overcook the green beans! They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade French fried onions (see variations below).
Variations:
- Homemade French Fried Onions: Thinly slice onions, toss with flour and a little oil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and crispy.
- Add some Cheese: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyere or Parmesan cheese over the casserole before adding the French fried onions for an extra cheesy kick.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Protein: Approximately 7-8g Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This delicious green bean casserole is a perfect example of how easy it is to create healthy meals using fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, and remember to share your culinary creations with us! It's a dish that's sure to become a family favorite, bringing joy to your table time and time again. This best recipe is perfect for any occasion.