Tired of the same old Thanksgiving sides? This green bean casserole recipe takes a beloved classic and gives it a delicious, savory upgrade with the addition of Worcestershire sauce. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or your next holiday gathering. This recipe delivers a healthy and delicious dish, making it one of the best recipes for your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup French fried onions (or homemade, for a healthier option!)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deliciousness
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole is perfectly cooked and bubbly.
Prepare the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Don't overcook; you want them to retain a bit of their texture. This is a key element in creating a delicious dish.
Sauté the Aromatics: While the green beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a flavorful base for your casserole.
Build the Flavor: Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to allow the flavors to meld. This is where the magic happens! The Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami that elevates the classic green bean casserole.
Combine and Bake: In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans, the onion-garlic mixture, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly, and the onions are golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy this quick dinner idea with your favorite Thanksgiving or weeknight meal.
Tips and Tricks for Casserole Perfection
- For a richer flavor: Use homemade cream of mushroom soup.
- Add some crunch: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts along with the French fried onions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with the milk.
- Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Crumble cooked bacon over the top before adding the French fried onions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 5g
This information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Remember to adjust seasonings to your taste. Enjoy your delicious and easy green bean casserole!