Tired of the same old Thanksgiving sides? This year, elevate your holiday spread (or any weeknight dinner!) with a creamy, dreamy green bean casserole that’s surprisingly easy to make. Forget the canned stuff – this homemade version is bursting with fresh flavor and will become a new family favorite. It's a delicious dish, perfect for those seeking easy recipes or quick dinner ideas. This healthy meal is also a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10.75 ounces cream of chicken soup (condensed)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (or make your own!)
Instructions:
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Prep the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside. Don't overcook them; you want them to retain a bit of their vibrant green color and texture.
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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 step adds a depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. The milk helps to thin the soup slightly and adds a touch of richness.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked green beans and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the creamy sauce. Gently stir to combine everything evenly. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
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Top with Crispy Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle generously with the crispy fried onions. Return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, just until the onions are lightly browned and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly. This healthy and delicious dish is perfect as a side or a light main course.
Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh green beans makes a significant difference in both taste and texture. Avoid canned green beans for this recipe.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked green beans will be mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
- Homemade Crispy Onions: For an extra special touch, consider making your own crispy fried onions. Many recipes are available online.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Mushroom Medley: Add sautéed mushrooms to the onion and garlic mixture for an earthy flavor boost.
- Creamy Variations: Substitute cream of mushroom soup or a combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup.
- Cheese Please!: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole before adding the crispy onions for extra cheesy goodness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used, but a typical serving contains around 250-300 calories, with moderate amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. This recipe is a great source of fiber from the green beans. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator based on your specific ingredients.
This recipe is a delightful example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a healthy meal, showcasing the best of homemade cooking. Enjoy!