Are you tired of the same old green bean casserole recipe year after year? This year, elevate your holiday spread with a simple yet stunning twist using Trader Joe's amazing selection of ingredients! This recipe takes a classic comfort food and makes it even easier and more flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional, cream-heavy versions. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy, homemade dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) bag Trader Joe's French-Style Green Beans (or your preferred brand)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can Trader Joe's Cream of Mushroom Soup (or your preferred low-sodium brand)
- 1/2 cup Trader Joe's Unsweetened Almond Milk (or other milk alternative)
- 1/4 cup Trader Joe's Crispy Fried Onions (reserve about ⅓ for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (for extra richness)
Instructions:
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Prep the Green Beans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. If using fresh green beans, steam or blanch them until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Trader Joe's French-Style green beans are already conveniently pre-cooked and ready to use, saving you valuable prep time.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, almond milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. If using, stir in the Gruyere cheese.
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Combine and Bake: Add the green beans to the creamy sauce and gently toss to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly, and the onions are golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This delicious and easy side dish is perfect with roasted turkey, ham, or any other holiday main course.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add some crunch: Toss in some toasted slivered almonds or pecans for added texture.
- Make it vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can boost the flavor with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Customize your onions: Experiment with different types of crispy onions, or make your own for a truly unique touch.
- Meal prep friendly: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on variations and serving size)
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This recipe provides a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional green bean casserole, making it a perfect addition to your healthy meal plan, especially during the holiday season. It's quick, easy, and adaptable – allowing you to create a truly personalized dish that your family will adore. Enjoy!