If you have a soft spot for classic comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Green Bean Casserole with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Crispy Onions Recipe. This version takes the traditional favorite to new heights by layering in a rich, homemade creamy mushroom sauce brimming with savory flavors and topping it off with irresistibly crunchy fried onions. It’s creamy, cheesy, and crunchy all at once—a combination that’s simply unbeatable and perfect for family dinners, holiday spreads, or whenever you crave something that feels like a special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in your casserole. From the earthy baby Bella mushrooms to the sharp cheddar cheese and crispy onions, every element adds something special to this dish.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing the mushrooms and creating a rich base for the sauce.
- Baby Bella mushrooms (finely diced): Provide a deep, woodsy flavor and meaty texture to the creamy mushroom sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce a luscious, velvety consistency.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth and balances the richness of the dairy.
- Whole milk: Contributes a creamy silkiness that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Infuse subtle warmth and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Fundamental seasonings that bring out all the other tastes perfectly.
- Dried parsley flakes: Add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
- Frozen green beans: Convenient and retain a satisfying bite when baked.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, lending sharpness and richness.
- Milk (additional): Used in the mixing stage to ensure optimal creaminess.
- Crispy fried onions: The star crunchy topping that offers a delightful contrast in texture.
How to Make Green Bean Casserole with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Crispy Onions Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms
Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced baby Bella mushrooms and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes until most of their liquid has evaporated. This step intensifies the mushrooms’ flavor and creates the perfect foundation for our sauce.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir them together. This mixture will thicken your sauce, so be sure to combine it evenly. It’s the secret to that rich, creamy texture you want in a great mushroom sauce.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Milk
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Then whisk in the whole milk along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley flakes. Bring this to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 4 to 6 minutes. Keep stirring continuously until it thickens nicely. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes — this will help it come together perfectly when mixed with the other casserole ingredients.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the sauce cools, get your oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by giving it a light grease to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the homemade creamy mushroom sauce, frozen green beans, shredded cheddar cheese, half a cup of milk, and half of the crispy fried onions. This blend promises every bite to be creamy and flavorful with little surprises of crunch inside.
Step 7: Bake Your Casserole
Transfer the delightful mixture to your greased baking dish, spread it out evenly, and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and hot throughout. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top halfway through baking for an extra golden crunch!
How to Serve Green Bean Casserole with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Crispy Onions Recipe
Garnishes
For an appealing presentation, sprinkle a few fresh parsley leaves on top after baking. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika to give a subtle smoky aroma and a pop of color that’s sure to entice everyone to the table.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or grilled chicken for a wholesome meal. You might also want to serve it alongside warm dinner rolls or a crisp garden salad to balance out the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra crispy onions for a charming look. Alternatively, layer the casserole with toasted breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking to add some golden, cheesy textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Bean Casserole with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Crispy Onions Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen after resting, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the fully assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking, and you’ll have a fresh-from-the-oven dish with minimal prep.
Reheating
When reheating, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Add fresh crispy onions on top after reheating to restore that wonderful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans can be used, but blanch them briefly before mixing to keep their bright green color and crisp texture during baking.
Is there a vegetarian way to make this Green Bean Casserole with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Crispy Onions Recipe?
Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and ensure the crispy fried onions don’t contain animal products to make this casserole vegetarian-friendly without compromising flavor.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
You can swap the milk and cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing mushrooms and choose plant-based crispy onions to maintain the delicious layers.
What can I do if I don’t have crispy fried onions?
Try making your own by thinly slicing onions and frying them until golden and crispy, or bake them for a healthier version. Panko breadcrumbs toasted with a bit of seasoning can also add a satisfying crunch on top.
How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
This casserole is great prepared a day ahead. Assemble it fully, cover, and chill overnight. Bake it fresh the next day for best results and maximum comfort food satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Green Bean Casserole with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Crispy Onions Recipe. It combines familiar flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and excitingly fresh. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Don’t wait to give it a try and discover just how delicious comfort food can be when made with love and simple, honest ingredients.
Print
Green Bean Casserole with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Crispy Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Green Bean Casserole recipe features tender green beans smothered in a creamy homemade mushroom sauce, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions. Perfectly baked to a golden bubbly finish, it’s a comforting side dish ideal for holiday dinners or any family meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups finely diced baby Bella mushrooms
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Casserole
- 24 ounces frozen green beans
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Cook Mushrooms: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced baby Bella mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the mushroom liquid has evaporated.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked mushrooms and stir well to combine, forming a roux base for the sauce.
- Incorporate Chicken Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Make Sauce: Whisk in the whole milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while whisking constantly to avoid burning.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat and simmer for 4-6 minutes, stirring consistently until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the homemade creamy mushroom sauce with frozen green beans, shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup milk, and half (¾ cup) of the crispy fried onions.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then pour and evenly spread the green bean mixture inside.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
Notes
- Using homemade mushroom sauce instead of canned cream of mushroom soup enhances flavor and reduces preservatives.
- Frozen green beans can be substituted with fresh blanched green beans if preferred.
- For extra crunch, add some crispy fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
