Description
Creamy Southern Green Bean Casserole with a crispy topping. A comforting classic, perfect for any gathering. Easy to make, full of flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed/thawed and well-drained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Crispy Topping:
- 1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions
- Seasoning:
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prep Your Green Beans:: First things first, get those green beans ready! If you’re using fresh, snap off the ends and give them a good wash. For frozen, just make sure they’re fully thawed and then, this is crucial, drain them really well. I usually lay mine out on a clean kitchen towel to get rid of any excess moisture. Honestly, a watery casserole is a sad casserole, and we’re aiming for a comforting Southern Green Bean Casserole here, right?
- Sauté the Aromatics:: Heat a little oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, until it’s translucent and just starting to turn golden, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook them down until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown. This step really builds the flavor foundation for your Southern Green Bean Casserole, so don’t rush it, hon!
- Whip Up the Creamy Sauce:: Now for the good stuff! In that same skillet, stir in your cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and bubbly. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. I always taste it here and adjust; sometimes it needs a little more pepper, sometimes a little more salt. This creamy mixture is the heart of your Southern Green Bean Casserole, so make it taste amazing!
- Combine and Transfer:: Gently fold in your drained green beans into the creamy mushroom sauce. Make sure every bean is coated in that luscious goodness. Once everything is nicely combined, pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually give the dish a little shake to make sure it’s evenly spread. You’re almost ready for the oven, and the kitchen should be smelling fantastic, a true sign of a good Southern Green Bean Casserole in the making!
- Add the Crispy Topping:: This is where the magic happens for our Southern Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Topping! Sprinkle about half of your crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. I like to make sure there’s a good blanket of them, because honestly, that crunch is everything. Don’t be shy here! This initial layer will get nice and toasted in the oven, adding another dimension of flavor and texture.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:: Pop your baking dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbly around the edges and heated through. Then, take it out and scatter the remaining crispy fried onions over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until those new onions are golden brown and perfectly crispy. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving; it’s hard, I know, but it lets the Southern Green Bean Casserole set up beautifully!