Description
This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a delicious, creamy, and cheesy side dish perfect for gatherings and holiday meals. It combines crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and onions with tender green beans in a savory mushroom soup base, topped with crunchy French fried onions for the perfect texture contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans (drained)
Dairy & Canned Goods
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9X13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the bacon and onions: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove to drain on paper towels, then crumble. Drain away all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease, then return the pan to medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until translucent.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or just until fragrant.
- Combine soup mixture: Stir in the undiluted cream of mushroom soup and add the crumbled bacon back to the pan. Stir to combine. Stir in the milk and cheese until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix with green beans: Fold in the drained green beans until well combined with the soup mixture.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the French fried onions. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor and texture.
- Crispy bacon adds a smoky depth but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Ensure green beans are well drained to prevent a soggy casserole.
- French fried onions on top add essential crunch; you can double the amount if you prefer extra crispiness.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese and mushroom soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
