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Cozy Homemade Creamy Green Bean Casserole: Best Easy Recipe

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This cozy homemade creamy green bean casserole is a from-scratch version that trades convenience for real, soul-warming flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite, perfect for holidays or a simple Sunday roast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 8 oz (225g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cups (60g) crispy fried onions
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss green beans with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  2. Roast green beans for 12-15 minutes until crisp-tender and starting to brown. Remove from oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  3. While beans roast, melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release liquid and brown, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove mushrooms from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
  5. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, whole milk, and broth. Continue whisking until smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add roasted green beans and sautéed mushrooms back to the skillet with the cream sauce. Stir gently to coat. If using Parmesan, stir it in now.
  7. Pour the green bean mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top.
  8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until sauce is bubbly and onions are golden brown. For extra crispy onions, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
  9. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, don’t skip roasting the beans. Cook mushrooms in batches to avoid steaming. Whisk roux constantly to prevent lumps. Season in layers. This casserole can be assembled (without onions) up to 24 hours in advance; add 5-10 minutes to baking time. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, creamy green bean casserole, homemade green bean casserole, Thanksgiving side dish, Christmas side dish, comfort food, from scratch

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-homemade-creamy-green-bean-casserole-best-easy-recipe/