Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Featured in: Simple Family Favorites

This classic holiday side features fresh green beans cooked until tender and combined with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a rich, creamy sauce. The casserole is topped with crispy fried onions and baked to golden perfection, creating a comforting blend of textures and flavors. Ideal as a hearty addition to festive meals or cozy family dinners.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:07:00 GMT
Golden and bubbly Old-School Green Bean Casserole with crispy onions, perfect for a cozy dinner. Pin It
Golden and bubbly Old-School Green Bean Casserole with crispy onions, perfect for a cozy dinner. | platefullyjoy.com

A nostalgic creamy side dish featuring tender green beans savory mushrooms and crispy fried onions&a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.

Green bean casserole instantly transports me to family holiday tables. I remember watching my grandmother carefully layer the green beans and sauce making sure every corner of the baking dish was perfectly covered.

Ingredients

  • Fresh green beans: 900 g (2 lb) trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces (or substitute with 900 g frozen cut green beans thawed and drained)
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
  • Cremini or button mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz) sliced
  • Yellow onion: 1 small finely chopped
  • Garlic cloves: 2 minced
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
  • Whole milk: 240 ml (1 cup)
  • Heavy cream: 120 ml (½ cup)
  • Low-sodium vegetable broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Ground nutmeg (optional): ½ tsp
  • Crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade): 150 g (1½ cups)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Set oven to 180°C (350°F).
Blanch green beans:
Boil salted water. Add green beans and cook 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Saute vegetables:
Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic cook 2-3 minutes more until softened.
Prepare sauce:
Stir in flour and cook 1 minute stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk cream and broth. Simmer until thickened about 5 minutes. Season with salt pepper and nutmeg.
Combine beans and sauce:
Add drained beans to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
Transfer and top:
Move mixture to 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish. Sprinkle half the crispy onions on top.
Bake:
Bake 25 minutes until bubbling. Top with remaining onions and bake 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp.
Serve:
Let casserole cool 5 minutes before serving.
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| platefullyjoy.com

We always save the fried onions for last so kids can help with the final sprinkle. It always brings extra smiles around the table!

Required Tools

Large pot colander large skillet whisk 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish oven.

Allergen Information

Contains milk wheat and possible soy. Always check fried onion and broth labels.

Nutritional Information

Each serving is approximately 265 calories 15 g fat 25 g carbohydrates and 6 g protein.

Creamy, savory Old-School Green Bean Casserole: featuring tender beans and a crunchy onion topping. Pin It
Creamy, savory Old-School Green Bean Casserole: featuring tender beans and a crunchy onion topping. | platefullyjoy.com

This old-school classic brings warmth and nostalgia to your table. Enjoy every creamy crispy bite with loved ones!

Recipe FAQs

Can frozen green beans be used instead of fresh?

Yes, thawed and drained frozen green beans work well, providing convenience without sacrificing texture or flavor.

What type of mushrooms are best for this dish?

Cremini or button mushrooms offer a mild, savory flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

How do I ensure the sauce thickens properly?

Stirring in flour before gradually adding milk, cream, and broth helps create a smooth, thickened sauce that coats the beans well.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, assembling the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours works well. Add topping and bake before serving.

What are good complementary mains to serve alongside?

This creamy bean dish pairs nicely with roasted turkey, chicken, or other hearty mains during holiday meals.

Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Tender green beans in a savory creamy sauce topped with crispy fried onions, perfect for family dinners.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 2 lb frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)

Sauce Base

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 9 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
03 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
06 1 cup whole milk
07 ½ cup heavy cream
08 ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
09 1 tsp salt
10 ½ tsp black pepper
11 ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Topping

01 1½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender yet bright green. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Set aside.

Step 03

Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender and browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Prepare Sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired.

Step 05

Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to evenly coat in the sauce.

Step 06

Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions evenly on top.

Step 07

Initial Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling.

Step 08

Add Remaining Onions and Finish Baking: Remove from oven, top with remaining onions, then bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 09

Rest Before Serving: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • 2-quart baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten in flour and fried onions), and soy (possible in store-bought fried onions). Check labels carefully.

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 265
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 6 g