Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Get ready to elevate your holiday feast with this irresistible Fresh Green Bean Casserole! Featuring a creamy homemade mushroom soup and crispy French fried onions, this easy-to-make side dish is packed with flavor and sure to be a family favorite. Whether it’s for a Thanksgiving Herb Butter Turkey or a family gathering, our Green Bean Casserole will impress everyone at the table.

Why This Recipe Works

If you’re looking for the perfect side to go with our famous garlic herb butter roast turkey recipe, look no further than this absolutely mouth-watering Fresh Green Bean Casserole.

Our Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe gets all of its flavour from the base of the casserole — our creamy mushroom soup recipe. So easy to make using sliced brown or cremini mushrooms, you can make the soup a day or two in before Thanksgiving for faster cooking time.

This recipe is a family favourite in hundreds of homes across the US —  especially during Thanksgiving. Along with our Slow Cooker Turkey with Turkey Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Honey Roasted Carrots and Cranberry Sauce, this recipe always makes an appearance on our table. Why? Because its crispy, crunchy savoury topping is to die for and is oh, so easy to make!

Fresh Green Bean Casserole Ingredients

• Fresh Green Beans: Fresh or frozen (thawed) green beans can be used for this recipe. You can leave them whole or cut them in half for easier eating (especially for the kids). If you have left over grean beans check out my Buttery Sautéed Green Bean Recipe recipe
• Butter: Opting for reduced-fat butter can lighten the dish without compromising its taste.
• Onion: Diced onion forms the aromatic base of the soup, contributing sweetness and savory flavors when sautéed, enhancing the overall profile of the casserole.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic elevates the dish’s flavor.
• Brown or Cremini Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas. Their moisture helps create the creamy soup base, making it more flavorful.
• Marsala Wine: An optional ingredient, this dry wine adds a rich, nuanced flavor to the mushroom soup. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can simply omit this step.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used for thickening the soup, flour helps achieve a creamy consistency.
• Chicken Broth or Stock: Chicken stock typically has a richer flavor and a heartier body compared to broth because it is made by simmering bones. This can enhance the overall taste of the creamy mushroom soup base in the casserole
• Heavy Cream, Half-and-Half, or Evaporated Milk: This ingredient contributes creaminess and richness to the soup, helping it achieve that luxurious texture. You can choose a lighter option depending on your dietary preferences.
• French’s Fried Onion Rings: Included not only for their incredible flavour, but for easier cooking and prep. If you’d like to make your casserole a little lighter and completely from scratch, check out our Stove Top Green Bean Casserole!

Optional Additions

• Cheese: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone cheese into the soup and top with ½ cup of your favorite cheese for a cheesy twist. I also have a great Cheesy Roast Green Beans recipe.
• Chili Peppers: For a bit of spice, add some diced red or green chilis or jalapeños and adjust according to your heat preference.
• Bacon or Pancetta: Boost flavor with 2 slices of crumbled, pre-cooked bacon for a savory touch.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or parsley can be sprinkled into the soup for added freshness and aroma.

How To Make Fresh Green Bean Casserole

1. Prepare Fresh Green Beans: Pre-heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the prepared green beans to the boiling water and blanch them for about 5 minutes. : After blanching, immediately drain the beans in a colander and transfer them to a large bowl of ice water. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.

2. Start the Mushroom Soup: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Then add the diced onion, Sauté the onion for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until they are softened and start to release their juices.

3. Add Wine: If you’re using Marsala wine, carefully pour it into the skillet, allowing it to simmer for about 3 minutes. This not only adds a rich, deep flavor to the dish but also helps to deglaze the pan, loosening and incorporating any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. These flavorful bits, known as fond, are packed with concentrated taste and will enhance the sauce, giving it a robust and savory depth.
   
   

4. Make the Soup Base: Sprinkle the mushrooms with flour and stir well to combine. Cook this mixture for an extra 2 minutes—it’s important to cook the flour to remove any raw taste. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer and let it cook for about 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

5. Season the Soup: Add the crumbled beef bouillon cube, season with salt and cracked pepper to taste, and stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half/evaporated milk). Allow the soup base to cook until it thickens further, about 4 to 5 minutes

6. Combine Beans and Soup: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold the blanched green beans into the mushroom soup mixture. Add half of the French’s fried onion rings to the casserole mixture to incorporate crunch and flavor.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish & Add Topping: Pour the combined mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Evenly sprinkle the remaining french fried onion rings on top of the mixture. This will create that delicious crispy topping that everyone loves.

8. Bake and Serve: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the soup is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to set the dish a bit, making it easier to serve.

This recipe pairs well with hearty dishes like Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket. For additional sides, consider Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes or Honey Baked Ham. These dishes together create a satisfying and indulgent meal perfect for gatherings or holiday feasts.