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Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole recipe
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A creamy and savory casserole featuring fresh green beans in a rich mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (for blanching water)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
  • 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures even baking and easy serving without sticking.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat and add the 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Blanching in salted water seasons the green beans from the inside out, enhancing their natural flavor.
  3. Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and cook for 4-5 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture, as they will bake later.
  4. Immediately drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to shock them, which stops the cooking process and preserves their vibrant color and crispness. Let them sit for 2 minutes, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
  5. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it foams and the sizzling subsides. This indicates the butter is hot enough to sauté without burning.
  6. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened. Cooking onions slowly builds a sweet, caramelized base for the sauce.
  7. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and develop a golden-brown color. This deepens the umami flavor.
  8. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn, which can make the sauce bitter. Garlic adds a pungent depth to the dish.
  9. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux. Cooking the flour eliminates its raw taste and helps thicken the sauce smoothly.
  10. Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth until fully incorporated and no lumps remain, then add the heavy cream, thyme, black pepper, and nutmeg. Whisking prevents clumps and ensures a velvety consistency.
  11. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce properly.
  12. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the blanched green beans until evenly coated with the sauce. Use a spatula to avoid breaking the beans, ensuring a cohesive casserole.
  13. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Top uniformly with the crispy fried onions, pressing lightly so they adhere but remain loose for crunch.
  14. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set for easier scooping.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F / 175°C for 15-20 minutes until heated through; avoid microwaving to prevent the topping from becoming soggy.

Nutrition

Keywords: green bean casserole, Ina Garten recipe, American side dish, Thanksgiving casserole, creamy mushroom sauce, crispy onions, baked casserole, holiday recipe, fresh green beans, homemade casserole, easy side dish, comfort food

Find it online: https://inagartendishes.com/ina-garten-green-bean-casserole-recipe/