Description
Green Bean Casserole
A comforting classic with a twist! This Green Bean Casserole adds Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth that brings out the best in this holiday favorite. Creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions make this an irresistible side dish that’s sure to steal the show at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving or just a cozy family meal, this casserole is the perfect combination of crunch, creaminess, and nostalgia.
2 (14.5 oz) cans cut green beans, drained
10.75 oz cream of mushroom soup
½ cup whole milk
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
6 oz crispy fried onions, divided
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in green beans and half the onions.
3. Transfer to baking dish, bake 25-30 min. Top with remaining onions and bake 5-10 min more.
4. Let rest 5 min before serving.
Prep Time: 10 min
Kcal: 264 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect casserole every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 1.5 to 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is completely smooth. Next, fold in the drained green beans and 3 ounces (half) of the crispy fried onions, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly. Carefully remove the dish, sprinkle the remaining 3 ounces of fried onions evenly over the top, and return to the oven for a final 5-10 minutes, just until the topping is golden and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is the quintessential holiday side. Serve it alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. For a comforting weeknight meal, pair it with roasted chicken or meatloaf. To balance the creamy richness, add bright, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad, cranberry sauce, or honey-glazed carrots. For presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley just before serving.
How-to Summary
In brief: Mix soup, milk, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Fold in beans and half the onions. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 min. Top with remaining onions and bake 5-10 min more. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned? Yes. For fresh, trim and blanch 1.5 pounds of beans before using. For frozen, use two 12-oz bags and thaw completely, pressing out excess water.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time? Assemble the dish (without the final onion topping) up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the initial bake time, then add topping and finish baking.
What’s a good substitute for cream of mushroom soup? You can use cream of chicken or celery soup. For a homemade version, sauté 8oz sliced mushrooms in butter, stir in 2 tbsp flour, then whisk in 1 cup milk and simmer until thickened.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or re-crisp the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely. Use a certified gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and crispy fried onions are gluten-free brands.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip draining the canned green beans, as excess liquid will make the sauce runny. Do not mix all the fried onions into the casserole base, as the topping will lose its crucial crispy texture. Do not overbake after adding the final onion topping, as they can burn quickly—watch closely. Finally, do not skip the 5-minute rest time, which allows the sauce to set for perfect serving.
Conclusion
This enhanced Green Bean Casserole, with its savory Worcestershire depth, remains a foolproof crowd-pleaser. By following this detailed guide and tips, you can master this classic dish, avoid common errors, and adapt it to your needs. It’s the ultimate comforting side that delivers nostalgia and delicious flavor in every bite, guaranteed to earn a permanent spot on your holiday table.