Ina Garten’s Dreamy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green beans dance with creamy sophistication in ina gartens delightful casserole, bringing comfort and elegance to your dinner table.

Crisp vegetables mingle with rich, velvety sauce in this classic side dish.

Her recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Layers of flavor create a memorable experience that goes beyond traditional expectations.

Fresh produce and carefully selected seasonings make this dish shine.

Seasonal gatherings become more special with this delectable accompaniment.

Why Ina Garten’s Green Bean Casserole Shines

• Simplify Holiday Cooking: Prep this casserole ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, making meal planning a breeze for busy hosts.
• Customize with Crispy Textures: Pre-toasting breadcrumbs and using thin-sliced onions creates an irresistible golden, crunchy topping that elevates the classic dish.
• Master Perfect Green Beans: Carefully blanch beans to maintain their crisp texture, ensuring they don't become mushy during baking and preserving a delightful vegetable crunch.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: This versatile side dish combines rich flavors of mushrooms, Parmesan, and crispy onion strings, making it a guaranteed hit for family gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients Needed for Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: Fresh vegetables that serve as the primary component of this classic casserole.
• Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that add depth and savory flavor to the dish.
• Onions: Aromatic vegetables that provide a sweet and savory base for the casserole.

• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps sauté vegetables and adds richness to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook and add flavor to the green beans.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that binds the casserole ingredients together.
• Garlic: Pungent seasoning that adds aromatic depth to the vegetable mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Crispy Onion Strings, Panko Breadcrumbs: Crunchy toppings that provide textural contrast and golden-brown finish to the casserole.
• Cooking Spray: Non-stick agent used to prepare the baking dish.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

This ensures your casserole will cook evenly and perfectly.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

• Onions
• Mushrooms

Stir occasionally until vegetables become tender.

Toss in garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Green Beans

In a medium saucepan, combine green beans with chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Cook for approximately 8 minutes until beans are crisp-tender, then drain thoroughly.

Step 4: Create Casserole Base

Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sautéed vegetable mixture
• Cooked green beans
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix ingredients until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Transfer the vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle crispy onion strings evenly across the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the dish is thoroughly heated.

• Slightly undercook green beans to prevent mushiness during baking
• For extra crispiness, briefly sauté Panko breadcrumbs in butter before topping
• Slice red onions paper-thin for maximum crispness

Make-Ahead Option:

Prepare the casserole through Step 4.

Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.

When ready to serve, uncover and bake as directed.

Tips to Perfect Green Bean Casserole Texture

• Cook green beans for just 2 minutes to maintain crispness and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Quickly sauté Panko breadcrumbs in butter before topping to achieve extra golden and crispy texture.
• Use a sharp knife to cut red onions super thin, ensuring they crisp perfectly when baked.
• Assemble the casserole up to 48 hours before serving, covering and refrigerating until ready to bake for stress-free holiday meal planning.
• Drain green beans thoroughly after boiling to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy.

Flavor Twists for Green Bean Casserole

• Vegan Green Bean Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast, and use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole: Substitute crispy onion strings with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
• Low-Carb Green Bean Skillet: Skip the crispy onion topping, replace breadcrumbs with sliced almonds or crushed pork rinds, and use a low-carb cream alternative for a keto-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions for Green Bean Casserole

• Festive Family Feast: Pair this green bean casserole with roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a classic holiday meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce to create a warm, nostalgic dinner that feels like a big culinary hug.
• Elegant Dinner Companion: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay and a light arugula salad for a sophisticated dining experience that balances rich flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Transformation: Turn leftovers into a hearty lunch by adding grilled chicken or slicing the casserole over fresh mixed greens for a delicious next-day meal.

How to Store Green Bean Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans work well. Just thaw and drain them completely before using to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• What type of mushrooms should I use?

Cremini or white button mushrooms are best. They provide great flavor and blend perfectly with the other ingredients in the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the crispy onion strings and soup typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free alternatives for the onion topping and cream of mushroom soup.

• Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?

Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese can be good alternatives if you don’t have Parmesan. They’ll add a similar rich, savory flavor to the dish.

Ina Gartens Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s green bean casserole elevates a classic comfort dish with fresh ingredients and gourmet flair. Crispy shallots and rich mushroom sauce make this side irresistible for holiday tables and weeknight dinners you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh green beans
• 8 ounces (226 grams) button mushrooms
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 10.75 ounces (305 grams) low-sodium cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• crispy onion strings

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions and mushrooms until tender. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, then set aside.
2. Bring green beans and chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan, cooking for 8 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain thoroughly.
3. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Mix soup, sautéed mushroom mixture, green beans, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
4. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, topping with crispy onion strings.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until thoroughly heated.
6. When blanching green beans, slightly undercook them to prevent mushiness during baking. Aim for a crisp texture by boiling for approximately two minutes.
7. Enhance breadcrumb texture by briefly sautéing Panko in butter before baking, creating a golden and crispy topping.
8. Slice red onions extremely thin to ensure optimal crispiness when baked.
9. For advance preparation, complete steps through mixing ingredients. Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate up to 48 hours. When ready to serve, uncover and bake as directed.

Notes

• Slightly undercook green beans during blanching to maintain crispness, as they’ll continue cooking in the casserole.
• Quickly sauté Panko breadcrumbs in butter before baking to enhance golden, crunchy texture.
• Use a sharp knife to slice red onions paper-thin, ensuring maximum crispiness when baked.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to step 5, then refrigerate covered for up to 48 hours before baking, perfect for stress-free holiday meal prep.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 130 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg