Creamy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Simple & Rich (Print Version)

This easy Cheesy Green Bean Casserole recipe brings creamy, comforting flavor with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for any meal, simple to make!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
02 - 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

→ Creamy Goodness

04 - 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk
06 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

→ Flavor Boosters & Topping

07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
10 - 1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those green beans ready. If you're using fresh, give them a good trim and a quick blanch in boiling, salted water for about 5 minutes until they're tender-crisp. You want them bright green, not dull or mushy. Plunge them into an ice bath right after to stop the cooking, then drain well. If you're using frozen, just thaw them and pat them dry. This step is crucial for the overall texture of your Cheesy Green Bean Casserole; nobody wants soggy beans, right?
02 - Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add your sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are beautifully browned and have released their liquid. The smell at this stage is just heavenly, a real kitchen mood-setter!
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and whole milk until it's super smooth. This is where the magic happens for our Cheesy Green Bean Casserole! Stir in about two-thirds of your shredded sharp cheddar cheese, along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it here! Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Don't be shy, season it to your liking. This mixture should be thick and luscious.
04 - Gently fold your blanched (or thawed) green beans into the creamy, cheesy soup mixture. Make sure every bean is coated in that glorious sauce. This is where things can get a little messy, but it's all part of the fun, honestly. Pour the entire mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish that you've lightly greased. I sometimes forget to grease the dish, and cleanup is a nightmare, so learn from my oops moment!
05 - Pop your baking dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You're looking for that bubbly, warm goodness, and for the sauce to start thickening up nicely. The edges should be slightly golden, and the cheese melted into a delicious, gooey layer. This initial bake ensures everything is heated through and the flavors really meld together before the final crunch.
06 - Take the Cheesy Green Bean Casserole out of the oven. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then generously add your crispy fried onions. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and those fried onions are perfectly golden brown and extra crispy. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible – that's when you know it's ready! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, if you can wait.

# Notes:

01 - Always use quality green beans, fresh or frozen. Canned ones just don't give you the right texture, trust me.
02 - Don't overmix the casserole once the beans are in; you want them to keep their shape and a bit of a bite.
03 - For extra flavor in your Cheesy Green Bean Casserole, a tiny pinch of nutmeg in the creamy sauce can be a game-changer.
04 - Make this casserole ahead by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready, adding extra time.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large skillet
03 - large bowl
04 - whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 320 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 12g

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