Ina Garten green bean casserole. What’s more comforting than a creamy, bubbling casserole fresh from the oven? Nothing, especially when it’s this Ina Garten green bean casserole! This recipe is a classic for a reason, and we’re thrilled to share our nonna-approved version with you. It’s a dish that brings back memories of holiday gatherings, family dinners, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal together.
This creamy casserole side dish is surprisingly easy to make, and we’ve added a few Nonna’s Dishes twists to make it extra special. Get ready for a taste of tradition with a little bit of modern comfort!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Ina Garten green bean casserole Recipe
Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole: The Easiest Thanksgiving Side
This creamy, comforting Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole is a classic for a reason! Made with fresh green beans, mushrooms, and crispy fried onions, it’s the perfect side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition:
Calories: 220
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 15g
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well and set aside.
- While the green beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 8 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked green beans and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the onions are golden brown.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also use frozen or canned green beans if fresh aren’t available. If the French fried onions start to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
We all know Ina Garten can do no wrong, and this recipe is no exception. This simple green bean casserole is pure comfort food, perfect for any holiday recipe spread or just a cozy weeknight dinner. We love it because it’s incredibly easy to throw together – even quicker than some of our pasta dishes! It’s also a crowd pleaser. Who can resist a creamy, cheesy, crispy casserole?
Lucia remembers making a similarly simple green bean casserole with her mother for every Thanksgiving. This recipe reminds her of that warmth and family bond. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories made around the table while enjoying the delicious oven-baked casserole. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables, even for the pickiest eaters!
Ingredients Needed for This Ina Garten green bean casserole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic green bean side dish. We’ve kept it simple, just like Nonna taught us!
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
How to Make This Ina Garten green bean casserole Recipe
Follow these simple steps for a bubbly, golden Ina Garten green bean casserole. It’s an easy casserole recipe that anyone can master!
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well and set aside.
- 3. While the green beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 8 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked green beans and Parmesan cheese.
- 6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 7. Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- 8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the onions are golden brown.
- 9. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve This Ina Garten green bean casserole Recipe
This creamy casserole side dish is best served hot, straight from the oven. It’s the perfect complement to any holiday dinner, particularly alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef.
For a little extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of truffle oil over the top just before serving. This dish also pairs well with other classic sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing. You might also enjoy this with other comfort classics such as Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole.
How to Store This Ina Garten green bean casserole Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep your Ina Garten green bean casserole fresh:
- Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is not the *best* option (the texture of the green beans and crispy onions may change), you can freeze the casserole. To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Cover with foil during reheating to prevent the onions from burning.
Tips to Make This Ina Garten green bean casserole Recipe
Nonna always had a trick or two up her sleeve! Here are our tips for the best Ina Garten green bean casserole:
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have fresh green beans? You can use frozen green beans (thawed and drained) or canned green beans (drained). You can also substitute cream of mushroom soup for the milk and flour sauce to simplify the recipe.
- Success Tips: Don’t overcook the green beans! They should still have a little bite to them. Make sure to drain them very well before adding them to the sauce.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Burning the onions! Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking, and cover it with foil if the onions start to get too dark.
- Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk in the sauce.
Helpful Notes for This Ina Garten green bean casserole Recipe
- Ingredient Details: We recommend using fresh cremini mushrooms for the best flavor, but you can use white button mushrooms if that’s what you have on hand.
- Equipment Recommendations: A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe. A large skillet or Dutch oven is also helpful for making the sauce.
Variation of This Ina Garten green bean casserole Recipe
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Try these variations:
- Seasonal Twists: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a nutty flavor.
- Optional Versions: Stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon or shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness. For a unique twist, check out our Pancake Sausage Casserole for more casserole inspiration.
- Creative Modifications: Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms. Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere or Fontina.
FAQs About This Ina Garten green bean casserole Recipe
What makes Ina Garten’s green bean casserole so special?
Ina Garten’s version likely focuses on high-quality ingredients and simple preparation methods, resulting in a flavorful and comforting classic. The recipe emphasizes fresh ingredients where possible and avoids overly processed components.
Can I make Ina Garten green bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day or two in advance. Assemble the dish according to the recipe instructions, then cover and refrigerate it. Add the fried onion topping just before baking to prevent it from getting soggy.
What are some variations I can make to Ina Garten’s green bean casserole?
Consider adding different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, for a richer flavor. Some people like to add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra depth. You can also experiment with different types of fried onions.
What kind of green beans are best for Ina Garten’s green bean casserole?
Fresh green beans are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using canned or frozen green beans, be sure to drain them well to avoid a watery casserole. Trim and snap the fresh green beans before cooking.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this Ina Garten green bean casserole as much as our families do! It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this Ina Garten green bean casserole year round. Let us know what you think in the comments below! We love hearing from you. Also, don’t forget to explore other savory dishes like Sausage And Egg Casserole and share your experiences!
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