Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary green beans into a culinary masterpiece that'll have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Light Green Bean Casserole isn't just another boring vegetable dish - it's a creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed sensation that will elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent. With a perfect balance of crisp green beans, velvety mushroom sauce, and golden fried onion topping, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's both deliciously satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the ends and cut beans into 2-inch pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain the green beans immediately and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and well combined.
- Season the soup mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Drain the green beans from the ice bath and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
- Transfer the green beans to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading them in an even layer.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixture over the green beans, ensuring all beans are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the fried onions evenly across the top of the casserole for a crispy golden topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the onions are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh cracked pepper if desired.
Tips
- Always use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor - frozen just won't compare!
- Blanching is key: The ice bath technique ensures your beans stay bright green and maintain a perfect crisp-tender texture.
- Pat your beans completely dry before mixing with the sauce to prevent a watery casserole.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some crispy bacon bits to the sauce.
- Don't overcook! Watch your casserole carefully in the last 5-10 minutes to prevent the onions from burning.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat milk without sacrificing taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
