Description
This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family gatherings and holiday dinners. It features tender green beans mixed with a savory blend of crispy bacon, sautéed onions and mushrooms, creamy mushroom soup, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with crispy French fried onions, baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
Dairy & Canned Goods
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Other
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick to the dish.
- Cook the bacon and onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the bacon strips until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble it. Discard all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. Return the pan to medium heat and cook the diced onions, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they turn translucent.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: Add the chopped button mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine soup mixture: Stir in the undiluted cream of mushroom soup, the crumbled bacon, milk, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add green beans: Fold the drained green beans into the mixture gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans instead of canned for a fresher taste; blanch them before adding.
- For a richer flavor, try using half-and-half or cream instead of milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Vegetarian option: omit bacon and use vegetable oil instead of bacon grease.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or thyme to the soup mixture for an herbal twist.
