Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Featured in: Family Dinners

This classic dish brings together crisp-tender green beans with a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and a blend of milk, cream, and vegetable broth. The casserole is baked until bubbling and finished with crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch. Simple to prepare in under an hour, it adds comforting flavor and texture to any holiday or family dinner.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:34:00 GMT
Classic old-school green bean casserole topped with crispy onions and creamy mushrooms.  Save
Classic old-school green bean casserole topped with crispy onions and creamy mushrooms. | griddleglory.com

A nostalgic, creamy side dish featuring tender green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onions—a classic for holiday feasts and family dinners.

This green bean casserole brings back cherished memories of family dinners and festive celebrations.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 900 g (2 lb) fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 5 cm (2 inch) pieces or substitute with 900 g frozen cut green beans thawed and drained
  • Sauce Base: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms sliced, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 tbsp all purpose flour, 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream, 120 ml (½ cup) low sodium vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Topping: 150 g (1½ cups) crispy fried onions store bought or homemade

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)
Cook Green Beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking Set aside
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat melt the butter Add mushrooms and cook for 5 6 minutes until tender and browned Add onion and garlic cooking for another 2 3 minutes until softened
Make Sauce:
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute stirring constantly Gradually whisk in milk cream and broth Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened about 5 minutes Season with salt pepper and nutmeg if using
Combine:
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce
Assemble Casserole:
Transfer the mixture to a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top
Bake:
Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling Remove from oven top with remaining onions and bake for 5 7 minutes more until golden and crisp
Cool & Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving
Nostalgic old-school green bean casserole, a creamy delight for holiday gatherings.  Save
Nostalgic old-school green bean casserole, a creamy delight for holiday gatherings. | griddleglory.com

My family always looks forward to this dish at holiday dinners it's a beloved tradition that never fails to impress

Required Tools

Large pot, Colander, Large skillet, Whisk, 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, Oven

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten in flour and fried onions) Soy (possible in store bought fried onions) Double-check labels for fried onions and broth for allergens

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 265 Calories, 15 g Total Fat, 25 g Carbohydrates, 6 g Protein

Warm old-school green bean casserole with savory mushrooms and crunchy fried onion topping. Save
Warm old-school green bean casserole with savory mushrooms and crunchy fried onion topping. | griddleglory.com

This classic green bean casserole adds warmth and nostalgia to any meal perfect for sharing with loved ones

Cooking Questions

Can frozen green beans be used?

Yes, frozen green beans can be thawed and drained before cooking, offering a convenient alternative to fresh ones.

How do I achieve crispy fried onion topping?

Use store-bought crispy fried onions or make your own by thinly slicing onions, coating them lightly in flour, and frying until golden and crisp.

Can this dish be prepared in advance?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to adding onions, store refrigerated for up to 24 hours, then add toppings and bake before serving.

What cheese can be added for extra flavor?

Grated sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese can be stirred into the sauce for enhanced richness and depth.

Is this suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, the dish uses vegetable broth and contains no meat, making it ideal for vegetarian preferences.

How long should the green beans be cooked before baking?

Boil the green beans for about 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green, then rinse with cold water to halt cooking.

Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Vegetables

01 2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 2 lb frozen cut green beans, thawed and drained)

Sauce Base

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 9 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
03 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
06 1 cup whole milk
07 ½ cup heavy cream
08 ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
09 1 tsp salt
10 ½ tsp black pepper
11 ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Topping

01 1½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Phase 02

Cook green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and rinse immediately under cold water to halt cooking. Set aside.

Phase 03

Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and tender. Add onion and garlic, cooking an additional 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Phase 04

Prepare sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.

Phase 05

Combine beans and sauce: Add drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.

Phase 06

Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.

Phase 07

Bake initial layer: Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling.

Phase 08

Add topping and finish baking: Remove from oven, add remaining crispy fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crisp.

Phase 09

Rest before serving: Allow casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • 2-quart baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten in flour and fried onions), and possibly soy (in store-bought fried onions). Verify product labels for allergen information.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 265
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 6 g