Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole is a comforting classic that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy cracker topping, this dish brings a nostalgic taste to your table.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter
• 1 small sweet onion (about ¾ cup peeled and sliced)
• 8 ounces mushrooms (fresh, sliced)
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• ⅔ cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 43.5 ounces green beans (3 cans, rinsed and drained or frozen equivalent)
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted, melted)
• 30 Ritz crackers (roughly 1 sleeve, smashed into crumbs)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup butter. Sauté the sliced onion and mushrooms until soft and tender.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Step 4: Pour in the milk, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to thicken.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in sour cream, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
6. Step 6: Add the green beans to the skillet and stir until they are fully coated with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Transfer the green bean mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
9. Step 9: In a small bowl, toss the melted 3 tablespoons of butter with the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs until coated.
10. Step 10: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the cheese layer.
11. Step 11: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the cracker topping turns golden brown.
12. Step 12: Remove from the oven and let sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the juices to set.
13. Step 13: Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce.
• Use fresh green beans lightly steamed if you prefer a firmer texture.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute Worcestershire sauce with a vegetarian-friendly alternative or soy sauce.
• Sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top instead of crackers for a classic twist.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the crunchy topping. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans can be used. Trim and lightly steam or blanch them beforehand to ensure they cook evenly in the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 329 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole is a comforting classic American side dish featuring tender green beans smothered in a creamy mushroom and onion sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a crispy buttery Ritz cracker topping. This casserole is baked to golden perfection and perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce and Filling

• ¼ cup butter
• 1 small sweet onion (about ¾ cup peeled and sliced)
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 43.5 ounces green beans (3 cans, rinsed and drained or frozen equivalent)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 30 Ritz crackers (roughly 1 sleeve, smashed into crumbs)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sweet onion and mushrooms, sautéing until they become soft and tender, which will develop a rich flavor base for the casserole.
3. Add Flour: Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and mushrooms. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
4. Incorporate Milk: Slowly pour in ⅔ cup of milk while stirring continuously. Continue to cook until the mixture starts to thicken, forming a creamy base for the filling.
5. Add Cream and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of sour cream, ½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, creating a flavorful, creamy sauce.
6. Mix Green Beans: Add the drained green beans to the skillet and gently stir until all the beans are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the green bean mixture.
9. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter with the smashed Ritz cracker crumbs. Toss thoroughly to coat the crumbs with butter.
10. Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the layer of cheese, which will create a crispy topping when baked.
11. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is fully melted, and the cracker topping turns a delicious golden brown.
12. Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to set for easier serving.
13. Serve: Serve the green bean casserole warm as a delightful side dish perfect for any occasion.

Notes

• Use fresh or canned green beans; if using frozen, thaw and drain any excess moisture before using.
• For extra flavor, consider adding ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the sauce mixture.
• Make sure to stir the roux (flour and butter mixture) well to avoid lumps before adding milk.
• Ritz cracker topping adds a buttery crunch, but breadcrumbs or fried onions can be used as alternatives.
• Allow the casserole to rest before serving to firm up the sauce for cleaner slices.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: green bean casserole, classic casserole recipe, holiday side dish, cheesy green beans, mushroom sauce casserole, comfort food