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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the green bean mixture.
- 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.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the layer of cheese, which will create a crispy topping when baked.
- 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.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to set for easier serving.
- 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
