As you walk into a cozy kitchen during the holiday season, the rich, earthy aroma of roasted mushrooms intertwined with the crisp scent of fresh green beans fills the air. You can almost hear the gentle bubbling of a savory casserole baking in the oven, eagerly waiting to take its place on the dining table. Among all the festive dishes, one stands out for its creamy texture and vibrant green hue — Ina Garten’s Green Bean Casserole. This dish radiates warmth and nostalgia, reminding me of family gatherings and laughter that fills the room, where every bite brings back fond memories of special moments shared around the dinner table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Each layer of this casserole is crafted for comfort, making it a beloved staple that has graced our holiday feasts for years. As the holidays approach, I can’t help but feel excitement at the thought of sharing this Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole with family and friends once again. It just might end up stealing the spotlight from the turkey. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create this delicious dish that will surely become a cherished favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sautéed mushrooms, creamy soup, and fresh green beans creates a rich and savory experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant green color and crispy onion topping make for a beautiful presentation on any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday feast or casual weeknight dinner — a versatile recipe that works for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free with alternative ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the flavor; for a dairy-free option, use vegan butter.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the flavor profile; fresh is best for maximum taste.
Onion (1/2 cup, finely diced): Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation; yellow onions work well, but shallots are a delicious alternative.
Button Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Bring an earthy richness; you could substitute with cremini for a deeper flavor.
Fresh Green Beans (3 cups, ends removed and cut in half): Sautéed to keep them crisp-tender; avoid frozen for a fresh texture.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (3 cups): Balances flavor without overwhelming saltiness; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): Creamy, savory element that binds the casserole; look for low-sodium options for a healthier dish.
Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a nutty, salty punch; for a vegetarian option, substitute with nutritional yeast.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Enhance overall taste while allowing the other flavors to shine.
Crispy Onion Strings: A delightful topping that adds crunch and flavor; you can find these in the grocery store or make your own at home.

How to Make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that our casserole bakes evenly and becomes delightfully bubbly. While the oven warms up, grab a large skillet and melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. The moment the butter starts to sizzle, it’s time to add your finely diced onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté these together until they’re tender and aromatic, around 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from browning too much. When the mushrooms and onions are looking perfect, toss in the garlic and let it cook for just another minute or two. Remove from heat and set aside.

Boil the Green Beans: In a separate medium saucepan, add your 3 cups of fresh green beans and pour in the 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil. As the beans cook, you want them to remain crisp-tender, so boil them for about 8 minutes. Once they are just right, drain the green beans thoroughly and let them sit for a moment while you prepare the other ingredients. This step helps maintain their vibrant color and texture, keeping them fresh in the casserole.

Combine the Ingredients: It’s time for the magic to happen! In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy can of low-sodium cream of mushroom soup with your sautéed mushroom and onion mixture. Stir in the green beans along with the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. You want to mix everything thoroughly, making sure that the soup coats the beans and mushrooms evenly. The cream of mushroom soup combined with the Parmesan acts as a natural thickener, so there’s no fussing with additional flour or starch.

Transfer and Top: Prepare your trusty 2-quart baking dish by spraying it with some cooking spray. Gently transfer the green bean mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly. For the final touch, generously sprinkle crispy onion strings across the top. This not only adds a wonderful crunch but also a burst of flavor with every bite. The casserole is looking beautiful and ready for the oven!

Bake to Perfection: Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake it for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top is a golden brown. During this time, the delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, coaxing everyone for a sneak peek. If you want to get the top even crispier, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be sure to keep a close eye on it!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers of this delicious Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for a couple of hours, but for longer storage, move it into the refrigerator where it will be good for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just cover it tightly and label it! When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. The texture will change a little, so adding a sprinkle of fresh crispy onions on top right before serving can refresh it beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the green beans to maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
Ensure the garlic is cooked just until fragrant; burning it can impart a bitter taste.
For the best flavor, consider using fresh mushrooms instead of canned ones.
To customize, add in slivered almonds or chopped chestnuts for extra texture.
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time; simply bake it just before serving to save time.

The Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole captures the essence of comfort food, bringing together a blend of flavors that will leave your family asking for seconds. The creamy texture complemented by the crunch of crispy onions makes it a show-stopping side dish for any occasion.

Experiment with your own twist on this classic recipe and make it your own! Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving or a casual family meal, this casserole is sure to bring warmth and cheer to your dining experience. I invite you to enjoy every delightful bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily assemble the Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it into the oven and bake as directed, maybe adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

While fresh green beans provide the best texture, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. However, make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the casserole, as they can introduce excess moisture to your dish.

What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand or want a homemade version, you can make a quick roux with butter, flour, and broth, along with sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, a creamy béchamel or even a vegan cream soup can work beautifully in this recipe.

How can I enhance the flavor of my casserole?

To bring extra depth to your Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole, consider adding a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile for a fresh twist!

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Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the rich, creamy flavors of Ina Garten’s Green Bean Casserole, a perfect comfort dish that brings festive cheer to your dining table. Quick and easy to make, this casserole combines fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and a crispy onion topping for a delightful side that will impress any guest.

Ingredients

Butter (2 tablespoons)
Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
Onion (1/2 cup, finely diced)
Button Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced)
Fresh Green Beans (3 cups, ends removed and cut in half)
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (3 cups)
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can)
Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
Crispy Onion Strings

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and melt butter in a skillet.
Sauté onions and mushrooms until tender. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Boil green beans in chicken broth until crisp-tender, then drain.
Combine mushroom soup, sautéed mixture, green beans, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with crispy onion strings.
Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Add slivered almonds for an extra crunch variation.
This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked when ready.