Description
A fast, from-scratch green bean casserole that delivers creamy sauce and crispy onions in just 30 minutes, using frozen beans for convenience and perfect texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces frozen green beans
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 can (2.6 ounces) fried onions
- 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
- Fresh thyme or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add frozen green beans (do not thaw) and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain the beans immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light blonde and nutty-smelling.
- Slowly pour in milk and broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
- Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove sauce from heat. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Fold in the drained green beans until evenly coated.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle fried onions evenly over the top. Add cheese if using.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and onions are golden brown. Serve hot.
Notes
Do not thaw the frozen green beans before cooking to maintain texture. If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry. If too thick, add more milk. For a gluten-free version, use GF flour and GF fried onions. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth, olive oil, plant-based milk, and vegan fried onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: green bean casserole, holiday side dish, 30 minute recipe, easy casserole, frozen green beans, Thanksgiving side, comfort food