Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Featured in: Comfort Food Classics

This dish blends tender green beans with a creamy sauce made from mushrooms, onions, and a rich milk and cream base. Topped with crispy fried onions and baked to a golden finish, it offers comforting textures and flavors perfect for holiday tables or everyday meals. The balance of savory mushrooms and a hint of nutmeg enriches this classic side that pairs well with poultry and other main courses.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 11:18:00 GMT
Deliciously creamy Old-School Green Bean Casserole topped with crunchy fried onions. Save
Deliciously creamy Old-School Green Bean Casserole topped with crunchy fried onions. | suggestionsforever.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 casserole brings back fond memories of family gatherings and festive dinners.

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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F)
Step 2:
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
Step 3:
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
Step 4:
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)
Step 5:
Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce
Step 6:
Transfer the mixture to a 2 litre (2 quart) baking dish Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions on top
Step 7:
Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling Remove from oven top with remaining onions and bake for 5 7 minutes more until golden and crisp
Step 8:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving
Save
| suggestionsforever.com

Our family always gathers around when this dish comes to the table it signals the start of the holiday feast and shared stories

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, large skillet, whisk, 2 litre (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 allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 265 calories, 15 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein

A classic Old-School Green Bean Casserole, perfect for holiday gatherings and comfort food. Save
A classic Old-School Green Bean Casserole, perfect for holiday gatherings and comfort food. | suggestionsforever.com

This classic green bean casserole is sure to please your guests and become a staple at your holiday table

Recipe Help & FAQs

Can frozen green beans be used?

Yes, thawed and drained frozen green beans work well and offer convenience without sacrificing texture.

What type of mushrooms are best?

Cremini or button mushrooms provide a savory depth and tender texture for the sauce base.

How to make the topping crispy?

Crispy fried onions, whether store-bought or homemade, are essential to add a crunchy contrast to the creamy dish.

Can cheese be added to the sauce?

Adding shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère enhances flavor but is optional based on preference.

What is the best way to prepare ahead?

Prepare up to assembling in the baking dish, refrigerate for 24 hours, then add the topping and bake before serving.

Old-School Green Bean Casserole

A creamy green bean dish with tender beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onions.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
35 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
Created by Suggestions Forever Hannah Lewis


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Serving Count

Diet Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Vegetables

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

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

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).

Step 02

Blanch Green Beans: Boil a large pot of salted water, add green beans and cook for 5 minutes until tender but still bright. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to halt cooking. Set aside.

Step 03

Cook Vegetables: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender and browned, about 5-6 minutes. Incorporate onion and garlic, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Prepare Sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and vegetable broth. Simmer until thickened, roughly 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.

Step 05

Combine Sauce and Beans: Add drained green beans to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with sauce.

Step 06

Assemble Dish: Transfer mixture into a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crispy fried onions evenly on top.

Step 07

First Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until mixture is bubbling.

Step 08

Add Remaining Topping and Finish Baking: Remove from oven, add remaining fried onions on top, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until topping is golden and crisp.

Step 09

Rest Before Serving: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Needed Equipment

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

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient to check for allergens. Ask a healthcare specialist if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten from flour and fried onions), and potentially soy (in some store-bought fried onions). Verify ingredient labels.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details shown are for reference. Always check with your healthcare provider for advice.
  • Calories: 265
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 6 g