Get ready to revolutionize your side dish game with the most irresistible Deconstructed Green Bean Bundles Casserole that will make even veggie-skeptics come back for seconds! This isn't your grandmother's boring green bean dish - it's a modern twist on a classic comfort food that combines crispy, tender green beans with a creamy, luxurious sauce and a crunchy onion topping that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're looking to impress at a family gathering or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this casserole is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim off the tough ends. Cut the beans into approximately 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Immediately drain the green beans and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crispness.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drain the green beans from the ice bath and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Spread the green beans evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a single layer.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixture evenly over the green beans, ensuring all beans are lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the fried onions over the top of the green beans, distributing them as evenly as possible.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: The secret to perfectly crisp-tender green beans is the blanching technique. Don't skip the ice bath - it stops the cooking process and keeps the beans bright green and vibrant.
- Moisture Management: Make sure to thoroughly pat the green beans dry after the ice bath to prevent a watery casserole. Excess moisture can make your dish soggy instead of crispy.
- Even Distribution: When adding the cream of mushroom soup and fried onions, aim for even coverage to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Customize Your Crunch: For extra texture, try mixing different types of fried onions or adding a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds on top.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
