Imagine a classic comfort food reimagined as a healthy, mouthwatering side dish that will have your family begging for seconds! This Healthy Green Bean Casserole is not just another boring vegetable recipe – it's a game-changing culinary experience that combines the rich, creamy flavors you love with a nutritious twist that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with a dish that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup low-fat cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup fried onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. Cut the beans into approximately 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Clean and slice the mushrooms into thin, uniform pieces to promote even cooking and distribution throughout the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the low-fat cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium vegetable broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-blended sauce.
- Add the trimmed green beans and sliced mushrooms to the sauce mixture. Gently stir to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the green bean and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
- Sprinkle the fried onions evenly across the top of the casserole, creating a light, crispy topping.
- 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.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a nutritious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh green beans for the most vibrant flavor and crisp texture. Frozen beans can work in a pinch, but they won't have the same incredible taste and texture.
- Prep Like a Pro: Take time to trim and cut your green beans evenly to ensure uniform cooking. This helps prevent some pieces from being undercooked while others get mushy.
- Sauce Secrets: Whisk your sauce thoroughly to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth, creamy base that coats every green bean perfectly.
- Crispy Topping Trick: For extra crunch, toast the fried onions separately for a minute or two before sprinkling them on top. This will give you an irresistibly golden and crispy topping.
- Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on your casserole in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. You want the green beans to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving much easier.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the fried onion topping just before baking for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
