Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a mouth-watering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This classic American string bean casserole isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that combines crisp, fresh string beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and a golden, crunchy onion topping that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh string beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Wash the fresh string beans thoroughly under cool running water. Trim the ends and cut the beans into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the string beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain the beans immediately and place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Drain the blanched string beans and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Add the string beans to the soup mixture, stirring gently to coat each bean evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the bean and soup mixture to a 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the fried onions evenly across the top of the casserole, creating a crispy golden topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the onion topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh ground pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm string beans for the best texture and flavor. Avoid beans that look wilted or have brown spots.
- Blanching is key! The ice bath after boiling helps maintain the beans' bright green color and crisp texture.
- Pat the beans completely dry before mixing with the soup to prevent a watery casserole.
- For extra crunch, consider mixing some chopped almonds with the fried onions for the topping.
- If you're watching calories, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat milk.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking—just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
