Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving
Introduction
Thanksgiving has always been a special time in my family, filled with laughter, love, and of course, incredible food that warms the heart. One dish that has become synonymous with our holiday gatherings is the Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole. I fondly remember helping my grandmother prepare it, her hands skillfully mixing the ingredients while sharing stories that brought our family’s culinary history to life. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through making this classic casserole that embodies nostalgia and simplicity, taking just about 45 minutes to create. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, I promise you’ll experience the comforting flavors that make it a holiday favorite.
Why This Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving is a Holiday Favorite
- Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, this casserole is straightforward and easy to make.
- Nostalgic Taste: The flavors transport you back to festive family gatherings, filled with joy and tradition.
- Satisfying Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy, every bite is a delightful experience.
The History of Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole
Did you know that this beloved dish was invented in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly for Campbell’s Soup? Originally created as a quick solution for busy families during the holidays, it quickly gained popularity and became a staple on Thanksgiving tables across America. Its unique combination of textures and flavors is timeless, a true testament to the magic of home cooking.
Choosing Your Green Beans: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned
- Fresh: Crisp and vibrant, fresh green beans bring a refreshing taste. To prepare, blanch them for 3-4 minutes in boiling water, then shock in ice water to retain their color.
- Frozen: Convenient and always available, you can use frozen green beans directly without thawing. They maintain well in casseroles.
- Canned: The classic choice for this recipe, canned green beans, come pre-cooked and just need to be drained well before mixing.
Ingredients for the Best Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 strips smoked beef bacon – Adds a rich, savory flavor.
- 1/2 yellow onion (finely diced) – Brings sweetness and depth.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms – Earthy tones that complement the creamy sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) – For aromatic bliss!
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup – A traditional ingredient that ties the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup milk – Adds creaminess, but can be substituted with a non-dairy alternative.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Provides gooey, melty goodness.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.
- 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans (drained) – The main ingredient; look for low-sodium options if preferred.
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions – Topped on the casserole for that perfect crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9X13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the smoked beef bacon over medium low heat until crisp. Remove to drain on paper towels, then crumble. Drain all the fat, add about 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening to the pan, and return to medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until translucent.
- Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or just until fragrant. Stir in the undiluted mushroom soup and add the crumbled smoked beef bacon back. Stir to combine. Add the milk and cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the green beans until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with fried onions. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Air Fryer: Prepare the mixture in an oven-safe dish that fits your air fryer. Cook at 320°F for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Slow Cooker: Combine ingredients (except onions) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add onions last 30 minutes of cooking. This saves oven space and allows for easy preparation.
Make-Ahead Directions for Easy Thanksgiving Prep
To simplify your Thanksgiving cooking, consider prepping this casserole ahead of time. Combine all ingredients except the fried onions, then store in an airtight container—just hold off on adding the onion topping until you’re ready to bake. When ready to serve, bake straight from the fridge; just add about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Delicious Variations to Elevate Your Green Bean Casserole
Experimenting with variations can bring your casserole to new heights! Here’s a table of ideas:
| Variation | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Different Soup | Cream of Chicken | 1 can instead of mushroom |
| Alternate Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup shredded |
| Crunchy Topping | Crispy Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Extra Flavor | Soy Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Nutty Addition | Chopped Almonds | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Twist | Fresh Mushrooms | 2 cups, sautéed |
Troubleshooting Common Green Bean Casserole Issues
- Runny Casserole: Ensure to drain excess liquid from the green beans and consider adding a little more cheese.
- Bland Taste: Adjust seasoning as needed; sometimes, a little extra salt can make all the difference.
- Soggy Onions: To avoid this, add the fried onions during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions for Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole
This casserole pairs well with classic Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. For everyday meals, try it alongside grilled chicken or pork chops. A crisp salad and a light white wine can add a refreshing balance to the plate.
Adapting for Dietary Needs: Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Options
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and use a dairy-free cheese. For a gluten-free option, ensure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup (or make your own). You can also explore options for a lighter alternative to traditional green bean casserole or other healthy Thanksgiving sides for your holiday table.
Scaling the Recipe: Perfect Portions for Any Gathering
To adjust the recipe quantities, simply multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you need. For larger gatherings, consider using two dishes if making double or quadruple the recipe.
Storing and Reheating Your Green Bean Casserole
Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best quality, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Essential Equipment for Making Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole
Here are the essential tools to have:
- Casserole dish (9X13-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Skillet for cooking bacon and vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze green bean casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just prepare it without the fried onions and cover tightly before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
How many cans of soup or green beans equal a specific cup measurement?
Each 10.5-ounce can of soup is approximately 1 1/4 cups. For green beans, each 14.5-ounce can is roughly 1 3/4 cups.
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans require brief blanching, while frozen green beans can be used directly—both options add a wonderful texture and flavor!
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, based on 12 servings): Approx. 250 calories, 15g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 6g protein, and 500mg sodium. Be sure to adjust based on ingredient brands used for precise values.)
Easy Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving
Equipment
- casserole dish (9X13-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- nonstick cooking spray
- skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 6 strips smoked beef bacon Adds a rich, savory flavor.
- 1/2 yellow onion finely diced, Brings sweetness and depth.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms Earthy tones that complement the creamy sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic minced, For aromatic bliss!
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 10.5-ounce, A traditional ingredient that ties the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup milk Adds creaminess, but can be substituted with a non-dairy alternative.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese Provides gooey, melty goodness.
- Salt and pepper Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.
- 4 cans cut green beans 14.5-ounce, drained, The main ingredient; look for low-sodium options if preferred.
- 1 1/2 cups French fried onions Topped on the casserole for that perfect crunch.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9X13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the smoked beef bacon over medium low heat until crisp. Remove to drain on paper towels, then crumble. Drain all the fat, add about 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening to the pan, and return to medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until translucent.
- Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or just until fragrant. Stir in the undiluted mushroom soup and add the crumbled smoked beef bacon back. Stir to combine. Add the milk and cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the green beans until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with fried onions. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Notes
Conclusion
The Old Fashioned Green Bean Casserole is a cherished Thanksgiving tradition that brings comfort and joy to the table. I hope you enjoy making this delightful recipe as much as I do! Please feel free to leave a comment below with your questions, stories, or any delicious variations you try. Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive and share in the joys of cooking!
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A 40-year-old chef from Mexico City, has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of Mexican cuisine. Raised in a family with a deep passion for cooking, Carlos drew inspiration from the traditional recipes passed down by his grandmother. After studying culinary arts and gaining experience in top Mexican restaurants, he pursued his dream of opening his own restaurant, Sabor de Tradición. Here, he combines authentic Mexican flavors with modern culinary techniques. Carlos is renowned for his creativity and unwavering commitment to honoring his heritage while also pushing the boundaries of Mexican cuisine
