Green Bean and Potato Casserole Recipe

Green Bean and Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines fresh green beans, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce to create the perfect side for any meal. Topped with crispy fried onions and melted cheese, this casserole offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare and loaded with classic flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  3. Ingredients Breakdown
    • Key Ingredients and Their Role
  4. Step-by-Step Directions
  5. Tips for Making the Best Casserole
  6. Can I Use Frozen or Canned Green Beans?
  7. How to Store and Reheat the Casserole
  8. Nutritional Information
  9. Serving Suggestions
  10. FAQs About Green Bean and Potato Casserole
  11. Conclusion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Green Bean and Potato Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but also easy enough to whip up for a simple weeknight meal. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Hearty and Filling: The combination of potatoes and green beans makes this casserole satisfying and substantial.
  • Creamy and Cheesy: The creamy sauce made from sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese ensures every bite is indulgent and delicious.
  • Crunchy Topping: The crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch, making the texture of the casserole more exciting.
  • Simple Ingredients: All the ingredients are easy to find and may already be in your pantry!

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this casserole irresistible:

  • Fresh Green Beans (4 cups): The freshness of green beans adds a slight crispness and vibrant flavor to the dish.
  • Potatoes (4 medium, sliced thin): Thinly sliced potatoes provide a tender and hearty base for the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): The creamy base of the casserole, adding a savory and umami-rich flavor.
  • Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the dish.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into the casserole, adding richness and a sharp, cheesy taste.
  • Milk (½ cup): Helps to thin out the creamy mixture, making the casserole sauce smooth and luscious.
  • Garlic Powder (½ tsp) & Onion Powder (½ tsp): Simple spices that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season the casserole to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Crispy Fried Onions (1 cup): The signature topping that gives the casserole its iconic crunchy finish.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, ¼ cup): Adds extra depth of flavor and a slightly nutty taste to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Layer the Ingredients

  • In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Top with half of the green beans. Pour half of the creamy mixture over the green beans and potatoes, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, green beans, and creamy sauce.

4. Add Cheese

  • Once the layers are complete, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

5. Bake

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the crispy fried onions (and Parmesan cheese, if using) over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

  • Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. The flavors will have melded together, and the top will be perfectly crisp. Serve this delicious casserole as a side dish alongside your favorite main course or as a standalone vegetarian meal!

Tips for Making the Best Casserole

  • Use Fresh Green Beans: While canned or frozen green beans can work in a pinch, using fresh green beans will give your casserole the best flavor and texture.
  • Thinly Slice the Potatoes: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become tender, slice them as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer can help with this.
  • Crispy Fried Onions: For an extra crunchy topping, add the crispy fried onions in the last 15 minutes of baking rather than at the beginning to prevent them from burning.
  • Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to add bacon bits, ham, or even cooked ground beef for a heartier casserole.

Can I Use Frozen or Canned Green Beans?

Yes, both frozen and canned green beans can be used in place of fresh. If using frozen green beans, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole. Canned green beans should also be drained well to avoid adding excess liquid to the dish. Fresh green beans will provide the best texture, but frozen and canned are convenient options that still yield a delicious casserole.

How to Store and Reheat the Casserole

  • Refrigerator: Store any leftover Green Bean and Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: You can freeze the casserole (before adding the fried onions) for up to 2 months. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake, adding the fried onions during the last few minutes.
  • Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the topping may lose some of its crispness.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Green Bean and Potato Casserole contains approximately:

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 9g

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole is perfect as a side dish or even as a vegetarian main course. Pair it with:

  • Roasted Chicken or Turkey: For a classic combination, serve this casserole alongside a roast chicken or turkey.
  • Grilled or Baked Fish: The creamy richness of the casserole complements the lightness of grilled or baked fish.
  • Garden Salad: A simple green salad adds a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.
  • Buttered Rolls or Bread: Serve with crusty bread or buttered rolls to soak up any extra sauce.

FAQs About Green Bean and Potato Casserole

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the crispy fried onions just before baking to keep the topping fresh and crunchy.

Q2: Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.

Q3: How do I prevent my potatoes from being undercooked?
Make sure to slice the potatoes very thinly. If you’re worried about them not cooking through, you can parboil the potato slices for a few minutes before layering them in the casserole.

Q4: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free crispy fried onions to make this dish gluten-free.

Q5: What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar cheese works beautifully in this casserole, but you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

Q6: Is it possible to make this casserole vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, plant-based sour cream, and vegan cheese. Replace the fried onions with a vegan version as well.

Conclusion

This Green Bean and Potato Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together creamy potatoes, fresh green beans, and a crunchy topping in perfect harmony. Whether it’s served at a holiday meal or on a busy weeknight, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Its rich flavors, simple ingredients, and easy preparation make it a go-to side dish for any occasion!