Ina Garten’s Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic holiday side dish. This casserole elevates the traditional recipe by using fresh green beans and a rich homemade mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. It’s perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve something flavorful and comforting. With this recipe, you get the perfect combination of creamy sauce, tender green beans, and a crunchy topping.

What is Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole?

Ina Garten’s Green Bean Casserole is a modern, elevated take on the classic comfort food. Instead of canned ingredients, this version uses fresh green beans, a homemade mushroom cream sauce, and crispy onions. It’s baked until bubbly and golden brown, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh green beans and a homemade sauce, offering a richer flavor than traditional canned versions.
Perfect for Holidays: It’s an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
Balanced Flavor: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the tender green beans and crunchy onion topping.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare parts of the casserole ahead of time, making it easy to serve during busy holiday cooking.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mushroom Sauce

Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and tender.
Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add broth and cream: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking continuously until smooth. Add the heavy cream and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens about 3-4 minutes.
Season and add cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Mix the beans and sauce: In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the mushroom sauce. Stir until the beans are evenly coated.
Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the green bean mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Top with crispy onions: Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the green bean casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the onions are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious side dish!

What Goes Well with Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Roast Turkey: A perfect companion to the Thanksgiving turkey or roasted chicken.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the richness of the casserole.
Cranberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the casserole.
Stuffing: Serve alongside stuffing or dressing for a complete holiday meal.
Gravy: A touch of gravy drizzled over the casserole adds an extra layer of comfort.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Don’t overcook the green beans: Blanch the beans just until tender-crisp to maintain their texture.
Use fresh mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms add more depth and richness to the sauce compared to canned versions.
Toast the onions (if homemade): If making fried onions at home, lightly toast them before adding to the casserole for extra crispiness.
Make ahead: Prepare the sauce and blanch the beans ahead of time. Combine them and add the topping just before baking to save time.

Variations of Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
Add bacon: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor boost.
Cheesy Casserole: Add shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese for a richer, cheesier version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and crispy fried onions to make the casserole gluten-free.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storing Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze the casserole: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Label and date: Always label your frozen casserole with the date to track its freshness.

Reheating Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole: Best Practices

Oven method: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crispy.
Microwave option: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but note that the topping may lose some crispness.
Add moisture if needed: If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of cream or broth before reheating to restore its creaminess.

How Can I Make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole Healthier?

To make Ina Garten’s Green Bean Casserole healthier, try these tips:

Use light cream or milk: Substitute heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or milk to reduce fat content.
Reduce the butter: Use less butter in the sauce or replace it with olive oil for a healthier fat source.
Make homemade fried onions: Use less oil when frying the onions or bake them instead for a lighter, healthier topping.
Add more vegetables: Mix in additional veggies like broccoli or carrots for added nutrients and fiber.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 400mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the green beans and mushroom sauce, then combine them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the crispy onion topping just before baking to ensure they stay crunchy.

How do I keep green bean casserole from getting watery?

To prevent the casserole from becoming watery, make sure to thoroughly drain the blanched green beans and avoid overcooking them. Also, ensure your mushroom sauce is thickened properly before combining it with the green beans.

Can I use frozen green beans in Ina Garten’s Green Bean Casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before using. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully heated through.

What can I use instead of fried onions in green bean casserole?

If you prefer a different topping, you can use breadcrumbs mixed with butter or toasted panko as a substitute for fried onions. For extra flavor, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese before sprinkling on top of the casserole.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Green Bean Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a fresh twist to the classic recipe. With a homemade mushroom sauce, perfectly cooked green beans, and a crispy topping, it’s perfect for holiday dinners or any time you’re craving a delicious side.

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