Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

As the aroma of baked green beans fills your home, you can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you. This Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans is not just a side dish; it’s a comforting classic that graces our tables during holidays and family gatherings. Fresh green beans bring a vibrant crunch, complemented perfectly by the creamy mushroom sauce, making it a staple that many look forward to each year. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply want a warm dish for your family dinner, this recipe is a must-try.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are countless ways to prepare green beans, but this green bean casserole stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, using fresh green beans elevates the dish, providing a crisp texture that canned alternatives can’t replicate. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, an extravagant holiday feast, or a weekend brunch with friends.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Quick to prepare, it combines convenience with flavorful satisfaction, making it a top choice for busy cooks. The addition of gluten-free French Fried onions provides that delightful crunch on top, catering to those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.

“Absolutely fantastic! This casserole was the star of our holiday dinner. Everyone asked for the recipe!” – A Happy Cook

Preparing Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

Making this casserole is straightforward, even for novice cooks. You’ll begin by prepping the fresh green beans, followed by mixing a creamy sauce that ties everything together. The cooking process is simple, allowing you to set it and forget it while it simmers away in your slow cooker.

Here’s what you can expect in this easy cooking guide:

New Ebook

🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts

A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:

• ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
• 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
• 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
• 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
• 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups

👉 Get the Ebook

Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad

1. Prep your green beans
2. Blend the sauce ingredients
3. Combine and cook
4. Add the crispy topping before serving

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To create this delightful Green Bean Casserole, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 pounds fresh green beans
• 3 (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2.8 ounce gluten-free French Fried onions (like those from Sprouts Farmers Market)

You can make substitutions; for instance, substitute fresh garlic with powder or use a low-sodium soup to reduce salt content!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Green Beans: Place the fresh green beans into a colander and rinse well. Use kitchen scissors to trim the stems and cut them in half. Transfer the green beans into your slow cooker.

2. Blend the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, diced onion, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

3. Add Sauce to Beans: Pour the creamy sauce over the green beans in the slow cooker. Toss gently to ensure the beans are well-coated.

4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for about 8 hours. If you’re prepping in advance, you can store it in the refrigerator and cook it the next day.

5. Add French Fried Onions: Once the casserole is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish and top with French fried onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Serving

This Green Bean Casserole is versatile and pairs beautifully with various dishes. Serve it alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham for a classic holiday feast. For a simpler dinner, enjoy it with grilled chicken or fish. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some crispy bacon or top it with shredded cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover casserole can be stored safely for up to three days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you want to extend its life longer, consider freezing it. Just be sure to chill the casserole completely before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to serve it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.

Pro Chef Tips

• Blanching the green beans before adding them to the casserole can enhance their color and texture.
• For a richer flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of butter before mixing them into the sauce.
• Use homemade cream of mushroom soup for a fresher taste and to control the ingredients!

Creative Twists

Feel free to personalize this recipe! Some creative variations include adding sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies, sprinkling in some crushed red pepper for heat, or experimenting with different types of fried onions for unique flavors. You can even make it vegetarian by using plant-based cream of mushroom soup.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

This casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and 4-8 hours to cook in the slow cooker. If you’re making it ahead of time, you can refrigerate it overnight before cooking.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes! Frozen green beans can be a convenient substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well prior to using.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before cooking, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for gatherings.

Enjoy crafting this Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans, and let its delightful flavors bring warmth to your table!

Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

---

• Total Time: 260 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting classic green bean casserole featuring fresh green beans and a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for holidays or family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds fresh green beans
• 3 (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2.8 ounce gluten-free French Fried onions

---

Instructions

1. Prep the Green Beans: Rinse the fresh green beans and trim the stems. Cut them in half and transfer to a slow cooker.
2. Blend the Sauce Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Add Sauce to Beans: Pour the creamy sauce over the green beans in the slow cooker and toss gently.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for about 8 hours.
5. Add French Fried Onions: Transfer to a serving dish and top with French fried onions. Serve hot.

Notes

Could substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder or use low-sodium soup to reduce salt content. Leftovers can be stored for up to three days in the fridge or frozen for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: green bean casserole, comfort food, side dish, holiday recipe, vegetarian