When it comes to a hearty, comforting side dish that brings back warm memories from family gatherings or holiday dinners, few recipes hold a candle to Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole. This creamy, crunchy delight is more than just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that perfectly balance to elevate any meal. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to steal the show. As someone who’s enjoyed this casserole time and again, I can assure you, it’s not just the taste that captures hearts—it’s the nostalgia that comes with each bite.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are several reasons to love Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of fresh green beans, savory mushrooms, and crispy onion rings creates a delightful contrast that kids often find irresistible. Plus, this recipe is budget-friendly, requiring only a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

"This is the best green bean casserole I’ve ever made! My family loved it, and it was so simple to put together. Definitely a new holiday tradition!" – A thrilled home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making this delicious casserole is a breeze. You’ll find that the process is straightforward, allowing you to create a phenomenal side dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s what you can expect: you’ll be cooking fresh green beans, sautéing onions and mushrooms, and then combining everything with the characteristic creamy mushroom soup. Finally, you top it with that classic crispy onion ring layer and a sprinkle of cheese.

Gather Your Ingredients

To get started, here’s everything you will need for Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole:

3 cups chicken broth
2 cups sliced fresh green beans (feel free to use frozen if you’re short on time)
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 (10 1/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (2 7/8 oz) can French fried onion rings
A pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder
1 cup grated cheddar cheese (substituting with mozzarella or a dairy-free option works too)

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish with oil or butter.
In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add in the fresh green beans and cook for about 10 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until the onions become translucent.
Drain the green beans and stir them into the skillet with the butter, onions, and mushrooms.
Incorporate the cream of mushroom soup, French fried onions, and seasonings (salt, pepper, and garlic powder), mixing well.
Transfer the entire mixture into the greased baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then, sprinkle the grated cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Serving Suggestions

Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole is best served hot from the oven, bubbling and golden at the edges. It pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, including roasted turkey, beef brisket, or even a simple grilled chicken breast. For a delightful meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or some freshly baked rolls.

Keeping Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole Fresh Longer

If you find yourself with leftovers (which isn’t likely considering how delicious this dish is), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to two months. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Pro Chef Tips

To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few chef-approved tips:

Opt for fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained.
For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
If you’re a fan of a crunchier topping, mix some additional French fried onions with the cheese before adding them onto the casserole.

Creative Twists

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. For a cheesier variant, mix in a little cream cheese with the mushroom soup. You can also experiment with different toppings, such as crushed crackers or even a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation and cooking combined should take approximately 45-50 minutes.

Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and drained before adding them to the mixture.

Is it safe to freeze the casserole?
Yes, it freezes well! Just be sure to cool it completely and store it in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Incorporate Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole into your next meal, and enjoy the comfort it brings—flavorful, straightforward, and perfect for any occasion!

Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A creamy and crunchy green bean casserole that brings warmth and nostalgia to your family gatherings. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups chicken broth
2 cups sliced fresh green beans (or frozen)
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 (10 1/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (2 7/8 oz) can French fried onion rings
A pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder
1 cup grated cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/dairy-free option)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish with oil or butter.
In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 10 minutes until tender but still crisp.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms, sautéing until the onions become translucent.
Drain the green beans and stir them into the skillet with the butter, onions, and mushrooms.
Incorporate the cream of mushroom soup, French fried onions, and seasonings, mixing well.
Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then, sprinkle the grated cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For a twist, consider adding garlic powder or fresh herbs. For crunchier topping, mix additional French fried onions with cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg

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