Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole Recipe
The Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a creamy and comforting side dish perfect for holidays and family dinners. Fresh green beans, a rich mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions create a delicious balance of flavors and textures. This easy homemade version tastes far better than canned alternatives and is simple to prepare.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans – 1 ½ pounds, trimmed
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- Yellow onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Mushrooms – 8 ounces, sliced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
- Chicken broth – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Crispy fried onions – 1 ½ cups
Instructions
Blanch the Green Beans
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add trimmed green beans and cook for four minutes until tender-crisp. Drain immediately and transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for three minutes until soft. Stir in sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until mushrooms release moisture and become lightly golden.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir constantly for one minute to remove the raw taste. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking, then add heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens smoothly.
Combine Beans and Sauce
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Add the drained green beans to the skillet and gently toss until every bean is coated with the rich and creamy mushroom sauce.
Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the green bean mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle one cup of crispy fried onions over the top, reserving the remaining onions for later topping.
Bake and Finish
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for twenty minutes until bubbly and heated through. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top, and bake for five more minutes until golden.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the beans during blanching to maintain a slight crunch.
- Add fried onions in two stages for maximum crispiness.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead and baked before serving.
- Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.