Chinese Style Green Beans
A savory and creamy Chinese-style green bean casserole featuring tender green beans, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and bean sprouts, layered with a rich cheese sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 2 c milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen French-style green beans ⓘ
- 1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz) can bean sprouts, drained ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3 oz can French fried onions, crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add the salt and pepper.
- Layer half of the green beans, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, mushrooms, onions, cream sauce, and cheese in the prepared dish.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Top with crumbled French fried onions and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider replacing butter with olive oil or using a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein. If you want a bit more crunch, try adding sliced bell peppers or carrots. To enhance the flavors, a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil can be a great addition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Chinese Style Fried Rice for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or steamed dumplings for balance. For a vegetarian option, it can be a hearty main dish on its own, or serve it with grilled meats or fish for a more traditional meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Style Green Beans contains roughly 1306 calories, with 33g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2006mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used instead of frozen. You'll need about 1.5 pounds of fresh beans. Trim them and blanch in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender when baked.
What can I substitute for the cheese?
If you're looking for a non-dairy alternative, try using a vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Alternatively, you can omit the cheese altogether for a lighter dish, or use a different cheese like mozzarella for a milder taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the cream sauce. You could also sauté some minced garlic and ginger with the onions for a warm flavor boost, enhancing the dish's overall depth.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).