French Bean Casserole
A creamy, crunchy French bean casserole with mushroom soup, almonds, and onion rings, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except almonds and onion rings in a casserole dish and dot with butter, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake the casserole for about 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Pour onion rings over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. You can substitute fresh green beans for canned ones if you prefer a more vibrant flavor. If you want a crunchier topping, add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers along with the onion rings. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes, making it a comforting choice for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Baked Apples for a delightful contrast of flavors. You can also complement it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try adding some shredded cheese on top before baking for a cheesy version.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover French bean casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Bean Casserole contains roughly 934 calories, with 30g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), protein (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% 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 canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used in place of canned ones. You'll need to blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This helps preserve their vibrant color and crunchy texture, enhancing the overall dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, this casserole is already vegetarian-friendly due to the use of mushroom soup. Ensure you check the soup label for any non-vegetarian ingredients. You can also use a vegan mushroom soup to make it suitable for vegan recipes.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the onion rings before baking. If you're preparing it further ahead, consider freezing it and then thawing it in the refrigerator before baking.
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).