Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort dish that combines tender green beans with a creamy cheese sauce and savory mushrooms. The richness of Velveeta cheese and the kick of Tabasco make it a flavorful side perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour until smooth.
- Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add cheese, Tabasco sauce, soy sauce, and remaining seasonings to the mixture and stir until combined.
- Layer green beans, mushrooms, and water chestnuts in a greased 9x13 pan.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the layered vegetables.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top if desired.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you want to add extra flavor, sauté the onions before adding them to the dish. You can replace Velveeta with a sharp cheddar for a more robust taste. To save time, use frozen green beans instead of canned. For a crunchy topping, add French fried onions or even breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as a side dish during holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread. This dish can also be a perfect complement to comfort food classics like Applesauce Pecan Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Bean Casserole contains roughly 1029 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1727mg per serving (75% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble the layers and cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans will provide a crisper texture. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before using, then drain and cool in ice water to stop the cooking process. This ensures they retain their bright color and crunch in the casserole.
What can I substitute for the water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use sliced jicama for a similar crunch, or even chopped celery for added freshness. Both alternatives will give the casserole a nice texture without altering the flavor significantly.
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).