Green Bean Italiano
A creamy, cheesy green bean casserole with savory rice, pimientos, and olives, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4.5 oz. package brown and wild rice mix
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 16 oz. carton sour cream ⓘ
- 8 oz. package cream cheese
- 16 oz. cans French-style green beans ⓘ
- 4 oz. jar diced pimiento ⓘ
- 2 1/4 oz. can sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 8 oz. package shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned dried bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rice mix according to package directions and set aside.
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until tender.
- Stir in cooked rice, sour cream, cream cheese, diced pimiento, sliced olives, and Italian seasoning.
- Add canned green beans and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Top with Italian-seasoned dried bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese instead of low-fat. You can also substitute fresh green beans for canned ones; just blanch them before mixing. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be used. This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving for an effortless meal. Enjoy with a side salad for a complete vegetarian meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Bean Italiano pairs beautifully with a light green salad or garlic bread for a satisfying meal. For a heartier side, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a protein like grilled chicken. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, offering a comforting vegetarian option that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes on high.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Bean Italiano contains roughly 282 calories, with 13g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% 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
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze Green Bean Italiano after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
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).