Mary'S Best Bean Casserole
A comforting bean casserole with creamy mushroom sauce, toasted nuts, and a cheesy crumb topping, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings seeking rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 can green beans or 2 1/2 cups cooked beans ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans (optional) ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour.
- Add cream of mushroom soup and white wine; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick and smooth.
- Add drained green beans and chopped almonds or pecans; mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Turn the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until hot and lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade cream of mushroom soup. You can substitute the white wine with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. If you want to add some spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. Try using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aroma. This casserole is a great way to incorporate more vegetarian recipes into your meal planning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this best bean casserole alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It's perfect for potlucks or as a comforting side dish during family gatherings. Consider pairing it with a light white wine or a crisp iced tea. This dish complements well with other hearty dishes like Nutty Noodly'S or B.T.S. Chocolate Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Best Bean Casserole contains roughly 540 calories, with 11g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 717mg per serving (31% 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 bean casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of green beans?
If you don't have green beans on hand, you can use other vegetables like chopped broccoli, cauliflower, or even mixed frozen vegetables. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for firmer vegetables to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this bean casserole gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch. Also, ensure that the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, or make your own from scratch using gluten-free ingredients.
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).