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Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Bliss with Bacon & Cheese

This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that transforms green beans with savory bacon and creamy Monterey Jack cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 6 slices Bacon Adds savory richness and crispy texture; substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Provides aromatic depth; can replace with sweet onion or shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 8 oz Button Mushrooms Contribute umami flavor and texture; substitute with shiitake or omit if not preferred.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor with robust aroma; fresh minced is best, or you can use 1/3 tsp of jarred garlic.
  • 10.5 oz Cream of Mushroom Soup Acts as a creamy binder; alternative flavors can be achieved with cream of chicken or celery.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Used for creaminess; whole milk is recommended, or use heavy cream for a richer texture.
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Adds creamy richness and meltability; mozzarella or cheddar can be used if needed.
  • 30 oz Cut Green Beans The star ingredient; prefer canned for tenderness or use fresh ones after blanching.
For the Topping
  • 2 cups French Fried Onions Offers a crunchy topping; you can substitute with homemade fried onions or crushed crackers.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lightly spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat for about 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.
  3. Add chopped yellow onions to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
  4. Add sliced button mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
  5. Mix in the undiluted cream of mushroom soup, crumbled bacon, whole milk, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until melted.
  6. Fold in the cut green beans, ensuring they are well coated with the creamy mixture.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and topping it generously with French fried onions.
  8. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly, and the topping is a golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Add fried onions just before baking to maintain their crunchiness. Prepare without the topping in advance, refrigerate, and add onions before baking for convenience.

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