The Easiest Elevated Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic comfort food, but if you’re looking to take it up a notch while keeping it easy, this recipe is for you! With fresh green beans, a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy topping, this dish is the perfect balance of nostalgia and elegance.

Whether this is for a comfort meal, Thanksgiving Side Dish or graduation potluck you’ll enjoy this ooey gooey savory dish.

@bykimberlyfaye Cozy Green Bean Casserole Recipe on ByKimberlyFaye.com 🍴 #greenbeancasserole #sidedish #dinnerrecipe #casserolerecipe #casserole #southerncooking #easydinnerideas #thanksgivingdinner #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingsides #graduationideas #easterrecipes ♬ original sound – Kimberly

While I created this with dried porcini’s, if you prefer to use fresh mushrooms or leave them out without the umami flavors that’s totally fine too 🙂

Why is this elevated? We’re gonna be using fresh green beans instead of store bought however we’re keeping is traditional by still using cream of mushroom instead of creating a roux saving you time and energy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans
• 1.5 yellow onions, diced
• 1 shallot, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 knob of butter
• Salt (for boiling water)
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (trust!)
• 2.8 oz crispy fried onions (store-bought)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• (Optional) 1/4 cup dried porcini mushrooms for an extra umami kick

Directions:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. If needed, trim your green beans. I like to buy pre-washed and pre-trimmed fresh green beans to save time.

Step 2: Boil & Blanch the Green Beans

Bring 8 cups of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your green beans and cook for about 15 minutes if you prefer them on the softer side. Once done, blanch them in ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their color.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a very large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, shallot, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent. If you’re using dried porcini mushrooms, add them now along with a knob of butter for extra richness.

Step 4: Build the Casserole Base

Once your aromatics are fragrant, stir in the blanched green beans. Then, add the cream of mushroom soup and soy sauce, stirring everything together until well combined. PS: I ended up transferring my mixture to the large stock pot instead of using the skillet 🙂

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Layer in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a gooey, melty texture.

Step 6: Top & Bake

For extra crunch, mix some of the crispy fried onions into the casserole, then top it off with the remaining fried onions. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with holiday meals or as a side for any cozy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Fresh green beans add a crisp, vibrant texture.
• Soy sauce and optional porcini mushrooms give it an umami boost.
• Cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese create a rich, creamy finish.
• Crispy fried onions add the perfect crunch!

This easy yet elevated green bean casserole will become your go-to side dish for gatherings, holidays, or even just a cozy night in. Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear your thoughts!