This Green Bean Casserole with Potatoes is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for gatherings. It combines fresh green beans with creamy soup and crispy toppings for a delightful crunch!
I love how the potatoes make it extra filling! It’s become a staple at my family dinners. Plus, who can resist that creamy goodness topped with crunchy fried onions? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are ideal for this casserole as they stay crunchy. However, you can use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available. Just remember, they may need less cooking time.
Potatoes: I usually use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture, but Russet potatoes work too. If you’re short on potatoes, you can try using frozen hash browns instead for a similar effect!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make your own creamy sauce using sautéed mushrooms, flour, vegetable broth, and a splash of milk. This way, you also control the sodium content.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar adds a rich taste, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or even a non-dairy cheese to cater to dietary needs!
French Fried Onions: For a homemade version, try crushing some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs to add that crunch without the processed element.
How Do You Ensure Your Casserole Has the Right Texture?
The key to a great green bean casserole is balancing the cook time of your vegetables. You want your potatoes and green beans to be tender, but not mushy.
- Start by boiling the veggies for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them – overcooking will ruin the texture!
- When mixing with the soup, be gentle. You don’t want to mash the potatoes. Just fold them in lightly.
- Finally, don’t skip the last baking step with the fried onions on top. It adds that ultimate crunch, which balances the creaminess perfectly!
The Green Bean Casserole With Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, depending on preference)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy topping)
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to cook. So, overall, you’re looking at about an hour of time before you can dig in! Perfect for a cozy family dinner or holiday feast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in!
2. Boil the Vegetables:
In a large pot, bring some salted water to a boil. Then, add the trimmed green beans and diced potatoes. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crisp. Once done, drain the veggies well.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy mixture brings all the flavors together!
4. Combine Everything:
Gently add the cooked green beans and potatoes to the soup mixture. Stir carefully to coat all the veggies without mashing them. We want those potatoes to hold their shape!
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Pour this delicious mixture into a greased 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. If you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake:
Now, pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 25 minutes. This allows it to get bubbly and warm throughout!
7. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions over the top. Dot the top with small bits of butter for extra flavor. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your casserole is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This hearty dish is perfect as a side for any meal, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them first. If using frozen green beans, you may want to reduce the boiling time to about 3-5 minutes since they’re already blanched.
Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just extend the cooking time by about 10 minutes since it will be starting from cold.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Yes! If you prefer a homemade alternative, mix sautéed mushrooms with flour, vegetable broth, and a splash of cream for a DIY version. You can also try cream of chicken soup if you’re not concerned about being vegetarian.
