Go Back

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole - A Cozy Classic Done Right

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh green beans (about 2 pounds, trimmed and halved)
  • Cremini or button mushrooms (12 ounces, sliced)
  • Yellow onion (1 small, finely chopped)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
  • Olive oil (1–2 tablespoons)
  • All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons)
  • Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (1 cup)
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup)
  • Grated Parmesan (optional, 1/3 cup for extra depth)
  • Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (1–2 teaspoons for umami)
  • Ground black pepper and kosher salt
  • Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon chopped) or dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Crispy fried onions (about 2 cups, store-bought)
  • Lemon (optional, 1/2 for a quick squeeze to brighten)
  • Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the dish

Method
 

  1. Prep your oven and dish: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender and bright green. Drain and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden, 7–9 minutes. Don’t rush this step—the browning builds flavor.
  5. Make the roux: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  6. Build the sauce: Slowly whisk in the broth, then the cream. Add thyme, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt to start. Stir in soy sauce or Worcestershire. Simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency. If using Parmesan, stir it in now. Taste and adjust seasoning. A small squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavor.
  7. Combine: Add the drained green beans to the sauce and fold gently to coat.
  8. Assemble: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 cup of crispy fried onions.
  9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbling around the edges.
  10. Finish the topping: Sprinkle the remaining fried onions over the top and bake 5–7 more minutes until golden and crisp. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to set the sauce.