This Skillet Green Bean Casserole is a quick and simple way to enjoy a classic side dish. With fresh green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions, it’s a hit at any dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star here, giving the dish a crisp texture. If you can’t find fresh ones, use frozen green beans, but don’t thaw them before adding to the skillet.
Mushrooms: I love using button or cremini mushrooms for their earthy flavor. If you prefer a different taste, try shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like coconut milk, but the texture might be different.
Fried Onions: These add crunch! If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can make baked onion rings or even use crispy chickpeas for a different texture.
Parmesan Cheese: This gives a nice salty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast has a similar taste and can work as a substitute.
How Do I Blanch Green Beans Perfectly?
Blanching your green beans keeps them vibrant and bright. Here’s how:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the green beans and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.
- Immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps them retain their color.
This technique is key to making sure your casserole has that fresh taste and beautiful bright color! Be sure to drain well before adding them to your skillet.
Skillet Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional, for umami)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Skillet Green Bean Casserole takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep, including washing and chopping your ingredients, and around 20 minutes for cooking it all together on the stove. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for holidays!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching the Green Beans:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the fresh green beans and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re bright green and tender. Drain the beans and immediately put them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once they’re cool, drain again and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In a large cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally to let them soften and release their moisture.
3. Adding the Flavor:
Once the mushrooms are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s nice and fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. If you’d like, add the soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce right now for added flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Mixing in the Green Beans:
Season the cream mixture with a little salt and pepper to taste. Now, add in your blanched green beans. Stir everything together to coat the beans well in the creamy sauce.
5. Topping and Cooking:
Carefully sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle that on as well! Lower the heat and let everything cook together for a few minutes, allowing the onions to start crisping up at the bottom.
6. Serving Your Casserole:
Once heated through, take your skillet off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve it directly from the skillet, and enjoy this delightful creamy, crunchy green bean casserole!
This recipe beautifully combines tender green beans, fresh mushrooms, and layers of flavors for a delicious side dish. Perfect for any meal, it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them completely before using. You can quickly thaw them by placing the frozen beans in a colander and running warm water over them for a few minutes. No need to blanch if you’re using frozen beans!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, try canned coconut milk or almond cream for a creamy texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to help restore its creamy texture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to Step 6 (before adding the fried onions) and then cover it and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just add the onions and bake or heat it up on the stovetop until heated through.
