Can I substitute the bacon in this recipe?

If you're looking for a vegetarian version, you can leave out the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing the onions and mushrooms. You can also try using a plant-based bacon substitute for a smoky flavor without the meat.

Can I make Ultimate Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before by assembling it in the baking dish and covering it with plastic wrap. Just make sure to add the fried onions on top right before baking to keep them crispy. When ready to bake, adjust the baking time slightly since the casserole will be starting from a cold state.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

While this recipe calls for canned green beans for their tenderness and convenience, you can certainly use fresh green beans. If you prefer fresh beans, you'll need about 2 pounds. Just blanch them before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook properly in the oven.

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Green Bean Casserole takes the classic recipe up a notch by adding smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and creamy cheese, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion, from holiday feasts to family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

6 strips bacon
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom condensed soup
1/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
1 1/2 cups French fried onions

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crisp, then transfer to paper towels to drain. Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease, then add the onion to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes until they are golden brown.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, allowing it to become fragrant.
Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and add the crumbled bacon back into the pan. Stir to combine.
Add the milk and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Gently fold in the drained green beans until evenly mixed.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the French fried onions.
Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

If making ahead, cover the casserole without the fried onions and refrigerate overnight. Add the onions right before baking to keep them crispy.
Feel free to use frozen green beans, but they will require about 2 pounds for this recipe.
If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
This recipe can be made in a slow cooker. Check out the Slow Cooker Ultimate Green Bean Casserole for that option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 213
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 654mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 19mg