This Skillet Green Bean Casserole is a quick and tasty twist on the classic dish. With tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crunchy toppings, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
I love making it in a skillet because it’s so easy and fun! Plus, who can resist that crunchy topping? It’s the perfect side for any meal or just a cozy night at home! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh is best! For convenience, you can use frozen green beans; just be sure to thaw them first. I find the crunch of fresh green beans gives a better texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using plant-based butter, or even olive oil works great for sautéing.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add depth, but button mushrooms are fine too. If you want a unique flavor, try shiitake mushrooms or even canned mushrooms for a quick option.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half or even whole milk can be substituted. For dairy-free options, use coconut milk or cashew cream for a similar richness!
Crispy Fried Onions: Store-bought is easy, but homemade is fun! If you can’t find them, try crushed crackers or breadcrumbs tossed with a little oil as a substitute for crunch.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crisp Green Beans?
Crisp-tender green beans make the casserole stand out. Here’s how to get them right:
- Boil the beans in salted water for just 4-5 minutes. They should be bright green but still firm.
- Immediately plunge them into ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps them vibrant.
- Drain and dry them well before adding to the cream sauce. This helps avoid excess water in your casserole.
This method really helps in keeping that lovely snap when you bite into the casserole! Enjoy your cooking!
Skillet Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and rinsed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional for depth of flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This Skillet Green Bean Casserole takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and approximately 20 minutes to cook. So, all together, you will need around 30-35 minutes to get this delicious dish on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. After cooking, drain the beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once they are cool, drain them again and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms:
In a large skillet (a cast iron skillet works great!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and most of their moisture has evaporated.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, add the heavy cream and soy sauce (if using). Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and starts bubbling gently.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Now it’s time to add the blanched green beans to the skillet! Toss them gently in the creamy sauce to ensure they’re well coated and heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
5. Top with Fried Onions:
Evenly sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top of the green bean mixture. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to get the onions extra crispy. If not, no worries! You can skip this step and serve it right away.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your Skillet Green Bean Casserole with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, and serve it hot straight from the skillet. Enjoy this creamy, crunchy, and comforting dish that’s so easy to make!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just be sure to thaw them completely beforehand. You might want to give them a quick blanch in boiling water for a couple of minutes to keep the texture nice and crisp.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want to lighten up the dish, half-and-half or whole milk will work as substitutes for heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a similar creamy texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, and you can add a splash of milk or broth to restore some creaminess if needed.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and blanch the green beans a day in advance, then combine and bake right before serving. Just hold off on adding the crispy onions until you’re ready to serve for that perfect crunch.
