Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that takes a classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness: Bacon Green Bean Casserole. This isn’t your grandma’s green bean casserole (though I love you, Grandma!). We’re kicking things up a notch with crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have everyone begging for seconds2.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bacon, Bacon, Bacon: Need I say more? The smoky flavor of bacon elevates this casserole from simple side dish to irresistible indulgence25.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe only takes about 5 minutes to prepare1.
- Versatile: Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or a cozy Sunday supper1.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters will devour this updated classic6.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Serving Size: 8-10
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon2
- ½ onion, finely diced2
- 1 ½ cups chopped button mushrooms2
- 3 cloves garlic, minced2
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom condensed soup2
- ¼ cup milk2
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese2
- Salt and pepper to taste2
- 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained2
- 1 ½ cups French fried onions, divided12
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray2.
- Cook the Bacon and Veggies: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Crumble the bacon and set aside. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet. Return the skillet to medium heat, add the diced onion, and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant2.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and crumbled bacon. Add the milk and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste2.
- Combine and Bake: Fold in the drained green beans until evenly coated with the sauce2. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the fried onions12.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly12. If the onions start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking5.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Fresh or Frozen Green Beans: While canned green beans are classic, feel free to use 4 cups of fresh or frozen green beans. If using fresh or frozen, blanch them in boiling water until tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole1.
- Cheese it Up: Monterey Jack is great, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan7.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, but don’t add the fried onions until just before baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours15. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold5.
- Slow Cooker Option: If your oven is occupied, you can make this in a slow cooker!1
Serving Suggestions
- As a classic Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish23.
- Alongside a juicy roast chicken or meatloaf1.
- As a comforting addition to any weeknight meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of soup?While cream of mushroom is traditional, you can experiment with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup2.Can I make this vegetarian?Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of bacon grease to sauté the vegetables3.How do I store leftovers?Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through3.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 10g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes
