Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Enhanced Flavor: The addition of bacon and fresh mushrooms introduces a smoky, umami depth that transforms the traditional green bean casserole into a more indulgent experience.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Monterey Jack cheese melts seamlessly into the casserole, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Convenient Ingredients: Utilizing canned green beans and pre-made cream of mushroom soup simplifies preparation without compromising taste, making it ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for approximately 5 minutes until translucent. Add the chopped mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until they are golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Stir in the undiluted cream of mushroom soup and the crumbled bacon. Mix thoroughly. Add the milk and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Incorporate Green Beans: Gently fold in the drained green beans until they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the French fried onions.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Fresh or Frozen Green Beans: For a firmer texture, substitute canned green beans with fresh or frozen ones. Blanch them in salted water until nearly tender before incorporating them into the casserole.
- Cheese Alternatives: While Monterey Jack cheese offers a mild and creamy flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar to suit your taste preferences.
- Additional Toppings: Enhance the crunchy topping by mixing chopped pecans with the French fried onions before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave on medium power until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole without the French fried onions and refrigerate it overnight. Add the onions just before baking to maintain their crispness.
2. Is it possible to use homemade cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely, homemade cream of mushroom soup can be used for a fresher taste. Ensure it has a thick consistency similar to the canned version.
3. What can I substitute for bacon if I prefer a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the vegetables in olive oil or butter. You can also add smoked paprika to impart a smoky flavor.
4. How can I prevent the French fried onions from becoming soggy?
To keep the onions crisp, add them to the top of the casserole just before baking. If preparing in advance, store the topping separately and combine before cooking.
5. Can I freeze the leftover casserole?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the green beans and the creamy sauce may change upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable consistency.
6. What type of mushrooms work best in this recipe?
Button mushrooms are recommended, but baby bella or cremini mushrooms can also be used for a deeper flavor.
7. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure that the French fried onions are also gluten-free. Verify all ingredient labels to confirm they meet gluten-free standards.
8. Is it necessary to cook the green beans before adding them to the casserole?
If using canned green beans, no pre-cooking is needed. For fresh or frozen green beans, blanching them until nearly tender before adding is recommended.
