Green Bean and Potato Casserole Recipe

Green Bean and Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender green beans, creamy potatoes, and a rich, savory sauce. Whether you are preparing it for a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a simple weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy texture, subtle blend of flavors, and easy preparation make it a go-to dish for all occasions.

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through every step of making this classic casserole, from selecting the ingredients to assembling the dish and serving it. We’ll also explore variations, tips for making the dish ahead of time, and suggestions for pairing it with other meals. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Green Bean and Potato Casserole is an ideal side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. The earthy potatoes and tender green beans are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, often enhanced by ingredients like cheddar cheese, garlic, and herbs. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast chicken, beef, or even as a vegetarian option, this casserole is the perfect complement.

This dish is a great choice for family gatherings, holiday dinners, and even as a filling weeknight meal when paired with a protein. With the right balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Potatoes and Green Beans

Boiling the Potatoes:

1. Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. This will ensure they cook evenly.
2. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes while they cook.
3. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender but not fully cooked.
4. Drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside. You can leave them in the colander for a few minutes to allow excess water to drain.

Blanching the Green Beans:

1. While the potatoes are boiling, trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 1-2 inch pieces.
2. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the green beans to the pot and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook them.
3. Drain the green beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set them aside.

2. Making the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once it’s melted, stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is slightly golden.
4. Add the Liquids: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, milk, and broth. Stir constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Season the Sauce: Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika to the sauce. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. For a richer flavor, you can also add a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Assembling the Casserole

1. Combine the Potatoes, Green Beans, and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled potatoes and blanched green beans. Pour the creamy sauce over the vegetables and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
2. Add Cheese: Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella). The cheese will melt into the creamy sauce, making it even richer.
3. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the potato and green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

4. Baking the Casserole

1. Top with Breadcrumbs: If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. This will add a nice crunch to the final dish. For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the breadcrumbs.
2. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
3. Broil for Extra Crispness: For an extra crispy topping, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
4. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Green Bean and Potato Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. Here are a few ideas for what to serve it with:

1. Roast Chicken: The rich and creamy flavors of the casserole pair perfectly with a simple roast chicken or roast turkey for a traditional family dinner.
2. Beef Stew: This hearty casserole makes a great side dish to a comforting beef stew or pot roast, adding a touch of creaminess to balance the savory flavors of the meat.
3. Grilled Meat: Serve it alongside grilled meats such as steak, pork chops, or lamb for a more casual summer meal.
4. Salad: For a lighter, more refreshing pairing, serve with a crisp, green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.
5. Holiday Dinners: Green Bean and Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It pairs beautifully with other traditional holiday sides like stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Bacon: For an extra smoky flavor, crumble cooked bacon over the casserole before baking. Bacon adds a delicious crunch and savory depth to the dish.
2. Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
3. Cheesy Variation: If you love cheese, increase the amount of shredded cheddar and add a layer of mozzarella or Gruyère cheese on top of the casserole before baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
4. Spicy Version: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce to give the casserole a spicy kick.
5. Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to the sauce or sprinkled over the top of the casserole before baking for added fragrance and flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Uniformly Cut Vegetables: Be sure to cut the potatoes and green beans into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and mix together well in the casserole.
• Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: Blanching the green beans for just a few minutes is important to maintain their crisp-tender texture. Overcooking can result in mushy beans.
• Layer the Cheese: For a cheesier casserole, you can reserve some of the shredded cheese to sprinkle over the top of the casserole before baking.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest texture, use full-fat heavy cream and milk. You can substitute with lower-fat versions, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

Green Bean and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy potatoes and vibrant green beans in a rich sauce. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it a crowd favorite that’s perfect for any occasion, from everyday dinners to holiday feasts. With easy-to-follow steps, this dish can be customized with a variety of ingredients and toppings to suit your taste. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply cooking for your family, this casserole will surely impress and satisfy everyone at the table!

Yield: 6

Green Bean and Potato Casserole Recipe

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Green Bean and Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender green beans, creamy potatoes, and a rich, savory sauce. Whether you are preparing it for a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a simple weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy texture, subtle blend of flavors, and easy preparation make it a go-to dish for all occasions.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
   
2. Cook the Potatoes:
   In a large pot, add the diced potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
   
3. Blanch the Green Beans:
   In the same pot, add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes in boiling water until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
   
4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
   
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   To the skillet with the onions and garlic, add the sour cream, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, allowing the cheeses to melt into the sauce.
   Add the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
   
6. Combine the Ingredients:
   In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked potatoes, green beans, and the creamy cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce.
   
7. Optional Topping:
   If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping. You can also add a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for added flavor.
   
8. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
   
9. Serve:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

• Vegetables: You can substitute frozen green beans for fresh, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.
• Cheese: Feel free to use any cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère, for a different flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.