Name: The Best Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; Fresh parsley, for garnish; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 ½ cups French-fried onions

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Introduction

This green bean casserole inspired by Ina Garten is a fresh and flavorful twist on a Thanksgiving classic. Featuring tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy French-fried onions, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite.

A white dish holds a baked layered casserole. The top layer is golden brown with slightly crispy, bubbling cheese and breadcrumb crust. Beneath it is a thick creamy sauce that spills slightly over the edge, showing melted cheese with a smooth texture. Below the sauce, visible green beans lie among layers of yellowish pasta or thin sliced potatoes. The whole dish looks creamy and rich, with the top layer contrasting in crispiness against the soft layers underneath, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 ½ cups French-fried onions
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add trimmed green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and plunge into ice water. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Step 4: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add mushrooms, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Cook 6–8 minutes until mushrooms are browned and moisture is released.
Step 6: Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 7: In a large bowl, combine blanched green beans and cream sauce. Toss until beans are well coated.
Step 8: Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with French-fried onions and sprinkle Parmesan cheese if using.
Step 9: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 10: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add some chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Add a splash of white wine to the mushroom sauce for additional depth of flavor.
Use gluten-free French-fried onions to make this casserole gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through to keep the topping crispy.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy baked dish that has three visible layers: the top layer is golden brown with a bubbly, melted cheese crust that looks crispy and slightly grainy from breadcrumbs; the middle layer is thick and creamy, with a pale yellow sauce that drips slightly down the sides; and the bottom layer shows some green beans partially covered by the sauce, adding a pop of green color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft white background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

Fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor, but if you use canned, be sure to drain and dry them well. You may want to skip the blanching step to avoid mushiness.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Add the French-fried onions just before baking for best results.