This Skillet Green Bean Casserole is a quick and tasty side dish. It combines tender green beans with creamy soup and crunchy onions, all cooked in one pan for easy serving!
I love how simple it is to whip up after a long day. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or holidays. Who doesn’t love that gooey goodness topped with crispy onions? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: Fresh is best for this recipe, but frozen green beans can work too. If using frozen, just skip the blanching step since they’re already partially cooked.
Mushrooms: I used regular button mushrooms for their taste, but feel free to mix it up with cremini or shiitake mushrooms for more flavor. If you can’t stand mushrooms, try using diced bell peppers instead for a different twist!
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the base of the casserole. If you want a healthier option or a homemade version, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk. Just add some mushroom broth for flavor.
Fried Onions: Store-bought crispy onions are super convenient, but you can make your own by frying thinly sliced onions in oil until golden. It’s worth the effort if you have the time!
How Do I Properly Blanch Green Beans?
Blanching green beans helps keep them bright and tender without losing their crunch. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cleaned green beans and boil for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and just tender.
- Immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process for a few minutes.
- Once cooled, drain the beans and set them aside. This method ensures your beans have the best texture!
Skillet Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for umami)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Skillet Green Bean Casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 10 minutes cooking everything together in the skillet. It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching 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 let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and slightly tender. After that, drain the beans and quickly plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This helps to stop the cooking and keep their vibrant color. After a few minutes in the ice water, drain them again and set aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large cast iron skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to brown and release their juices. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma!
3. Mixing in the Sauce:
Next, pour in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the milk. If you want an extra flavor boost, add the optional soy sauce. Stir everything together until well combined, and cook until it’s warmed through. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
4. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently in the mushroom sauce to coat them evenly. Make sure every bean gets a lovely coating of that creamy goodness!
5. Adding the Crispy Topping:
Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the green bean mixture. This will give your casserole that delightful crunch that everyone loves!
6. Cooking Together:
Lower the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid or some foil. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and everything to heat through. If you want those onions extra crispy, you could place the skillet under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is heated and the onions are crispy, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Skillet Green Bean Casserole warm, right from the skillet for a cozy, family-style dish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Canned Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
While fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned green beans in a pinch! Drain and rinse them, then skip the blanching step. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are heated through but not mushy.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you prefer a homemade or healthier option, you can make a white sauce using butter, flour, and milk, then add sautéed mushrooms for flavor. Alternatively, use another canned soup like cream of chicken or cream of celery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil, use silken tofu blended with plant-based milk as a replacement for the cream of mushroom soup, and opt for crispy fried onions that are dairy-free.
