Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup French fried onions, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant but not burned.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Add onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Fold the blanched green beans into the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the French fried onions.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition