This Skillet Green Bean Casserole is a quick and tasty twist on the classic dish! With fresh green beans, creamy sauce, and crunchy toppings, it’s a fun side for any meal.
Honestly, it’s so easy to whip up and perfect for busy days. I love serving it with roasted chicken—everyone goes for seconds! Who can resist a little crispy onion on top? 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: These give the dish its main flavor and texture. Fresh beans are best, but you can use frozen ones for convenience. Just thaw and drain them well before adding.
Mushrooms: I prefer using cremini mushrooms for a rich flavor, but white button mushrooms work too. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you could leave them out or try diced zucchini as a substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a nice richness. If you’re dairy-free, consider using olive oil or coconut oil instead. They’ll still give great flavor!
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture. You can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version, but make sure they’re unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor.
Fried Onions: I love using store-bought crispy fried onions for convenience, but you can make your own using thinly sliced onions coated in flour and fried until golden if you have the time!
How Can I Ensure My Sauce Is Lumps-Free?
A smooth sauce is key to a great green bean casserole. Here’s how to avoid lumps when adding the flour and milk:
- After cooking the mushrooms, ensure they’re well mixed with the flour. Stir it in quickly.
- Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking. This helps incorporate it smoothly without lumps forming.
- Keep the heat medium to medium-low to allow the sauce to thicken without burning.
With patience and steady stirring, you’ll have a wonderful creamy sauce ready to coat those green beans!
How to Make Skillet Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
For The Topping:
- 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything on the stove. A quick and satisfying dish for your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 4 minutes until they are crispy-tender. Quickly drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them again and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion, then sauté until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are soft, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Flour:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat everything. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Make the Sauce:
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps forming. Add the soy sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and thyme. Keep stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens, around 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine and Heat:
Stir in the blanched green beans, making sure they get well coated with the creamy mushroom sauce. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Top with Fried Onions:
Evenly sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top of the casserole. For an extra crunch, place the skillet under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the onions turn golden and crispier. Be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning!
7. Serve:
Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Skillet Green Bean Casserole as the perfect comforting side dish for any meal!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans for convenience! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the dish. This will help maintain the casserole’s creamy texture.
What Can I Substitute for Mushrooms?
If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can replace them with diced zucchini or bell peppers. Just sauté them until tender before adding the flour.
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, almond milk or oat milk, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just be sure to use vegan-friendly crispy fried onions for the topping!
