Every holiday table deserves a star, and let me tell you, Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole is undoubtedly the shining one! Picture this: fresh, vibrant green beans enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, adorned with a glorious, crunchy topping of crispy onion strings. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning guests with promises of warmth, comfort, and indulgence. It’s the kind of dish that fills the room with nostalgia, reminding me of family gatherings around the table, laughter echoing, and stories being shared. Ina Garten has truly outdone herself with this recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a glorious side dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

This year, as the holidays approach, I find myself daydreaming about that first bite—a satisfying crunch followed by the soft embrace of tender green beans and mushrooms. It’s become a beloved ritual in our family’s feast—an incredible side that often steals the show, even from the perfectly roasted turkey. So, prepare to whip up this delightful masterpiece! I can’t wait for you to make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole and share the joy it brings to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: A mere 10 minutes of prep and just 30 minutes in the oven means you’ll have more time to spend with your loved ones.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, mushrooms, and Parmesan creates a savory medley that makes your taste buds dance.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy casserole topped with crispy onions makes for a stunning centerpiece.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or even a cozy weeknight meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with the right ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter (2 tablespoons)
A classic cooking fat that adds richness and helps sauté the veggies. Feel free to swap it with olive oil for a lighter version.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
This aromatic ingredient brings depth to the dish. Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, though garlic powder can suffice in a pinch.

Onion (1/2 cup, finely diced)
A sweet and savory base. Yellow or white onions work well here; you can also use shallots for a more delicate flavor.

Button Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced)
Fresh button mushrooms provide an earthy flavor and meaty texture. If you’d like a deeper flavor, cremini mushrooms are a great alternative.

Green Beans (3 cups, fresh)
Bright, crisp green beans are the star of the show. Use fresh, not canned, for the perfect balance of tenderness and crunch.

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (3 cups)
Low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt content, keeping the dish well-seasoned yet balanced. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.

Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.75 ounces)
This classic ingredient provides creaminess without needing to make a roux. Opt for the low-sodium version to keep it healthier.

Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated)
Adding a salty, nutty flavor, Parmesan enriches the casserole. Substitute with Gruyère for a unique twist on flavor.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Essential for flavor enhancement—adjust to taste preferences.

Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
For a touch of warmth and subtle spice, freshly cracked black pepper is ideal.

Crispy Onion Strings
These provide the perfect, satisfying crunch as a topping. Store-bought varieties are convenient, but homemade can elevate the dish even further.

How to Make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s warming, grab a large skillet and melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling gently, add your finely diced onion and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. The kitchen will fill with a fragrant aroma that promises deliciousness ahead.

Cook the Green Beans: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh green beans and three cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, and once bubbling, let it cook for about 8 minutes until the beans are crisp-tender. You want the bright green of the beans to shine without losing their snap! Drain the beans thoroughly and place them to the side.

Mix It Up: Now, in a large bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, sautéed onion and mushroom mixture, drained green beans, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. That creamy soup will meld with the other ingredients to create a glorious harmony of flavors as it bakes!

Transfer and Top: Prepare a 2-quart baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, pour the green bean mixture into the dish. Finish it off by sprinkling the crispy onion strings generously on top. This crunchy layer is what makes the casserole stand out!

Bake Until Perfect: Slide your casserole into the oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes, or until you smell that unbelievable mix of toasty onions and savory goodness. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling and heated through. Grab a towel and get ready to serve your masterpiece!

Storing & Reheating

Once the festivities wind down, you can store any leftover Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, consider freezing it—just ensure you double wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed throughout. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but a splash of broth can help refresh its creamy lusciousness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid mushy green beans, be sure not to overcook them in the broth. Aim for that crisp-tender texture!
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the mixture.
If you prefer a deeper flavor, try sautéing the onions and mushrooms for a bit longer until they caramelize. A touch of balsamic vinegar can also add a nice depth.
Make ahead? Assemble your casserole up to a day in advance and bake it just before serving for a warm, fresh dish.
If opting for homemade crispy onion strings, make sure they’re adequately dried before frying to get that perfect crunch!

The comfort of Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole is nothing short of remarkable. Its creamy texture paired with the pop of fresh green beans and the crunch of onions creates a harmonious dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Whether it’s a holiday feast or simply a dinner for the family, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you prefer the convenience of frozen green beans, just thaw and drain them before adding them to the casserole. Remember that frozen beans may result in a softer texture, but they will still taste delicious.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensuring your cream of mushroom soup is meat-free.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To adapt this casserole for a gluten-free diet, make sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and confirm that the crispy onion strings are also gluten-free.

What can I replace the cream of mushroom soup with?

If you want to ditch the canned soup, you can make a homemade version. Simply prepare a simple white sauce with butter, flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free), milk, and some sautéed mushrooms for flavor.