Green Bean Casserole Recipe by Paula Deen for Hearty Gatherings

Paula Deen’s green bean casserole bursts with Southern charm, transforming humble vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.

Creamy layers mingle with crisp textures, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender green beans nestle beneath a golden, crunchy topping that promises pure comfort.

Each spoonful whispers stories of family gatherings and cherished recipe traditions.

The dish radiates warmth, blending nostalgic ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques.

Robust and satisfying, this casserole elevates simple vegetables to an art form.

Prepare to fall in love with a side dish that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole Ingredient Notes

• Green Beans: Choose fresh, crisp beans with vibrant color and no blemishes.
• Onions: Select firm, heavy onions with dry, papery skin and no soft spots.
• Mushrooms: Pick plump, firm mushrooms with smooth, unblemished caps.

• Butter: Use high-quality, unsalted butter for richer flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to enhance the casserole's depth.

• Chicken Broth: Select low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Choose a condensed version for creamy consistency.
• House Seasoning: Blend your own mix for personalized taste profile.

• French-Fried Onion Rings: Select crispy, golden rings for textural contrast.

Your Prep Tools for Southern Green Bean Casserole

• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing mushrooms and onions with rich, golden results.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining all casserole ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Essential for precise ingredient proportions.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables neatly.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice mushrooms, onions, and green beans with ease.
• Pot: Used for boiling chicken broth and cooking green beans.
• Colander: Drains green beans after boiling.
• 1.5-Quart Baking Dish: Ideal size for creating a delicious green bean casserole.
• Cheese Grater: Shreds cheddar cheese for a melty topping.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Mixes ingredients and transfers casserole mixture.

Instructions That Make Paula’s Casserole Foolproof

• Kick Off Kitchen Prep

Heat your oven and grab a baking dish. Grease the dish with a quick spray or butter swipe to prevent sticking.

• Create Veggie Magic

Melt butter in a skillet and dance those mushrooms and onions around until they turn golden and soft. This step builds incredible flavor for your casserole.

• Blanch Green Beans

Boil chicken broth and drop in green beans. Cook until tender but still crisp, then drain completely to keep the casserole from getting watery.

• Build Flavor Layers

Combine your cooked beans, sautéed veggies, creamy soup, and crunchy onion rings. Sprinkle in your favorite seasoning and mix everything together with love.

• First Baking Wave

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Slide it into the oven and let everything mingle and warm up for about 20 minutes.

• Cheese Crown

Pull out the casserole and shower it with grated cheddar. Return to the oven for a final 10-minute melt that transforms your dish into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.

• Serve with Celebration

Let the casserole rest briefly, then serve hot. Top with extra crispy onion rings for a delightful crunch that’ll make everyone smile.

Tasty Add-Ons for Green Bean Casserole

Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.

Add diced bell peppers, chopped garlic, or sliced carrots to increase nutritional value and create more texture.

Stir in cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier dish.

Replace French-fried onions with crushed butter crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or toasted sliced almonds for extra crunch.

Ideas for Serving It Fresh at Any Table

• Pair with Protein Powerhouse: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or roasted turkey for a complete, satisfying meal that balances the creamy casserole.
• Create a Thanksgiving Spread: Perfect side dish for holiday gatherings, complementing classic roasted meats and adding a comforting vegetable element to your festive table.
• Boost with Fresh Sides: Accompany the casserole with a crisp garden salad or steamed broccoli to add freshness and nutritional balance to your plate.
• Make It a Hearty Lunch: Transform leftovers into a filling midday meal by adding a slice of crusty bread or serving over a bed of quinoa for extra substance.

Keeping It Fresh – Green Bean Casserole Tips

• Preserve Fresh Flavor: Store leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even heating. For best texture, add fresh French-fried onion rings after reheating to keep them crispy.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve original taste and texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare casserole components ahead of time. Sauté vegetables and cook green beans in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving to maximize freshness and crunch.

Hearty Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Green bean casserole by Paula Deen combines crispy bacon, creamy mushroom sauce, and crunchy onion topping for a comforting Southern-style side dish. Home cooks can easily recreate this classic holiday favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups green beans (sliced)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
• ½ cup mushrooms (fresh, sliced)
• ½ cup onions (diced)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 10 ¾ oz (305 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 2.8 oz (79 g) French-fried onion rings
• ⅓ stick (37.5 g) butter
• 1 pinch Paula Deen’s house seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F with rack positioned in the middle for uniform heat distribution.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, gently cooking onions and mushrooms until they become translucent and soft, releasing their natural moisture.
3. Vegetable Preparation: Blanch green beans in simmering chicken broth until tender-crisp, then drain thoroughly to prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
4. Mixing Components: Combine green beans, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and House Seasoning in a large mixing bowl, folding in half of the French-fried onion rings to maintain their crispy texture.
5. Initial Baking: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly, and bake for 20 minutes to meld flavors and heat through completely.
6. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the casserole and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a light golden crust.
7. Finishing Touch: Garnish with remaining French-fried onion rings just before serving to maximize crispiness and add visual appeal.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain green beans to prevent a soggy, watery casserole that could ruin the dish’s texture.
• Onion Ring Strategy: Add half the crispy onion rings during mixing and reserve the rest for a crunchy topping to maintain maximum crispiness.
• Temperature Precision: Use middle oven rack and strictly follow 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent burning or uneven heating.
• Seasoning Balance: Gently mix ingredients to distribute House Seasoning evenly, creating a consistent flavor profile throughout the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg