Hearty Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole With Mushrooms Recipe

Simple Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole With Mushrooms Recipe

Green bean casserole whisks ordinary vegetables into a symphonic culinary adventure that dances across your palate.

Creamy layers blend with earthy mushrooms, crafting a side dish that transforms ordinary dinners into memorable feasts.

Crisp green beans nestle beneath a luscious sauce, creating a texture symphony that sings comfort and elegance.

Crunchy golden toppings add a delightful contrast, elevating each forkful into a sensory celebration.

The harmonious medley of ingredients promises more than just nutrition—it delivers pure culinary joy.

Crisp, tender, and utterly irresistible, this classic dish invites you to savor every single, scrumptious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole With Mushrooms

For Bacon and Glazing:
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Select freshly packed sugar with deep, moist texture for rich caramel notes.
  • Maple Syrup: Choose pure, Grade A syrup for authentic woodland sweetness.
  • Bacon: Pick thick-cut, high-quality bacon with consistent marbling for maximum crispiness.
For Vegetable Base:
  • Green Beans: Select firm, bright green beans without blemishes or soft spots.
  • Mushrooms: Choose fresh, plump mushrooms with smooth, unblemished caps.
  • Shallots: Pick firm, compact shallots without sprouts or soft areas.
For Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Butter: Select unsalted, high-quality butter for controlled seasoning.
  • Milk: Use whole milk for richer, creamier consistency.
  • Half-and-Half: Choose fresh, refrigerated half-and-half for smooth texture.
  • Kosher Salt: Select coarse-grain salt for balanced seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper for vibrant, intense flavor.
  • Flour: Pick unbleached all-purpose flour for smooth sauce base.

Tools You’ll Need for Green Bean Casserole With Mushrooms

  • Baking Sheet: Large, flat metal pan for even cooking and catching drips.
  • Cooling Rack: Wire grid that helps bacon crisp up by allowing air circulation.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Small container for quick glaze preparation.
  • Pastry Brush: Silicone or bristle tool for spreading sweet maple glaze.
  • Large Pot: Deep cooking vessel for boiling green beans.
  • Colander: Perforated bowl for draining blanched beans.
  • Ice Bath Container: Large bowl filled with cold water and ice for stopping bean cooking.
  • Sauté Pan: Wide, flat-bottomed pan for cooking mushrooms and shallots.
  • Whisk: Metal utensil for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Wooden Spoon: Versatile tool for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Baking Dish: Ceramic or glass container for assembling and baking casserole.
  • Cutting Board: Surface for chopping bacon and preparing vegetables.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Cups: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Make the Mushroom Green Bean Casserole

How to Make the Mushroom Green Bean Casserole

Create Candied Bacon Green Bean Casserole

  • Preheat Oven With Enthusiasm

Set your oven to 400°F, ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

  • Transform Bacon Into Delightful Candy

Lay bacon slices on a rack, brush with a luscious blend of maple syrup and brown sugar, creating a sweet and savory coating that will make taste buds dance.

  • Craft Magical Bacon Transformation

Slide the bacon into the oven, letting it crisp and caramelize for 15 minutes. Flip halfway to ensure every inch becomes a golden, glazed wonder.

  • Prepare Green Bean Base

Bring a pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, then quickly blanch green beans until they’re vibrant and crisp. Shock them in ice water to lock in their brilliant color and texture.

  • Build Creamy Mushroom Symphony

Sauté earthy mushrooms and delicate shallots in butter, creating a rich foundation. Whip up a velvety sauce by whisking flour, milk, and cream into a smooth, luxurious blend.

  • Combine And Bake To Perfection

Fold green beans into the creamy mushroom mixture, top with crumbled candied bacon, and bake until the casserole bubbles with irresistible golden promises. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy.

Cooking Tips to Elevate Your Green Bean Casserole

  • Elevate Bacon's Sweetness: Add a dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the maple glaze for an unexpected flavor twist that will make taste buds dance.
  • Customize Green Bean Crunch: Swap traditional green beans for haricots verts or substitute with asparagus for a gourmet vegetable variation that keeps the dish exciting.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole components up to two days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for stress-free entertaining.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan on top during the final baking stage to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds irresistible texture and depth.

Serving Ideas for Mushroom Green Bean Casserole

  • Bacon Lovers' Dream: Sprinkle chopped maple bacon bits on top of the casserole for an extra crunch and sweet-savory explosion.
  • Cheese Lover's Delight: Grate sharp cheddar or gruyère cheese over the casserole before the final bake to create a rich, melty topping.
  • Nutty Crunch Booster: Scatter toasted sliced almonds or crushed pecans across the surface for added texture and nutty complexity.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.

Storage Tips for Your Casserole Leftovers

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and cook bacon up to 2 days before assembling the casserole, storing each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store leftover green bean casserole in sealed containers for 3-4 days, keeping the crispy bacon separate to maintain its crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Freezing Fresh Goodness: Wrap unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, freezing for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking for best texture and flavor.
  • Reheating with Care: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat entire casserole in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, adding fresh crispy bacon bits just before serving to restore original delicious crunch.
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Hearty Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole With Mushrooms Recipe

Hearty Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole With Mushrooms Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Green bean casserole from the Pioneer Woman elevates classic comfort with fresh mushrooms and a crispy onion topping. Creamy, savory layers promise a delightful side dish you’ll savor at holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds green beans, trimmed
  • 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1 stick (113 g) salted butter
  • 2 ½ cups (590 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) half-and-half
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50 g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsps pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ cup toasted sliced almonds
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bacon Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and position a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer, then whisk dark brown sugar and maple syrup to create a glaze.
  2. Glazing and Roasting: Warm glaze briefly in microwave, brush generously over bacon slices. Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even caramelization and crisp edges.
  3. Bacon Processing: Remove bacon, cool on paper towels for 20 minutes, then chop into uniform bite-sized pieces.
  4. Green Bean Blanching: Bring salted water to a boil, add green beans, and cook 3-4 minutes until vibrant and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to ice water bath to stop cooking and preserve color.
  5. Mushroom Sauce Base: Melt butter in pot, sauté sliced mushrooms and minced shallots with salt and pepper until golden and moisture evaporates. Sprinkle flour to create a roux.
  6. Cream Sauce Development: Gradually whisk milk and half-and-half into mushroom mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
  7. Casserole Assembly: Combine green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy sauce in a mixing bowl. Transfer to baking dish and bake 15-20 minutes until bubbling and thoroughly heated.

Notes

  • Bacon Glazing Technique: Warm the glaze briefly to improve spreadability and ensure even caramelization on each slice.
  • Bean Blanching Secret: Quickly plunge green beans into ice water after boiling to lock in vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
  • Mushroom Sautéing Tip: Allow mushrooms to release moisture completely and turn golden brown for maximum flavor development.
  • Roux Whisking Hack: Add milk gradually and stir continuously to prevent lumpy sauce and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 960 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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