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Buy Now →This Creamy Potato and Green Bean Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Loaded with tender potatoes, green beans, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this casserole is both satisfying and versatile. The addition of crispy bacon brings extra flavor, but the dish works beautifully as a vegetarian option as well. Serve it alongside a main dish or enjoy it on its own – this casserole will soon become a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 4 medium, diced (Yukon gold or russet are ideal for their creamy texture)
- Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled (optional, for extra flavor)
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Potatoes and Green Beans: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Add the green beans to the pot during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to soften them slightly. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon (Optional): If using bacon, cook the slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth until smooth, followed by the heavy cream. Continue to stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked potatoes, green beans, and crumbled bacon (if using). Pour the cheese sauce over the top, gently stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg (varies based on bacon and broth)
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up until the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is recommended for a richer sauce, but you can use whole milk or half-and-half if desired. If using milk, add an extra tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce.
3. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, carrots, or even bell peppers would be delicious additions. Just be sure to cook them slightly before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
4. Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour when making the roux.
Tips for Making Creamy Potato and Green Bean Casserole
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes for Creaminess: Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well in casseroles while staying tender and creamy.
- Control the Consistency of the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding it to the casserole. For a thinner sauce, add a bit more broth.
- Add Crunch with Bread Crumbs or Crushed Crackers: For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle bread crumbs or crushed crackers over the casserole before baking.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with cheese varieties! Gruyere, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese can add a unique flavor twist.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool fully, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the entire casserole dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, stir in a small amount of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
Conclusion
This Creamy Potato and Green Bean Casserole brings together classic ingredients for a warm, delicious side dish or main course that’s sure to impress. With tender potatoes, fresh green beans, and a silky cheese sauce, it’s both hearty and versatile. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy dinner at home, this casserole is bound to become a cherished recipe in your collection. The optional bacon adds a smoky note, while the creamy sauce makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.