Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-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.
