This Green Bean Casserole with Potatoes is a creamy and hearty dish that adds a fun twist to the classic recipe! It features fresh green beans, crispy potatoes, and a tasty sauce.
Honestly, who can resist a dish topped with crunchy potatoes? I love making this casserole for family dinners—a perfect mix of comfort and yum that always leaves us smiling!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are key for the crisp texture and vibrant color. If fresh ones are unavailable, frozen green beans work just fine. Just remember to thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole.
Potatoes: I love using starchy potatoes like russets for their creaminess. You can switch to Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor or even use sweet potatoes for a unique twist!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This provides a creamy base. If you want a healthier version, consider homemade soup or a cream of celery or chicken for a different taste. Dairy-free? Try a plant-based cream alternative!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice flavor. If you’re looking for something milder, use mild cheddar or mozzarella. Vegan cheese can also be a delightful substitute for those avoiding dairy.
French Fried Onions: A classic crispy topping! If you prefer a healthier option, try homemade crispy onions made by baking or frying thinly sliced onions.
How Do I Properly Blanch the Green Beans?
Blanching is a quick way to enhance the color and texture of green beans, ensuring they stay bright and fresh! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by boiling salted water in a large pot.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant green and slightly tender but still firm.
- Immediately drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This halts the cooking process and locks in the bright green color.
- Drain again and pat dry before adding them to the casserole mix.
Using this technique not only preserves the color of the beans but also ensures they don’t get mushy in the casserole. Remember, it’s all about that perfect bite!
The Green Bean Casserole With Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced into small chunks
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup French fried onions, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional additional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy green bean casserole with potatoes will take about 15 minutes for prep and 30-35 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking!
2. Cooking the Potatoes:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 8 minutes, or until they are tender but not falling apart. Carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Blanching the Green Beans:
In the same boiling water, blanch the trimmed green beans for 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain them and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Make sure to drain well after rinsing!
4. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, melted butter, chopped onion, half of the French fried onions, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a deliciously creamy sauce!
5. Combining Everything:
Add the cooked potatoes and blanched green beans to the creamy sauce mixture. Gently stir so that everything is coated evenly.
6. Assembling the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top to give it that melty goodness.
7. Adding the Crunchy Topping:
Top your casserole with the remaining French fried onions to add a delightful crunch.
8. Baking the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This will let it set up a little bit. Now you’re ready to dig in! Enjoy this creamy, comforting twist on the traditional green bean casserole with the added heartiness of potatoes and a crispy onion topping!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Absolutely! If frozen green beans are what you’ve got, just thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole. This will help maintain their texture during baking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate without baking. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Definitely! You can use cream of celery soup for a different flavor, or make your own homemade cream sauce using heavy cream and spices. Just ensure it mimics that creamy texture for the best results!
