This isn't your typical green bean casserole you find in parties, potlucks, and dinners. This is MY original green bean casserole recipe made from scratch--meaning the ingredients are fresh and nutritious. Using fresh and basic ingredients is what makes this recipe delicious and nutritious.
A typical green bean casserole recipe usually includes canned beans, store-bought French fried onions, and canned cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup. I have a few reasons why I opted to create my original green bean recipe from scratch.
Benefits of Making Green Bean Casserole from Scratch:
Better Texture. Because this recipe uses fresh green beans, you can really control how crunchy the green beans are in the final dish. The green beans are sweet and still have a crunchy texture--not boring and mushy.
Healthier Ingredients. Most canned cream of mushroom soup (such as Campbell's) has monosodium glutamate (or MSG) which is unhealthy and in my opinion, cheating (because it is an artificial flavor enhancer). My recipe doesn't need an artificial flavor enhancer to taste yummy.
Feeling of Pride and Accomplishment. Whenever I make something yummy and healthy for my family, I feel so great and accomplished. This is just another way of providing great things for my family.
But...This Recipe Takes Time
Because we are basically making three recipes to produce one dish, this green bean casserole recipe does take time. Expect to spend anywhere form 1.5 to 2 hours making this special recipe, depending on how speedy you are preparing hte ingredients. Personally, it tok me about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the entire recipe. The sub recipes are (1) homemade French fried onions, and (2) homemade cream of beef soup. The third recipe is our main dish, which is the green been casserole recipe itself.
The Recipe
To Make the French Fried Onions:
FRENCH FRIED ONIONS INGREDIENTS
1.5 cup all purpose-flour
1 tsp salt
1/3 tsp ground black pepper
1 large onion (about 8 to 9 oz), thinly sliced
1.5 cup milk (I used whole milk, but reduced-fat, fat-free, buttermilk are all great subs)
3-4 cups oil for frying (I used safflower oil, but avocado, peanut, canola, vegetable, or any high-heat oil are all great subs)
FRENCH FRIED ONIONS DIRECTIONS
Step 1 In a large skillet or pan, heat the oil to 375 degrees. The oil is hot and ready when the handle of a wooden spoon bubbles when dipped in the oil.
Step 2 In a 1-gallon zip lock bag, mix together the flour, salt, and ground black pepper.
Step 3 Add onions to the flour mixture, zip, and shake the bag to coat the onions. Let rest for 3 minutes.
Step 4 Meanwhile, place milk in a zip lock bag and set aside.
Step 5 Take onions out and shake off excess flour mixture. Immediately place coated onions in the milk bag and zip shut. Leave excess flour mixture back in the bag.
Step 6 Gently shake the onion/milk mixture, swirling it around to coat.
Step 7 Take onions out and add back to the flour mixture. Zip shut and shake to coat. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 8 When oil is ready, fry the onions in single layer, one batch at a time until crispy and golden brown.
Step 9 Drain on paper towels and set aside.
To Make the Cream of Beef Soup:
CREAM OF BEEF SOUP INGREDIENTS
2 cups beef broth (ok to sub with chicken and vegetable broth)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 cup milk
3/4 cup all purpose flour
salt and pepper, to taste
4 tbsp butter
CREAM OF BEEF SOUP DIRECTIONS
Step 1 Place broth, onion powder, garlic powder in a medium sauce pan. Stir, and cook over medium heat.
Step 2 Combine milk, flour, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3 Add milk mixture to the broth mixture. Bring to boil and simmer until thick.
Step 4 Once desired thickness is reached, turn off stove and add butter. Whish until butter is melted and incorporated. Set aside.
Adding it All Together to Make the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS
French fried onions, divided (recipe above)
Cream of beef soup (recipe above)
1/2 cup grated cheese, divided (cheddar and colby jack are great options)
GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE DIRECTIONS
Step 1 Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2 In a 8" x 8" (or 2 quart) dish, mix 75% of the French fried onions in with the cream of beef soup, plus 1/4 cup grated cheese. Stir to combine.
Step 3 Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Step 4 Take the bean dish out of th eoven and sprinkle with the remaining 25% onions and 1/4 cup cheese. Return to oven and bake for additional 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and top is golden brown.
Step 5 Serve immediately or while warm.
So, there you have it. If you're up for the challenge, give this recipe a try. Post your comment below, rate this recipe, and share pictures of your accomplishment. It is totally worth the time and effort making this recipe. When you receive compliments about this amazing dish, give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it :)
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