Green Bean Casserole

Our Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender green beans with a rich, garlic cheese sauce, and a crispy onion topping.

This casserole combines tender green beans, Velveeta cheese, and crispy fried onions for the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

This Green Bean Casserole is a go-to for both holiday feasts and casual family dinners. With its rich cheese sauce, tender green beans, and crispy onion topping, it’s comfort food at its best. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up any night of the week.

GREEN BEANS – I use frozen green beans that are thawed. They hold their texture well in casseroles, but you can use canned green beans if you prefer them softer. Be sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent a watery dish.

BUTTER – I use unsalted butter to control the salt levels. If you only have salted butter, adjust the seasoning to taste.

GARLIC – Freshly minced garlic adds a lot of depth to the sauce. If you’re in a rush, garlic powder is an easy substitute.

CHEESE – I use both Velveeta and shredded Cheddar cheese. Velveeta is for its smooth melting texture, which creates a creamy sauce that coats the green beans beautifully. The shredded Cheddar adds a sharper, more distinct cheesy flavor on top. You can also use Colby Jack as an alternative to cheddar.

CREAM – Heavy cream gives the sauce richness and a silky finish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, any milk or half-and-half will work. You can also use whole milk or half and half instead of heavy cream.

WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE – This adds a savory, umami boost that deepens the flavor of the sauce.

CRISPY FRIED ONIONS – The casserole is finished with crispy fried onions for a crunchy topping. If you want a change in texture, try using breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead.

1. Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
2. Melt butter in a pot, sauté garlic until lightly browned, then stir in Velveeta, cream, Worcestershire, and pepper until smooth.
3. Fold thawed green beans into the cheese sauce and transfer to the baking dish.
4. Top with cheddar cheese, crispy onions, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

MISSISSIPPI POT ROAST – This rich, tender beef roast pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy green bean casserole. The savory, slow-cooked flavors of the pot roast complement the lighter, crunchy texture of the fried onions on the casserole.

SLOW COOKER SIRLOIN TIP ROAST – Another beef dish with bold flavors that balances out the creaminess of the casserole. The tender, juicy roast adds a hearty element to the meal, making it a great pairing.

BAKED BBQ PORK CHOPS – The sweet and tangy flavors of BBQ pork chops are a great contrast to the richness of the casserole. Together, they create a balanced, satisfying dinner.

CHICKEN MARSALA – The rich, mushroom and wine sauce of Chicken Marsala complements the cheesy and crispy green bean casserole by adding a touch of elegance and a lighter feel.

CROCK POT COUNTRY STYLE PORK RIBS – These flavorful, fall-apart pork ribs add a smoky and savory punch, which pairs nicely with the smooth, cheesy green bean casserole. The two dishes together make for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Recipe Success Tips

THAW YOUR GREEN BEANS – Thaw your green beans in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water in a colander. After thawing, make sure to pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture left on them will water down the cheese sauce, making it less creamy.

MELT CHEESE SLOWLY – Cut the Velveeta into small cubes to help it melt evenly. Use low heat and stir constantly as it melts to prevent any lumps or separation. Rushing this step can lead to a grainy, uneven sauce, so patience pays off here.

ADD FRIED ONIONS LATE – For the best crunch, wait until the last 5 minutes of baking to sprinkle the fried onions on top. If they go in too early, they’ll soften and lose that crispy texture. This timing keeps them golden and crisp when served.

Commonly Asked Questions