Green Bean and Potato Casserole

Green Bean and Potato Casserole

Posted on January 22, 2025
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When comfort food calls, this Green Bean and Potato Casserole answers with a hearty, flavorful combination of tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a perfect side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile—you can add your favorite toppings or proteins to turn it into a complete meal. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (or 12 oz frozen green beans)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not falling apart.
  2. Drain the potatoes and set aside.

Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans

  1. In the same pot, boil the green beans for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  1. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes and green beans with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat.
  2. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Step 6: Add the Topping

  1. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the casserole.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with the melted butter, then evenly distribute over the cheese layer.

Step 7: Bake

  1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite main dish or enjoy it as a standalone meal.

Tips

  1. Use Frozen Green Beans: Save time by using frozen green beans. No need to blanch—just thaw and drain them before adding to the casserole.
  2. Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
  3. Mix Up the Cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for Gruyère, Parmesan, or a Mexican cheese blend for a unique flavor.
  4. Add Protein: Mix in cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
  5. Keep It Crunchy: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) over the breadcrumb topping.

Storage Instructions

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Freezing: Freeze the assembled casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Variations

  1. Vegan Option: Use plant-based sour cream, milk, and cheese, and substitute vegan butter for the topping.
  2. Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter option.
  3. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
  4. Herbaceous Flavor: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added aroma and flavor.
  5. One-Dish Meal: Add cooked ground beef or turkey to the potato and green bean mixture before baking.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 310
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g

FAQ

1. Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess liquid.

2. Can I substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

3. What can I pair with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or a simple garden salad.

4. How do I prevent the topping from burning?
If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free alternatives for the sour cream, milk, and cheese to accommodate dietary needs.