This Green Bean Casserole with Potatoes is a cozy dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Packed with tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crunchy fried onions on top, it’s simply tasty!
I love how the potatoes add a hearty touch that makes this casserole extra special. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just mix, layer, and bake. Who says comfort food can’t be simple? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star! If you’re in a pinch, frozen or canned green beans will work too—just reduce cooking time for frozen and drain canned ones well. I love the crunch of fresh beans, though!
Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes are my favorites for their creamy texture. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower can be a great substitute. Just steam it, then chop it up to match the potato pieces.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re avoiding canned soups, make a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and broth. It’s surprisingly easy and tastes fresh!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is optional but makes the dish extra comforting. You can swap it out for a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
French Fried Onions: These add a lovely crunch! If you can’t find them, consider crushed crackers or crispy shallots as a replacement. They’ll still provide that nice texture and flavor!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Green Beans and Potatoes?
The key to getting the texture just right is cooking each ingredient separately first. For the potatoes, you want to boil them until they’re tender but not mushy—about 10 minutes should do it. Drain them and then set aside.
- For the green beans, blanch them in boiling water for just 3-4 minutes. This keeps them vibrant and slightly crisp!
- After blanching, always plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain that bright green color!
By prepping each ingredient correctly, you’ll create a fabulous casserole with beautiful texture and fresh flavors. Trust me; it makes a big difference!
The Green Bean Casserole With Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes work well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Green Bean Casserole with Potatoes takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, plus a little time to let it cool before serving. So in total, you’re looking at approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick yet hearty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your ingredients.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
In a pot, bring some salted water to a boil. Add your diced potatoes and cook them for about 10 minutes, or until just tender. Drain them well and set aside for later.
3. Blanch the Green Beans:
In the same pot (to save on dishes!), bring fresh water back to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
4. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked potatoes and blanched green beans to the creamy mixture. If you’re using cheddar cheese, toss it in as well! Stir gently until everything is well coated. Then, fold in half of the French fried onions for that delicious crunch.
6. Sauté Onions (if using):
If you’re adding onions, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, and then fold them into your casserole mixture.
7. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread your mixture evenly in it. Make sure it’s well distributed for even cooking!
8. Add the Final Touch:
Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions on top of the casserole. This will create that irresistible crunchy topping everyone loves.
9. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a bubbly filling—yum!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the casserole is ready, take it out and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, then scoop out a serving and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious dish!
This casserole pairs beautifully with any main course or can simply stand alone as a hearty side. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes, frozen green beans will work! Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the casserole, as frozen beans may release extra moisture during cooking. Blanching isn’t necessary in this case; you can add them directly to the creamy mixture.
Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add the fried onions on top right before baking. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, corn, or bell peppers. Just make sure to consider their cooking times; you may need to adjust the blanching time for the green beans accordingly.
