This Skillet Green Bean Casserole is a quick and tasty twist on the classic dish. With fresh green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy toppings, it’s sure to be a hit at dinner!
I love making this casserole in one skillet—fewer dishes to wash! Plus, it’s ready in no time, so you can spend more time enjoying the meal with family or friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star of this dish. If you can’t find fresh ones, you can use frozen green beans. Just skip the blanching step since they’re already cooked.
Mushrooms: I recommend using cremini mushrooms for their rich flavor, but button mushrooms or portobello can work too. For a twist, try using canned mushrooms; just drain and rinse them well before adding.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The texture will change slightly, but the flavor will still be nice!
Crispy Fried Onions: You can buy these pre-made, but if you have the time, making your own at home is worth it for the flavor and crunch. If you prefer a healthier version, consider topping with toasted bread crumbs or crushed nuts instead.
How Do You Blanch Green Beans Effectively?
Blanching is key to keeping your green beans bright and crisp. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for just 3-4 minutes until they turn vibrant green and are slightly tender.
- Quickly drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps preserve their color.
- After a few minutes in the ice water, drain again and set aside. This technique makes your casserole colorful and crunchy!
Skillet Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Time Needed
This delicious Skillet Green Bean Casserole will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes of cooking time. So, in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch The Green Beans:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Once done, drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside. This will keep them crisp and vibrant!
2. Sauté The Vegetables:
In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened, which should take about 3 minutes. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until they release their moisture and become browned, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, just about 30 seconds.
3. Create The Sauce:
Now, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat them. Allow this to cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, add in the heavy cream and mix until fully combined.
4. Season And Thicken:
Add the soy sauce, salt, and black pepper to the sauce mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
5. Combine And Finish:
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed up. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and generously sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top.
6. Serve:
Enjoy this warm and creamy green bean casserole straight from the skillet! It makes a perfect side dish for any meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Enjoy your Skillet Green Bean Casserole that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just skip the blanching step, as they are already cooked. Simply add them directly to the skillet after making the sauce, and heat until warmed through.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the green beans and crispy onions in advance. Store it in the fridge and heat it up on the stove when you’re ready to serve, adding the onions just before serving for maximum crispiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Keep in mind that the crispy onions may lose some crunch during storage.
Can I Add Other Ingredients for Extra Flavor?
Definitely! You can mix in ingredients such as cooked bacon, diced chicken, or even some shredded cheese for added flavor. Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist!
