Get ready to transform your ordinary green beans into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This Stove Top Green Bean Parmesan Casserole is not just another side dish – it's a creamy, crispy, cheesy sensation that combines the freshness of green beans with the irresistible crunch of French fried onions. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the fresh green beans, removing the tough ends and cutting them into roughly 2-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Fill a large skillet or sauté pan with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Drain the green beans in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- Return the same skillet to the stove over medium heat and add the cream of mushroom soup, stirring to warm it through.
- Add the blanched green beans to the soup, gently stirring to coat the beans evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring to incorporate and create a rich, cheesy coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Top the green bean mixture with the remaining Parmesan cheese and French fried onions, creating an even layer.
- Cover the skillet and let cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the onions to become slightly crispy.
- Remove from heat and let the casserole rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, ensuring each portion gets a good mix of green beans, creamy sauce, cheese, and crispy onions.
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Always use fresh green beans for the most vibrant flavor and crisp texture. Frozen beans can work in a pinch, but they won't have the same bright green color and snap.
- Blanching Technique: Don't skip the blanching step! This crucial process ensures your green beans are perfectly tender-crisp and maintain their beautiful green color.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Crispy Onion Perfection: For extra crunch, add the French fried onions in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from getting too soggy.
- Season Carefully: Go easy on the salt, as the cream of mushroom soup and Parmesan cheese already add some saltiness. Taste and adjust as you go.
- Low and Slow: When finishing the casserole, use low heat to prevent burning and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the green beans earlier in the day and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to complete the final cooking steps.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
