Green Bean Stuffing Casserole
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Elevate your holiday meal with this comforting Green Bean Stuffing Casserole. This delightful dish combines tender green beans with savory stuffing and a creamy sauce, creating a deliciously rich side that everyone will love. Perfect for family gatherings or any festive occasion, it's an easy recipe that brings a touch of warmth to your table.
This Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is a delightful addition to any holiday spread, bringing together the freshness of green beans and the heartiness of stuffing in a creamy sauce.
The Perfect Side Dish
When planning your holiday menu, it's essential to have that one standout side dish that complements your main course without overshadowing it. This Green Bean Stuffing Casserole does just that. Its rich and creamy texture pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or beef, making it a versatile choice for any festive gathering. The freshness of the green beans balances out the heartiness of the stuffing, creating a well-rounded dish that will have your guests going back for seconds.
What sets this casserole apart is its simplicity and the minimal effort required to prepare it. Even novice cooks can master this dish with ease, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it, regardless of their culinary skills. Plus, the combination of flavors will impress even the most discerning palates, solidifying its place at every family gathering.
Customization Options
One of the best things about the Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is its versatility. While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese and cream of mushroom soup, you can easily substitute these ingredients to suit your taste. Try using Swiss cheese or Gruyère for a more gourmet touch, or switch to a cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile. You can even add in cooked mushrooms or sautéed onions for additional depth.
For those looking to make it vegetarian-friendly, simply opt for vegetable broth-based stuffing and ensure your soup is vegetarian as well. You can also toss in other vegetables such as chopped bell peppers or corn to enhance the nutritional value and add more colors to the dish. These customization options make this casserole a perfect canvas for your creativity.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the greatest advantages of this Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is that it can be made ahead of time. Prepare the casserole the day before your gathering, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves you time on the day of your event but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven – it may need a few extra minutes of cooking time, but the anticipation will be worth it!
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, making sure to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if desired. The casserole freezes well too; just make sure it's sealed properly to prevent freezer burn. This makes it perfect for enjoying a taste of the holidays even when they’re long gone.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup prepared stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Green Beans
In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans for 3-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Mix the Casserole Filling
In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, stuffing mix, soup mixture, and half of the shredded cheese.
Bake
Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is best served hot out of the oven, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Pair it with a variety of mains such as roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetarian entrée. A fresh salad or a side of cranberry sauce can also enhance the meal by adding a splash of color and a refreshing taste that balances the richness of the casserole.
Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite gravy on the side for those who crave an extra layer of flavor! This casserole is not just a side; it’s a star that deserves to shine on your dining table.
Nutritional Benefits
While this casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish, it also boasts some health benefits, particularly from the green beans. These vibrant vegetables are high in vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system. The presence of real vegetables in your meal is a great way to elevate family dining while sneaking in some nutrients.
Additionally, by making it yourself, you can control the ingredients. Opt for lower-sodium soup options, or reduce the amount of cheese if you're looking to cut back on calories. This makes the dish not only delicious but also a more health-conscious choice for holiday meals.
Safety Tips
When preparing a dish for family gatherings, it's crucial to keep food safety in mind. Always wash your hands, surfaces, and any vegetables thoroughly before cooking. If you're blanching your green beans, ensure that they reach a rolling boil to kill any potential bacteria.
After baking, ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to provide a safe and enjoyable meal for everyone. If you're making the casserole ahead, remember to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to prevent any foodborne illnesses, keeping your holiday meal cheerful and healthful.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you cook it.
→ What should I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with roasted meats like turkey or ham, and is a perfect side for any festive meal.
Green Bean Stuffing Casserole
Elevate your holiday meal with this comforting Green Bean Stuffing Casserole. This delightful dish combines tender green beans with savory stuffing and a creamy sauce, creating a deliciously rich side that everyone will love. Perfect for family gatherings or any festive occasion, it's an easy recipe that brings a touch of warmth to your table.
Created by: Emily Carter
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup prepared stuffing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the green beans for 3-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, stuffing mix, soup mixture, and half of the shredded cheese.
Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Protein: 9g