Green Bean Stuffing Casserole Recipe

For a comforting, hearty twist on traditional green bean casserole, try this Green Bean Stuffing Casserole! This dish combines two beloved holiday side dishes—green bean casserole and stuffing—into one savory, satisfying meal. The tender green beans are coated in a creamy sauce, mixed with flavorful stuffing, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a holiday gathering, or just a weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to impress. Read on for a step-by-step recipe, substitution ideas, and tips on serving this delicious dish.

What is Green Bean Stuffing Casserole?

Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is a fusion of the classic green bean casserole and traditional stuffing. It features tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, mixed with herbed stuffing and topped with crispy onions or breadcrumbs. The stuffing adds a hearty, savory layer of flavor and texture, making this dish an irresistible holiday side or even a main course.

Ingredients List for Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

To make this Green Bean Stuffing Casserole, you’ll need a mix of simple ingredients commonly found in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Casserole:

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans (trimmed and halved) or 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of cut green beans (drained)
• 1 box (6 oz) of stuffing mix (herb-flavored or chicken-flavored)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ¾ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a creamier texture)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is flexible and easy to adapt to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few options:

• Green beans: While fresh green beans are ideal for this dish, you can substitute frozen or canned green beans if you prefer. Just make sure to thaw or drain them well before using.
• Stuffing mix: Use your favorite stuffing mix, whether it’s herb-flavored, chicken-flavored, or even cornbread stuffing. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free stuffing mix.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery, or make your own homemade mushroom sauce.
• Milk alternative: Use any milk you prefer, such as almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. You can also use heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Crispy onions: Fried onions are traditional, but you can substitute them with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed potato chips for a unique twist.
• Add meat: For a heartier dish, you can add cooked, crumbled sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked bacon to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Stuffing

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similarly sized casserole dish.

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the stuffing mix. Fluff the stuffing with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans

If using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the beans and pat them dry with a towel.

For canned or frozen green beans, simply drain them well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the blanched (or canned) green beans to the bowl and toss them gently to coat them in the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared casserole dish, spread half of the stuffing mixture evenly across the bottom. Top with the green bean mixture, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining stuffing over the green beans, followed by the crispy fried onions and, if desired, a handful of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra crispy onions or fresh herbs, and enjoy your delicious Green Bean Stuffing Casserole!

How to Cook Green Bean Stuffing Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
2. Prepare the stuffing by sautéing onions and garlic, then mixing them with chicken broth and stuffing mix.
3. Blanch the green beans (if using fresh) or drain canned/frozen beans.
4. Make the creamy sauce by mixing cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble the casserole by layering stuffing, green beans, and more stuffing.
6. Top with crispy fried onions and shredded cheese (optional), then bake until golden and bubbling.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the green beans: If you’re using fresh green beans, be careful not to overcook them during the blanching process. You want them tender but still slightly crisp, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• Too much liquid in the stuffing: When preparing the stuffing, follow the package instructions carefully to avoid making it too soggy. Add broth a little at a time until the stuffing is fluffy but still moist.
• Skipping the sour cream: The sour cream adds creaminess and tang to the casserole. If you skip it, the dish might lack richness.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

• Holiday side dish: Serve this casserole alongside roast turkey, ham, or chicken for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
• Everyday dinner: This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main course on its own. Pair it with a simple salad or rolls for a satisfying weeknight meal.
• Potluck hit: This dish is perfect for potlucks or gatherings since it can be made in advance and reheats well. Bring it to your next party, and watch it disappear!

Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh pop of color.
• Serve in a rustic dish: Use a decorative casserole dish or cast-iron skillet to make the dish visually appealing on the table.
• Top with extra stuffing crumbs: If you have extra stuffing, sprinkle it on top for an even more golden, crispy crust.

Green Bean Stuffing Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-ahead option: You can assemble the entire casserole the night before. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow the casserole to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freeze for later: To freeze the casserole, assemble it without the topping, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then add the topping and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen green beans work great for this casserole. Thaw them completely and drain any excess water before using. You can skip the blanching step since frozen beans have already been partially cooked.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, covered, and bake it fresh the next day. Just be sure to add the crispy onion topping right before baking to keep it crunchy.

Can I use homemade stuffing for this recipe?

Yes, homemade stuffing is a fantastic option if you prefer it. Just be sure it’s not too wet when adding it to the casserole, as it will absorb some moisture from the green bean mixture.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing mix and be sure that the cream of mushroom soup you’re using is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Green Bean Stuffing Casserole combines two classic comfort foods—green bean casserole and stuffing—into one irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy with its savory flavors, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time. Try this recipe today and enjoy the ultimate in comfort food fusion!

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