Green Bean and Potato Casserole

The Green Bean and Potato Casserole stands as a warm embrace on a chilly evening, symbolizing comfort and togetherness. When you think about family gatherings, this dish often takes center stage, evoking memories of laughter and shared meals. Its simplicity belies the rich history that’s woven into each layer of green beans and creamy potatoes. As you consider how this recipe has evolved over the years, you might wonder what makes it so enduringly popular among home cooks. What secrets lie within its creamy depths that keep you coming back for more?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious, this Green Bean and Potato Casserole hits all the right notes.

You’ll love it for its rich fiber content, making it a great choice for balanced diets. The antioxidants in green beans help reduce inflammation, while the potassium and fiber from potatoes support heart health. Additionally, incorporating boiled vegetables into your meals can help retain essential vitamins, enhancing their nutritional value.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! You can customize it with different toppings, like cheese or bacon, and even use leftovers from your fridge.

If you prefer healthier options, swap regular ingredients for low-sodium or low-fat versions.

This casserole isn’t just tasty; it’s a complete meal packed with vitamins and minerals, making it perfect for any occasion.

History

The history of the Green Bean and Potato Casserole dates back to 1955, when Dorcas Reilly created the recipe at Campbell’s Soup Company. Originally called “Green Bean Bake,” this dish was designed as an everyday side, not just for Thanksgiving. Its key ingredients include green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French fried onions. The recipe first appeared on soup cans that same year, marking its entry into American kitchens. Over time, the casserole gained immense popularity, especially in the eastern Midwest, becoming a staple at Thanksgiving dinners. Campbell’s estimates that 40% of its Cream of Mushroom Soup sales are attributed to green bean casserole, highlighting the dish’s significance in American culinary tradition.

Recipe

Green Bean and Potato Casserole Recipe

This Green Bean and Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. The combination of tender green beans and creamy potatoes, topped with a crispy layer, creates a delightful contrast in textures. Utilizing ingredients like cream of mushroom soup and optional cheese, this casserole isn’t only easy to prepare but also packs a flavorful punch that everyone will enjoy. The recipe has gained popularity during holiday celebrations due to its unique twist on a traditional favorite.

To get started, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to make sure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. This dish can be customized with various toppings and additional ingredients according to your preference, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion. Let’s plunge into the ingredients and cooking instructions!

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh green beans (trimmed) or 2 cans of green beans (drained)
• 4 cups potatoes (sliced or diced)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• 1/2 cup milk or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If using fresh potatoes, boil or par-boil them until slightly tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cooked potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk or chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper. If desired, add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
4. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the mixture.
6. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

For extra tips, always taste your mixture before baking to adjust seasoning to your liking. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. If you want a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more soup or milk. Enjoy your delicious Green Bean and Potato Casserole!

Final Thoughts

Although preparing a Green Bean and Potato Casserole can be a simple task, it offers delicious possibilities and nutritional benefits that make it a standout choice for any meal.

Each serving contains about 301 calories, with essential vitamins like B-6 and C. You’ll enjoy the versatility of using fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, and adding bacon can elevate the flavor. Additionally, the total calories from ingredients for a similar dish can be around 291 calories, making it a healthy option.

Remember to take into account sodium and sugar levels, as these can be higher in casseroles.

Simplify your preparation by cooking in a large skillet and microwaving your potatoes. Letting your dish simmer will enhance its consistency and flavor.

This casserole isn’t just tasty; it’s also a balanced option for a nutritious meal that you can easily customize.

FAQ

What questions do you have about making a Green Bean and Potato Casserole? You might wonder what types of potatoes to use. Baby potatoes, russets, or even yams work well.

If you’re looking for substitutions, try shredded frozen hash browns or par-boiled fresh potatoes instead of O’Brien potatoes. You can use canned, fresh, or frozen green beans, too.

For added protein, consider mixing in ground beef or turkey. When it comes to flavor, different cream soups like cream of chicken or potato can change the dish entirely. Adding bacon to the dish can also enhance the overall taste and texture.

If you’re concerned about sodium, opt for low-sodium broth. And don’t forget: you can freeze leftovers for a quick meal later!

Green Bean and Potato Casserole

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Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 4 cups fresh green beans trimmed or 2 cans of green beans (drained)
• 4 cups potatoes sliced or diced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheese optional
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• 1/2 cup milk or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage optional

Instructions

 

• Cooking Instructions
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• If using fresh potatoes, boil or par-boil them until slightly tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cooked potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk or chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper. If desired, add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
• Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
• If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the mixture.
• Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
• For extra tips, always taste your mixture before baking to adjust seasoning to your liking. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. If you want a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more soup or milk. Enjoy your delicious Green Bean and Potato Casserole!