Welcome to a fresh twist on a classic comfort dish! This Garlic Lemon Green Bean Casserole brings a zesty kick and a creamy, savory sauce that elevates every family dinner. Perfect for a holiday table or a weeknight treat, this casserole is bound to become a staple.
Green beans: The star of the dish, they provide a crunchy texture and a fresh taste. Blanching them keeps their vibrant color and crunch.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the mushrooms and garlic, adding a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Mushrooms: These add an earthy depth that's always welcome in a casserole. They soak up the flavors of garlic and cream beautifully.
Garlic: A key flavor booster. It melds with the mushrooms and cream to create a savory, aromatic base.
Heavy cream: The backbone of the creamy sauce, giving the casserole its luxurious texture.
Chicken broth: Lightens the cream while adding a savory note that complements the other ingredients.
Lemon zest: Adds a refreshing burst of citrus that brightens the dish, balancing out the rich creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the other ingredients.
Crispy fried onions: These provide the perfect crunch on top, contrasting with the creamy base.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a simple grilled steak. For a vegetarian spread, serve it alongside mushroom risotto or a hearty quinoa salad. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the citrusy notes perfectly.
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once that's ready, toss in the green beans and let them cook for about 5 minutes. You want them tender, but still vibrant and crisp. Once they're done, drain them and set them aside.
In a large skillet, heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Add in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the mushrooms are nice and tender, which should take around 5 minutes. The garlic will get fragrant, and the mushrooms will soak up that flavor.
Next, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and add the lemon zest. Stir it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3 minutes; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Now, add the cooked green beans to the skillet. Toss them well so they’re fully coated in that delicious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Transfer everything from the skillet into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and then the crispy fried onions. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown.
Once out of the oven, this dish is best served immediately, when the topping is still crisp and the sauce perfectly creamy.
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