Savory Spinach & Green Bean Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a dish that combines freshness with indulgence, this Savory Spinach & Green Bean Casserole is your answer. It's a perfect blend of vibrant veggies and creamy goodness, making it a standout side or a light main course.

Ingredients for Savory Spinach & Green Bean Casserole

Green beans bring a fresh, crisp texture that's the backbone of this casserole. Spinach adds a nutritional boost and a touch of earthiness. Mushrooms provide umami depth, while onion and garlic create a savory base that enhances all the other flavors. The butter lends richness, and when paired with heavy cream, it turns the whole dish into a creamy delight. Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese add gooey, cheesy goodness — a must for any comforting casserole. Finally, breadcrumbs offer a pleasant crunch on top, and the spices — salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and just a touch of red pepper flakes — round out the flavors beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh green beans and spinach for the best flavor and texture.
  • For a deeper flavor, try sautéing the mushrooms until they're golden brown.
  • If you like a bit more spice, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a roasted chicken or a simple grilled salmon. If you're in the mood for a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or wild rice. A crisp, green salad with a citrus vinaigrette would also complement the rich, creamy flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them and pat dry before using.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk will work, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing in the oven.

Savory Spinach & Green Bean Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, wash the green beans and trim the ends. Blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes, which will keep them nice and green while retaining a bit of crunch. Once blanched, quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.

Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn translucent and fragrant. This should take around 3 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and let them cook for about 5 minutes until they're soft and have released their moisture.

Stir in the spinach and watch it wilt down quickly. Once the spinach is wilted, pour in the heavy cream and season the dish with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Now, stir in the blanched green beans and half of the Parmesan cheese. Transfer this lovely mixture into a casserole dish. Generously top with mozzarella cheese, the remaining Parmesan, and a layer of breadcrumbs to form a crunchy crust.

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbling. Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving, letting the flavors settle a bit.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of textures — creamy and crunchy.
  • Great way to use fresh, seasonal vegetables.
  • Quick prep and easy to follow, even for beginners.
  • Comforting flavors with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans
8 oz fresh spinach
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wash the green beans and cut off the ends. Blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then transfer to ice water to cool.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
4. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Pour in the heavy cream, adding salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
7. Mix in the blanched green beans and half of the Parmesan cheese.
8. Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with mozzarella cheese, the remaining Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
9. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
10. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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