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Smothered Bacon Green Bean Casserole

A warm, rich, and flavorful casserole featuring green beans, crispy bacon, and a creamy sauce topped with a crunchy finish.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed (or 24 oz frozen)
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or gruyere (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne, optional for heat
  • 1 cup fried onions or breadcrumbs for topping
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for topping if using breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the baking dish with a bit of butter or oil.
  2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon pieces and drain them on a paper towel. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk or half-and-half while you whisk. Add the broth too. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
  6. Add the shredded cheese if using, and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you want a little spice. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  7. If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes, then drain. If using frozen beans, thaw and drain any excess water.
  8. Stir most of the cooked bacon into the sauce, then fold in the green beans so they are well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. Mix the fried onions or breadcrumbs with melted butter if you like a crisp top. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole and add the remaining bacon pieces on top.
  10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles at the sides. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets a bit.

Notes

Serve with roasted or grilled meats and a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also freeze for later use.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Omnivore

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: green beans, casserole, side dish, bacon, creamy sauce