Helen Smith’s Green Bean Casserole 🌿🥘

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Description:

Welcome to the heartwarming world of Helen Smith’s Green Bean Casserole, a delightful dish that embodies comfort and flavor in every bite. This classic recipe, cherished and shared by generations, brings together the wholesome goodness of green beans, creamy soup, and a crunchy, flavorful topping. Whether it graces your holiday table or makes a regular appearance at family dinners, this casserole is sure to become a beloved favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and create delicious memories! 🌟

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the perfect cooking temperature for our delicious casserole.
   • Drain the frozen green beans, allowing them to thaw slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Mixing Magic:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, ground black pepper, and half of the can of fried onions. 🥣
   • Stir everything together gently, ensuring that the creamy soup coats the beans evenly. This creamy concoction will be the heart of our casserole, bringing richness and flavor to every spoonful. 💫

3. Casserole Creation:

   • Take out your trusty 9″x13″ casserole dish, ready to be filled with layers of goodness.
   • Pour the creamy green bean mixture into the casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. 🌿
   • This step is where the magic happens! The flavors meld together as they bake, creating a symphony of taste and aroma that will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy haven. 🏡

4. Bake to Perfection:

   • Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25 minutes. During this time, the beans will soften, the flavors will mingle, and anticipation will build. 🕒
   • As the timer ticks down, get ready for the finishing touches. We’re almost there!

5. Crunchy Topping:

   • After 25 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. It should be bubbling gently, with hints of golden goodness peeking through.
   • Sprinkle the remaining fried onions over the top of the casserole, creating a crunchy, irresistible topping. 🌟
   • For a burst of color and flavor, add the jar of pimientos on top of the onions. These vibrant red jewels not only look stunning but also add a delightful tang to each bite. 🔴

6. Final Bake:

   • Pop the casserole back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This brief return to the heat allows the onions to crisp up beautifully and the pimientos to warm through. 🌶️
   • As the final minutes pass, gather your loved ones around, ready to savor the delicious creation that is Helen Smith’s Green Bean Casserole.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • With a flourish, take the casserole out of the oven, its aroma filling the air with promises of culinary delight. 🌬️
   • Scoop generous servings onto plates, ensuring that each guest gets a bit of the creamy beans, crunchy onions, and tangy pimientos in every bite. 🍽️
   • This casserole is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, alongside your favorite main dishes. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, holiday hams, or even as a star side dish on its own. 🍗
   • So gather your loved ones, raise your forks, and indulge in the comforting goodness of Helen Smith’s Green Bean Casserole. Here’s to good food, cherished traditions, and the joy of sharing a meal with those we hold dear. Cheers! 🥂

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 86.2
• Fat: 4.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.4g
• Cholesterol: 4.3mg
• Sodium: 328.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 10.7g
  • Fiber: 2.8g
  • Sugar: 1.9g
• Protein: 3.2g

Recipe Notes:

• Frozen Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding to the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a homemade touch, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup using fresh mushrooms, cream, and seasonings.
• Fried Onions: Feel free to use store-bought fried onions for convenience, or make your own by thinly slicing and frying onions until crispy.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• Variations: Get creative with your additions! Crumbled bacon, grated cheese, or even a sprinkle of herbs can take this casserole to new heights of deliciousness. 🌿

From our kitchen to yours, we hope you enjoy making and sharing Helen Smith’s Green Bean Casserole as much as we do. May it bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to your table, creating moments to cherish with every spoonful. Happy cooking! 🌿✨