Homemade Green Bean and Potato Casserole Recipe – Cozy Comfort

Comfort arrives in a delightful green bean and potato casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Creamy textures blend with crisp vegetable edges, creating a symphony of flavors.

Families gather around this hearty dish, savoring each delectable bite.

Layers of tender potatoes intermingle with fresh green beans, capturing rustic charm.

Simple ingredients dance together, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Crispy topping adds a delightful crunch that makes you want to dive right in.

We invite you to experience this classic recipe that transforms everyday vegetables into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Why Green Bean And Potato Casserole Is Always A Win

• Conquer Weeknight Dinner Challenges: Perfect for busy families craving a hearty, satisfying meal without complex preparation steps.
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Effort: Combines protein, vegetables, and creamy sauce in one simple baking dish, delivering restaurant-quality taste with home-cooked comfort.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Elevates basic ground beef, potatoes, and green beans into a mouthwatering casserole that transforms everyday components into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Budget-Friendly Culinary Magic: Requires accessible ingredients and standard kitchen tools, making this recipe an economical option for feeding multiple people without breaking the bank.

What You Need For Green Bean And Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that adds rich, savory flavor to the casserole.

• Green Beans: Fresh vegetables that provide a crisp texture and vibrant green color.
• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that create a hearty base for the casserole.

• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that form a smooth, rich sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a tangy flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking in the baking dish.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green note to the topping.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden-brown crust on top of the casserole.

How To Make Green Bean And Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat your oven to 375°F and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Green Beans

Steam green beans until they’re bright and crisp, then quickly cool them in an ice bath to lock in their vibrant color and texture.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and draining excess fat for a leaner dish.

Step 4: Boil Potatoes

Cook potato cubes in salted water until they’re tender but not falling apart, then drain completely.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Layer The Base

Spread drained potatoes and green beans in the prepared baking dish, then evenly scatter the browned beef over the vegetables.

Step 7: Add Creamy Goodness

Pour the cream mixture over everything, making sure it covers and seeps between the layers.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden blanket of melty deliciousness.

Step 9: Create Crunchy Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with chopped parsley and dot with small butter pieces for a crispy herb-infused crust.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through completely.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and layers to set before serving.

Smart Tips For Green Bean And Potato Casserole

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality green beans and potatoes for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Pat steamed green beans and boiled potatoes completely dry to prevent a watery casserole.
• Control Meat Fat: Brown ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat to keep the dish lighter and prevent greasiness.
• Perfect Cheese Melt: Grate cheese fresh for optimal melting and sprinkle evenly to ensure consistent coverage across the casserole.
• Crisp Topping Technique: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and herbs to create a golden, crunchy top layer that adds delightful texture.

Tasty Variations Of Green Bean And Potato Casserole

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat protein option that maintains the casserole's hearty essence.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or roasted mushrooms to create a protein-rich vegetarian version that delivers similar texture and satisfaction.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Switch potatoes with cauliflower florets or roasted zucchini cubes to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the creamy, cheesy casserole experience.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese, and dairy-free sour cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.

What Pairs Well With Green Bean And Potato Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Merlot to complement the rich, creamy beef casserole with its balanced acidity and smooth tannins.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a robust amber ale or brown ale that matches the hearty meat and cheese flavors, providing a malty counterpoint to the dish's creamy texture.
• Crisp Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness, offering a fresh and tangy contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Herbal Beverage Option: Brew a refreshing iced tea with mint or basil to provide a cool, herbal note that balances the warmth and density of the casserole.

How To Store Green Bean And Potato Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a sealed freezer bag to preserve for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered with foil at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed completely through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs About Green Bean And Potato Casserole

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains breadcrumbs and uses regular flour, which are not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this casserole. The cooking method remains the same, ensuring similar flavor and texture.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Drain vegetables and meat thoroughly after cooking. Use full-fat dairy products and avoid adding extra liquid. Pat ingredients dry with paper towels to reduce excess moisture.

Homestyle Green Bean And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting green bean and potato casserole brings classic midwestern warmth to family dinner tables. Creamy cheese sauce, crispy onion topping, and hearty vegetables create a nostalgic side dish you’ll crave at holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs green beans, trimmed
• 1.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb ground beef

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light butter coating to prevent sticking.
2. Steam green beans until they’re vibrant and crisp-tender, approximately 4-5 minutes, then immediately plunge into an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve their bright color.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into fine crumbles, and drain any excess fat to ensure a lean mixture.
4. Boil cubed potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
5. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together heavy cream, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Layer the drained potatoes and green beans in the prepared baking dish, then evenly distribute the browned beef across the vegetables.
7. Pour the cream mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and allowing the sauce to seep between the vegetables and meat.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating an even blanket of melty goodness.
9. Combine breadcrumbs with chopped parsley and dot with small butter pieces for a crisp, herbed topping.
10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through completely.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Elevate the flavor by selecting fresh, crisp green beans and waxy potatoes that hold their shape during cooking.
• Customize the protein by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian alternative.
• Reduce fat content by using low-fat dairy options like Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and choosing lean ground meat.
• Enhance texture and nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to create more depth and complexity in the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg