Hearty Green Bean and Sausage Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Green bean casserole is a timeless side dish, often gracing holiday tables and potlucks. But what if we elevated this classic, transforming it into a satisfying and complete meal? Enter the Hearty Green Bean and Sausage Casserole! This recipe takes the familiar comfort of green beans and creamy sauce and combines it with savory sausage, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Forget the bland, boring casseroles of the past – this version is packed with texture, taste, and enough substance to stand on its own as a weeknight dinner. We’ll ditch the canned soup in favor of a homemade creamy sauce that is richer and so much more flavorful.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep time and utilizes readily available ingredients. It’s also incredibly versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite type of sausage, cheese, or vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Hearty Green Bean and Sausage Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The combination of creamy sauce, tender green beans, and savory sausage creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking with different types of sausage, cheese, or vegetables.
* **Hearty and Filling:** This casserole is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Makes Great Leftovers:** This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Green Beans:** 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped in half, or 2 (14.5 ounce) cans green beans, drained.
* **Sausage:** 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), removed from casings. You can also use kielbasa, andouille, or any other smoked sausage.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
* **Milk:** 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% is recommended for richness).
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup chicken broth.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a combination of your favorites. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
* **French Fried Onions:** 1 (6 ounce) can French fried onions, divided.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any other cooking oil).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious Hearty Green Bean and Sausage Casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans**

* **Fresh Green Beans:** If using fresh green beans, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Drain the green beans and set aside. Don’t overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
* **Canned Green Beans:** If using canned green beans, simply drain them well and set them aside. No further cooking is required.

**Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. The onions should be translucent and slightly golden.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste to the casserole.

**Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce**

* Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help to thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

* In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans, sausage and vegetable mixture, and creamy cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
* Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
* Sprinkle the remaining French fried onions over the cheese.

**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the French fried onions are golden brown. The casserole should be heated through and the sauce should be bubbling.

**Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
* Serve the Hearty Green Bean and Sausage Casserole hot. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Sausage Variations:** Experiment with different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage (sweet or hot), kielbasa, andouille, or chorizo. You can also use ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option.
* **Cheese Variations:** Use your favorite type of cheese or a combination of cheeses. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Gruyere cheese are all great options.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables to the casserole, such as sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
* **Add Breadcrumbs:** For a crispy topping, sprinkle the casserole with breadcrumbs before baking. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil for added flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Use Different Beans:** Try using haricot vert instead of regular green beans for a more elegant touch.
* **Add Mushrooms**: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for a richer, earthier flavor.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup Variation**: While we advocate for homemade sauce, in a pinch, you can substitute the milk and chicken broth mixture with 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, adjusting seasonings to taste.

## Serving Suggestions

This Hearty Green Bean and Sausage Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Simple Salad:** A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the casserole with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that complements the flavors of the casserole.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, add another layer of flavor and texture to the meal.
* **Cornbread:** A warm slice of cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to this hearty casserole.

## Make Ahead Instructions

One of the best things about casseroles is that they can often be made ahead of time. This Hearty Green Bean and Sausage Casserole is no exception. Here’s how to prepare it in advance:

1. Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking.
2. Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, but do not add the French fried onions.
3. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
4. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the French fried onions over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the French fried onions are golden brown.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

## Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 25-35g per serving
* Fat: 30-40g per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g per serving

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh or canned?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Thaw them slightly before adding them to the casserole.

**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyere.

**Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or omit it altogether. You may want to add some extra vegetables to compensate for the lack of meat.

**Q: Can I freeze this casserole?**
A: While you can freeze the casserole, the texture of the green beans and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consume within 1-2 months.

**Q: Can I add mushrooms to the casserole?**
A: Yes, sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for a richer, earthier flavor.

**Q: I don’t have French Fried Onions. What can I substitute?**
A: Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter, or panko breadcrumbs toasted with olive oil, make good substitutes.

## Conclusion

The Hearty Green Bean and Sausage Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, easy instructions, and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!