If you’re searching for a vibrant, comforting dish that feels both fresh and indulgent, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of tender green beans and tangy artichokes, all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy sauce and crowned with crispy French fried onions. The perfect balance of textures and flavors makes this casserole an instant family favorite — ideal for weeknight dinners or a show-stopping side for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth, creaminess, or crunch. Let’s take a look at the essentials that will make this dish sing.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a savory base to the casserole.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the onions and bringing out their natural flavors.
- ½ tsp minced garlic: Provides a gentle aromatic touch and depth.
- 1½ lb fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star veggie bringing color, crunch, and freshness.
- ½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs: Adds a subtle herby note and helps bind the mixture.
- 3 (14-oz) cans artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Contributes a tangy, tender texture that perfectly complements green beans.
- 1 cup grated parmesan: Brings in that irresistible, nutty cheesiness that elevates the casserole.
- Dash cayenne pepper: Gives a sneaky little kick without overpowering the dish.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning: A classic blend that adds warmth and complexity.
- ⅓ cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy base that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight all the flavors.
- 1 (2.8-oz) can french fried onions: The crispy topping that delivers a satisfying crunch and golden finish.
How to Make Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This straightforward prep step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly, giving you that perfect crust on the edges.
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chopped onion. Cook it until tender and sweet-smelling, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to unlock those fragrant notes. Toss in the fresh green beans and cook for an additional 3 minutes to soften them slightly while keeping a delightful crunch.
Step 3: Combine the Mixture
Remove your skillet from the heat, then it’s time to add the half cup of Italian seasoned bread crumbs, the drained and chopped artichoke hearts, grated parmesan cheese, a dash of cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, heavy cream, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix all the ingredients until they’re fully incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful filling that’s ready to go.
Step 4: Transfer and Top
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the can of French fried onions generously over the top. This crispy layer will bake up golden and irresistible, providing an eye-catching finish that’s sure to delight every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for a bubbly, hot center and a golden topping. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a comforting mix of fresh, cheesy, and toasty notes, signaling that your Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe is ready to shine on your table.
How to Serve Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the look and flavor, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a little extra grated parmesan over the baked casserole. A wedge of lemon on the side can also add a zip of brightness that pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp garden salad or steamed rice to let the casserole’s creaminess be the star attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins, topped with fresh herbs and extra crispy onions. You can also jazz it up by adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or incorporating toasted almonds for an added crunch that surprises the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it a great option for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze, tightly cover it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, so the topping stays crispy. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through, but note that you’ll lose some of the crunch this way.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well; just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, this Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just double-check your bread crumbs and French fried onions to ensure they don’t contain any animal products if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the casserole will be less rich and creamy. To compensate, you might add a little extra parmesan cheese.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this dish?
Just a dash of cayenne adds a subtle warmth without making the dish spicy. It’s there to enhance the flavors, not to heat things up dramatically.
What’s the best way to make the topping extra crispy?
For an ultra-crispy topping, toss the French fried onions with a little melted butter before spreading them on the casserole. Also, avoid covering the bake during the last 10 minutes so the onions brown nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe is a true keeper in my recipe collection. It strikes the perfect balance between fresh veggies, creamy indulgence, and crispy topping, making it just as lovely for an everyday dinner as for special occasions. I encourage you to try it out and see how this crowd-pleaser brings warmth and comfort to your table again and again.
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Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and creamy Green Bean & Artichoke Casserole combining tender green beans, artichoke hearts, and a crispy topping of french fried onions, perfect for a comforting side dish or vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1½ lb fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 (14-oz) cans artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- ½ tsp minced garlic
Seasonings & Dairy
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- dash cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 (2.8-oz) can french fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onion and Green Beans: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma. Stir in the fresh green beans and cook for about 3 more minutes, slightly softening them but keeping some bite.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the Italian seasoned bread crumbs, drained and chopped artichoke hearts, grated parmesan cheese, a dash of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ⅓ cup heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the green bean and artichoke mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top generously with the can of french fried onions to add a crispy, flavorful topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dish is heated through, the topping is golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy alternative.
- Fresh green beans can be blanched before sautéing if you prefer them more tender.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Ensure the french fried onions are added just before baking to keep them crispy.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
