Green Bean Stuffing Casserole Recipe

If you're looking to combine the best of two beloved side dishes—green bean casserole and stuffing—into one delicious recipe, the Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is your answer. This mouthwatering dish takes the creamy, savory goodness of green bean casserole and adds the herb-infused, crispy texture of stuffing for a side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or even a comforting weeknight meal. The blend of green beans, creamy sauce, and flavorful stuffing creates a harmonious balance that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for a new Thanksgiving favorite or a way to make your green bean casserole stand out, this recipe is the perfect option. Keep reading to discover how to make this scrumptious dish step by step, along with helpful tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas.

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What is Green Bean Stuffing Casserole?

Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is a fusion of two classic dishes: green bean casserole and stuffing. Traditional green bean casserole includes green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions, while stuffing typically consists of bread cubes, broth, and seasonings. By combining these two, you get a rich and creamy vegetable base with a hearty, flavorful stuffing topping. The result is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers contrasting textures of tender green beans and crispy, herbaceous stuffing.

Ingredients List for Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

Let’s start by gathering the essential ingredients for this delicious casserole. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to add extra ingredients to suit your taste preferences!

For the Green Bean Base:

1. Green Beans (1 ½ pounds fresh or 2 cans of cut green beans) – Fresh green beans will give the dish the best texture, but canned or frozen can also be used.
2. Cream of Mushroom Soup (10 ½ ounces) – The creamy base of the casserole.
3. Sour Cream (½ cup) – Adds richness and tang to the creamy sauce.
4. Milk (½ cup) – To thin the soup mixture and ensure a creamy consistency.
5. Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Adds depth and umami to the dish.
6. Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – For seasoning.
7. Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon) – Adds extra flavor.
8. Fried Onions (1 cup) – For a crunchy topping mixed into the casserole.

For the Stuffing Topping:

1. Stuffing Mix (1 box, about 6 ounces) – Store-bought or homemade stuffing mix works perfectly.
2. Chicken or Vegetable Broth (1 ¼ cups) – To moisten the stuffing mix and infuse it with flavor.
3. Butter (4 tablespoons, melted) – Adds richness and helps the stuffing crisp up on top.

Optional Ingredients and Add-Ins

Want to add more flavor or texture to your casserole? Consider including these optional ingredients:

1. Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – For a cheesy, indulgent casserole.
2. Sautéed Mushrooms (1 cup) – Enhances the mushroom flavor in the casserole.
3. Bacon (4 slices, cooked and crumbled) – Adds a smoky, salty bite.
4. Almond Slivers (¼ cup) – For added crunch and a nutty flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

If you need to make adjustments to fit dietary preferences or mix things up, here are a few easy substitutions and variations for this green bean stuffing casserole recipe:

1. Vegan Green Bean Stuffing Casserole – Use a plant-based cream of mushroom soup, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan butter. For the stuffing, opt for a vegan-friendly mix or make your own using cubed bread, vegetable broth, and olive oil.
2. Gluten-Free Green Bean Stuffing Casserole – Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version and use a gluten-free stuffing mix.
3. Spicy Variation – Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the green bean mixture for a little heat.
4. Healthy Variation – Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and opt for reduced-fat sour cream and milk to make the dish a bit lighter.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your Green Bean Stuffing Casserole? Follow these easy steps to ensure a perfect dish every time.

How to Cook Green Bean Stuffing Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your casserole will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans

• If you're using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the green beans by boiling them in water for 3-5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
• If using canned green beans, drain them thoroughly, and for frozen green beans, make sure they’re thawed and dried before adding to the dish.

Step 3: Make the Green Bean Casserole Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until smooth. Add the prepared green beans to the bowl and mix to coat them evenly in the creamy sauce. Stir in 1 cup of the fried onions.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the green bean mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Stuffing
In a medium saucepan, bring the broth and melted butter to a simmer. Stir in the stuffing mix and remove from heat. Fluff the stuffing with a fork to ensure it's evenly moistened and well-mixed.

Step 6: Add the Stuffing Topping
Spoon the prepared stuffing over the green bean mixture in an even layer, gently pressing down so it sticks to the casserole but remains fluffy on top.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the stuffing is golden brown and crisp on top.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and makes it easier to serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Draining Green Beans Properly – Excess water can make the casserole soggy. If you’re using canned or frozen green beans, be sure to drain or thaw them fully.
2. Too Much Liquid in the Stuffing – Be careful not to oversaturate the stuffing mix with broth. The stuffing should be moist but not mushy to ensure it crisps up nicely in the oven.
3. Skipping the Blanching Step for Fresh Green Beans – Blanching fresh green beans before baking them in the casserole ensures they’re cooked perfectly and stay bright green.
4. Overcooking the Casserole – Baking the casserole too long can dry out the stuffing. Bake just until the top is golden and the mixture is bubbly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Your Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is sure to be a hit, but how you serve it can elevate it even more. Here are some tips for serving and presenting this dish:

How to Serve Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

• Family Style – Serve the casserole straight from the dish, allowing guests to help themselves. This rustic presentation is perfect for holiday dinners.
• Individual Servings – Portion the casserole into small, individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. It also ensures everyone gets a perfect serving of green beans and stuffing in every bite.

Presentation Ideas for Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs – A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a bright pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Top with Cheese – For extra indulgence, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the stuffing just before baking.
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet – Baking the casserole in a cast-iron skillet gives it a rustic, homestyle feel that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

Green Bean Stuffing Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead – You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving. Add a few minutes to the bake time if baking directly from the fridge.
• Use Homemade Stuffing – If you prefer, make your own stuffing from scratch using cubed bread, sautéed onions, celery, and seasonings. Mix in the broth and butter as usual.
• Add a Crunchy Topping – For an extra crunchy topping, mix the stuffing with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh instead of canned green beans?
Yes! Fresh green beans work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to blanch them first to ensure they’re tender.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the stuffing just before baking to ensure it stays crispy.

Can I freeze green bean stuffing casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make a homemade white sauce by combining butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms.

Conclusion

The Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is a delicious twist on two classic dishes that brings together the best of green bean casserole and savory stuffing. With a creamy green bean base and a crispy, flavorful stuffing topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or simply as a weeknight side, this casserole is easy to make, adaptable, and absolutely delicious. Try this recipe for your next gathering, and watch as it disappears off the table!

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