Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic side dish everyone loves. This recipe combines crispy bacon, tender green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce baked to bubbly perfection. It’s easy to make with pantry staples and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can pair it with my creamy mushroom pork chops recipe for a comforting dinner your family will adore.
Why You'll Love Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy & Comforting Family Favorite
Enjoy this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole packed with crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and fresh green beans. Perfect for weeknights and family meals.
- Loaded with crispy bacon and rich creamy sauce.
- Uses fresh or frozen green beans for easy prep.
- Simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy & Comforting Family Favorite
Green Beans: Use fresh for the best texture. Frozen works in a pinch; thaw and drain first.Bacon: Regular or thick-cut bacon adds smoky flavor. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative.
- Green Beans: Use fresh for the best texture. Frozen works in a pinch; thaw and drain first.
- Bacon: Regular or thick-cut bacon adds smoky flavor. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy & Comforting Family Favorite are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy & Comforting Family Favorite
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté Vegetables: Add butter to the bacon fat, heat until melted. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic, sauté until mushrooms release their moisture and start browning, about 5 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, 3–4 minutes. Stir in sour cream, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Expert Tips for Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy & Comforting Family Favorite
- Trim and halve green beans evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Use fresh mushrooms for better texture over canned varieties.
- Make your own crispy fried onions by thinly slicing onions and coating with flour before frying for best crunch.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy & Comforting Family Favorite
Enjoy this easy Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole packed with crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and fresh green beans. Perfect for weeknights and family meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
Instructions
How to Make Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add butter to the bacon fat, heat until melted. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic, sauté until mushrooms release their moisture and start browning, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, 3–4 minutes. Stir in sour cream, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix green beans, cooked bacon (reserve a few pieces for topping), and sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and crispy fried onions. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole - Easy & Comforting Family Favorite FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead. Just assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
Turkey bacon or smoked tempeh are good substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Dry casserole usually means not enough sauce or overcooked green beans. Soggy topping can happen if fried onions are added too early; add them just before baking.
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