Fresh Green Bean and Mushroom Casserole

This recipe calls for fresh green beans and mushrooms. Although a little more work than traditional green bean casseroles it is well worth the extra effort. It is also lower in fats and sodium as the fried onion rings are replaced by whole wheat topper. It is also great for people on diabetic diets. You can substitute wheat bread crumbs for the panko bread crumbs, if desired.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 170 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 ½ cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• cooking spray
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
• 1 ½ cups fat-free milk

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook uncovered until tender but still firm to the bite, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain.

Step 3

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk flour, ranch dressing mix, and white pepper into butter until a paste-like consistency is reached. Pour milk into butter mixture; cook, whisking constantly, until sauce is thick and bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4

Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and garlic in hot skillet until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Transfer 1/2 of the onion mixture to a plate and return skillet to heat.

Step 5

Stir mushrooms into skillet with remaining onion mixture; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir mushroom mixture, green beans, and sauce together in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Stir reserved onion mixture and bread crumbs together in a bowl; sprinkle over green bean mixture.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes.