Green bean casserole. The name itself evokes holiday gatherings, family dinners, and comforting, creamy goodness. While the traditional recipe holds a special place in many hearts, Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, offers a delightful variation that’s sure to become a new favorite. This Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole Recipe skips the mushrooms, making it perfect for those who aren’t fans, and instead amps up the flavor with crispy bacon (or savory ham) and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a from-scratch version that’s both familiar and refreshingly different, ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion.
Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole
A comforting and cheesy Pioneer Woman green bean casserole, perfect for holiday meals.
Why This Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole Recipe Stands Out
What makes this Pioneer Woman green bean casserole recipe a must-try? It’s all about the thoughtful swaps and additions that elevate the classic dish:
- Mushroom-Free Delight: For those who dislike mushrooms or have picky eaters in the family, this recipe is a dream. It delivers all the comforting flavors of green bean casserole without any fungi in sight.
- Bacon or Ham Infusion: Instead of relying on mushroom soup for depth, this recipe incorporates crispy bacon or savory ham. This not only adds a delicious smoky flavor but also provides a satisfying textural contrast.
- Cheesy Dream Sauce: The creamy sauce in this casserole isn’t just any sauce; it’s a cheesy masterpiece! It’s reminiscent of mac and cheese, bringing a comforting and rich flavor that perfectly complements the green beans.
- Homemade from Scratch: Forget canned soup! This recipe is made entirely from scratch, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful result. You control every ingredient, making it a healthier and tastier alternative to processed versions.
- Holiday and Everyday Appeal: While perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, this green bean casserole is also wonderful for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any time you crave a comforting side dish.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Green Bean Casserole
Before you start cooking, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients:
For the Green Beans:
- 16 cups water
- 2 tablespoons table salt
- 2-3 pounds fresh green beans, stem ends snapped off and broken into bite-size lengths
- Large bowl of ice water
For the Bacon or Ham & Onion:
- 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces, or 6 ounces ham, cut into small pieces
- ½ large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheesy Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ¾ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija, grated
- 4 ounces pimentos, drained and chopped
For Baking:
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs (adjust to pan size)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create this mouthwatering casserole:
1. Prepare the Green Beans:
- Bring 16 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the green beans, cover, and cook for 6 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
- Drain the beans in a colander and immediately immerse them in the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant green color.
- Let the beans drain thoroughly. Spread them in a single layer on several layers of paper towels and pat them completely dry with more paper towels. This step is crucial for preventing a watery casserole.
2. Cook Bacon or Ham & Onion:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. If using ham, cook until it starts to brown.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet as soon as they are prepped.
- Cook until the onions are softened and golden brown and the bacon is crisp or ham is slightly crispy. If the skillet becomes dry, add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the bacon/ham and onion mixture to a bowl and set aside.
3. Make the Cheesy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk to create a smooth roux. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously after each addition until smooth before adding more. This slow addition prevents lumps and ensures a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the grated cheese and chopped pimentos. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and Bake:
- Gently stir the cooked green beans and the bacon/ham and onion mixture into the cheesy sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the panko bread crumbs are golden brown. If the panko doesn’t brown sufficiently, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Serving and Storage:
- Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting side dish warm.
- To Bake Later: Cover the unbaked casserole and refrigerate. Before baking, bring it to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-45 minutes, depending on the depth of the dish.
- To Hold Warm: Cover the baked casserole with foil and keep it warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to an hour.
Preparing fresh green beans for the Pioneer Woman casserole, snapping ends for bite-sized pieces.
Tips and Variations for the Best Green Bean Casserole
- Salt Your Bean Water: Don’t skimp on the salt when boiling the green beans. Salting the water is essential for flavorful beans.
- Ice Bath is Key: The ice bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process and preserving the bright green color and crisp-tender texture of the beans.
- Dry the Beans Thoroughly: Excess moisture is the enemy of a creamy casserole. Ensure the green beans are completely dry before adding them to the sauce.
- Bacon vs. Ham: Pioneer Woman’s original recipe calls for bacon, which adds a smoky, crispy element. Ham provides a slightly meatier and savory flavor. Choose your preference or experiment with both!
- Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar cheese offers a classic flavor, but Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a milder or spicier twist. For a unique flavor, try cotija, as suggested in the original recipe, or Gruyère for a nutty, sophisticated taste.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs provide a wonderful crispy topping. For extra flavor, toss them with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder before sprinkling over the casserole.
- Make it Vegetarian: To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or ham. You can enhance the umami flavor by adding a pinch of dried porcini mushroom powder to the cheesy sauce or using vegetable broth instead of milk for part of the liquid.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (approx. 16 servings):
- Calories: 139
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 29mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 7g
This Pioneer Woman green bean casserole recipe offers a delightful and flavorful update to the traditional holiday side dish. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, crispy bacon or ham, and fresh green beans, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy green bean casserole!
