Green Bean Casserole: Cups For 13X9 Pan

Green bean casserole is a classic holiday side dish that can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. The recipe typically calls for a 13x9-inch baking dish, and the number of cups of green beans needed will depend on the type of beans used. If using canned green beans, you will need about two 14.5-ounce cans, which is equivalent to around four cups of beans. For frozen green beans, you will need two 16-ounce bags, and for fresh green beans, you will need about 1.5 pounds.

Fresh, frozen or canned green beans can be used

Fresh, frozen, or canned green beans can be used for a 13x9 pan casserole. Here's what you need to know:

Fresh Green Beans

To prepare fresh green beans, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3 to 8 minutes, depending on your desired texture. Drain the beans and set them aside.

Frozen Green Beans

If using frozen green beans, you can skip the cooking process and simply thaw them before assembling the casserole. However, some recipes suggest cooking frozen green beans in boiling water for about 5 minutes for a better texture.

Canned Green Beans

Canned green beans are already tender, so they can be used directly without any additional cooking. Simply drain the beans and proceed with the recipe.

Regardless of the type of green beans you choose, the rest of the preparation remains the same. Combine the green beans with the sauce, which typically includes condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper. Layer the green bean mixture in a 13x9-inch baking dish with French-fried onions, and bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until hot and bubbly.

The type of green beans you use can impact the texture and flavour of your casserole. Fresh and frozen green beans offer a tender-crisp texture, while canned green beans are softer. Fresh green beans also provide a fresher flavour.

So, whether you're using fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, follow the simple preparation steps and enjoy your delicious green bean casserole!

The recipe requires two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup

The creamy, crunchy green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, but it's so good it should be enjoyed all year round. The recipe for this delicious side dish requires two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Campbell's is the brand of choice for many, but you can also make your own.

The soup is a key ingredient in the casserole, providing a savoury, earthy flavour that blends beautifully with the other ingredients. The soup is combined with milk, soy sauce, pepper, and, of course, green beans, to create a creamy sauce that coats the beans. This is then layered in a 13x9-inch baking dish with French-fried onions, and baked until hot and crispy.

You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans for this recipe. If using fresh beans, you'll need to parcook them first by boiling for a few minutes until they're crisp-tender. Frozen beans should be defrosted overnight, or you can steam them in the microwave. Canned beans are already tender, so you can skip the precooking step and just fold them straight into the sauce.

If you want to make your own condensed cream of mushroom soup, it's a simple process that yields a rich, flavourful soup that's far superior to the canned variety. All you need are some basic ingredients: butter, mushrooms, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, milk, and flour. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.

To make the soup, melt the butter in a saucepan, add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid. Stir in the chicken broth, onion powder, and garlic powder, then bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour, then stir this mixture into the saucepan and cook until the soup thickens. That's it! You now have a delicious, homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup that will take your green bean casserole to the next level.

Milk can be whole, plant-based, or a combination of the two

To make a green bean casserole in a 13x9 pan, you'll need 8 cups of cooked cut green beans. This is a simple recipe that involves tossing the green beans in a creamy mushroom soup-based sauce, with a few spices, and baking it in the oven.

Milk Options

Milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, including casseroles. It can be sourced from animals or plants, and each type has unique characteristics.

Dairy milk, particularly from cows, has been a staple in diets around the world for a long time. It is often touted as a perfect food due to its high calcium content, which is essential for building strong bones and teeth. However, dairy milk also contains other vital nutrients like vitamin D, B-vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Additionally, dairy milk is a good source of protein, with one cup containing 8-10 grams.

On the other hand, plant-based milk has gained popularity as a dairy-free alternative. There are about 17 types of plant milk, with almond, oat, soy, coconut, and pea milk being the most popular. These milk alternatives are made from a water-based plant extract and are often fortified with additional nutrients like calcium and vitamins A, D, and B12 to mimic the nutritional profile of dairy milk. While plant-based milk is generally lower in protein and calories than dairy milk, it offers other benefits. For example, it is cruelty-free, better for the environment due to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and land and water use, and suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or ethical concerns about the dairy industry.

When it comes to choosing milk for your green bean casserole or any other recipe, consider the unique characteristics of each type and your personal preferences. Both dairy and plant-based milk have their advantages, and you can even combine the two to create a blend that suits your taste and nutritional needs.

Soy sauce adds umami flavour

To make a green bean casserole in a 13x9 pan, you'll need 8 cups of cooked cut green beans.

Now, let's talk about soy sauce and its role in adding umami flavour to dishes like this green bean casserole.

Soy sauce is a liquid condiment that is commonly used to enhance the flavour of dishes in Asian cuisine and beyond. It is made through a lengthy curing and fermenting process of soybeans, which significantly raises the total glutamate content. This results in a distinct savoury taste known as umami.

Umami, a Japanese word meaning "pleasant savoury taste", is one of the five basic tastes that humans can detect, alongside salty, sweet, bitter, and sour. It is described as a "meaty" or "brothy" flavour and is characteristic of cooked meats and broths.

Soy sauce is a powerhouse of umami due to its high glutamate content, which is created during the fermentation process. Glutamate, or glutamic acid, is an amino acid commonly found in vegetable and animal proteins. It is responsible for the savoury taste associated with umami.

Adding just a couple of teaspoons of soy sauce to the green bean casserole enhances the savoury, umami flavour of the dish. This is because soy sauce lends its own umami characteristics while also bolstering the umami flavours from other ingredients like mushrooms.

Other Sources of Umami

While soy sauce is a great source of umami, it is not the only ingredient that contributes to this savoury taste. Here are some other ingredients that are rich in umami flavour:

• Seaweed, especially kombu, is often used in Japanese cuisine to add depth to broths and sauces due to its high glutamate content.
• Aged cheeses, such as Parmesan, Comte, and Cheddar, have higher levels of glutamic acid as their proteins break down during the ageing process.
• Meat, particularly dried, aged, or processed meats, contains high levels of glutamic acid, with cured meats being a notable source of umami.
• Mushrooms, especially dried varieties like shiitake, are rich in umami flavour due to their guanylate content.
• Fish sauce, a fermented sauce made from fish and salt, is another potent source of umami and is often used in combination with soy sauce.
• Tomatoes, especially dried or sun-dried varieties, are excellent plant-based sources of umami due to their high glutamic acid content.

By incorporating soy sauce and other umami-rich ingredients, you can elevate the flavour of dishes like green bean casserole, taking them from ordinary to extraordinary.

French-fried onions are essential

French-fried onions can be found in most grocery stores, but if you can't find them, you can buy them online. You can also make your own at home with a recipe for crispy fried onions.

The onions are added to the dish in two parts. First, they are mixed with the green beans and sauce. Then, the dish is baked, and more onions are sprinkled on top and baked until golden. This two-step process ensures that the onions retain their crispiness and don't become soggy.

French-fried onions are typically made with vegetable oil, but you can also find them made with sustainable oils like palm oil. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can use reduced-fat or low-sodium French-fried onions.

In addition to French-fried onions, you can also add other toppings to your green bean casserole, such as shredded cheddar cheese, toasted almonds, or crumbled bacon. However, French-fried onions are the classic choice and will give your casserole that extra crunch and flavour.

Frequently asked questions