Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish combining tender macaroni noodles, a rich cheddar cheese sauce, and crisp green beans topped with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, finished with a crunchy layer of crispy fried onions. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a delicious twist on classic comfort food, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz macaroni noodles, uncooked
- 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Vegetables and Cheese
- 14.5 oz canned cut green beans, drained
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Topping
- 2 cups French’s crispy fried onions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to prepare for mixing.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup and heavy cream for a rich base.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the sauce with savory flavors.
- Mix Sauce: Whisk all ingredients in the bowl well to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce consistency.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the sauce and stir until every noodle is thoroughly coated.
- Add Green Beans: Incorporate the drained green beans into the mixture and stir well to evenly distribute them.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, mixing until integrated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top, followed by the crispy fried onions to add crunch.
- Cover Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep in moisture while baking.
- Bake Casserole: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and heat through.
- Brown Topping: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the casserole onto plates and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and crunchy comfort food classic.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh green beans if preferred; blanch them before adding.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of mustard powder to the sauce.
- The crispy fried onions on top can be replaced with breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Ensure not to overcook the macaroni to avoid mushiness in the casserole.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness on top.
Keywords: mac and cheese, green bean casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, baked casserole, side dish, holiday recipe