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Mac and Cheese Green Bean Casserole Recipe

4.9 from 90 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Boil the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to prepare for mixing.
  3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup and heavy cream for a rich base.
  4. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the sauce with savory flavors.
  5. Mix Sauce: Whisk all ingredients in the bowl well to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce consistency.
  6. Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the sauce and stir until every noodle is thoroughly coated.
  7. Add Green Beans: Incorporate the drained green beans into the mixture and stir well to evenly distribute them.
  8. Add Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend, mixing until integrated.
  9. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
  10. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top, followed by the crispy fried onions to add crunch.
  11. Cover Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep in moisture while baking.
  12. Bake Casserole: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and heat through.
  13. Brown Topping: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes until the fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
  14. Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set before serving.
  15. 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