This delicious spinach green bean casserole is a perfect side dish for any meal. With a creamy sauce, tender green beans, and healthy spinach, it's a crowd-pleasing recipe that will satisfy both kids and adults. This casserole is also easy to make and can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It's a great way to incorporate greens into your diet and enjoy a nutritious and flavorful dish. Serve it as a Thanksgiving or holiday side dish, or enjoy it anytime you crave a comforting and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the flour to the skillet and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook the flour.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and vegetable or chicken broth to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and paprika. Cook for an additional minute.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Add the blanched green beans and chopped spinach to the skillet, mixing well to coat the vegetables with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle the mixture over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional shredded cheese, if desired, and serve hot.
Interesting Facts
Green beans are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Spinach is packed with iron and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to this casserole.
The creamy cheese sauce adds a rich and comforting flavor to the dish.
This casserole can easily be made ahead of time and reheated when needed, making it a convenient option for busy days.