“Merry Me” Green Bean Casserole

Prep Steps

• 4 cloves garlic {do:mince}
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, then chop {do:drain}
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly {do:grate}

The Green Beans

Option: Canned Green Beans {id:beans.can}

Quick and easy, straight from the pantry.

Drain well and set aside...

• 3 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans

Option: Fresh Green Beans {id:beans.fresh, preptime:+10, sodium:-380}

Brighter, crisper beans.

Trim, then cook in a large pot of boiling salted water for 4–5 minutes, until crisp-tender...

• 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans

Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, and set aside.

The Sauce

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, add...

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cook about a minute, until fragrant, then stir in...

• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Whisk in...

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Slowly pour in while whisking...

• 1 cup chicken broth

When it simmers and starts to thicken, reduce the heat to low and stir in...

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt{tip:We test with Morton kosher salt. Using table salt? Use about 3/4 as much. Diamond Crystal? Use about 1 1/2 times as much.}
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Bake

Stir the green beans into the sauce until coated, then transfer to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Bake 15–20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the beans are heated through.

Top & Finish

In a small bowl, toss together...

• 1 container (6 oz) crispy fried onions
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole along with...

• 2 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, cut into thin slivers

Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes to warm the topping.