Description
This Healthy Green Bean Casserole offers a fresh and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Featuring crisp steamed green beans combined with a creamy mushroom and cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy, flavorful onion and pork rind mixture, this recipe is both low-carb and packed with savory goodness. Perfect for a wholesome side dish or a light main, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Onion Topping Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups pork rinds
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Green Beans Casserole Ingredients:
- 2 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the onion topping: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are partially cooked but still firm. Avoid overcooking so they don’t become too soft.
- Make the breadcrumb mixture: While the onions cook, add pork rinds to a food processor and pulse until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
- Combine topping ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onions to a medium bowl and let them cool for a few minutes. Add the processed pork rinds, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Steam the green beans: Fill a large pot with about 2 cups of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil, add the trimmed green beans to the basket, cover the pot, and steam until fork-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and combine casserole ingredients: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the steamed green beans. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Lightly oil a casserole dish. Spoon the green bean mixture evenly into the dish and spread it out. Sprinkle the prepared onion and pork rind topping over the green bean mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) with the rack in the middle position. Bake the casserole uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your healthy and crunchy green bean casserole!
Notes
- Quickly trim green beans by lining them up on a cutting board and cutting off both ends at once.
- Keep an eye on the green beans when steaming to avoid overcooking; mushy beans will affect texture.
- Slice onions thinly to ensure the topping crisps up well in the oven.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the casserole in the oven to maintain its crispy topping and creamy interior.
