Ree Drummond’s Fan-Favorite Green Bean Casserole | The Pioneer Woman

Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving side dish that is sure to delight your entire family? Look no further than Ree Drummond’s comforting and cheesy Green Bean Casserole. This easy-to-make dish combines tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a crunchy panko crumb crust. With just a few simple steps, you can create a fan-favorite that will quickly become a staple at your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends cut off
• Salt
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk (plus extra for thinning if needed)
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Green Beans: If you prefer smaller pieces, cut the green beans in half. Blanch them in lightly salted boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and plunge them into ice-cold water to halt the cooking process. Once cool, drain the beans and set aside.

3. Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add the bacon pieces. Cook for about 2 minutes, then mix in the diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Continue cooking until the bacon is cooked through but not crisp, and the onions turn golden brown (around 3 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, mixing well to combine, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and half-and-half. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, black pepper, and the cayenne pepper. Stir in the grated Cheddar until melted and smooth, then turn off the heat.

5. Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bacon and onion mixture with the cheese sauce. Gently fold in the blanched green beans until well mixed.

6. Bake: Pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish and top it off with the panko breadcrumbs. Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbly and the panko is a lovely golden brown—about 30 minutes.

Serve It Up!

Once your Green Bean Casserole is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This cheesy delight is the perfect companion to your Thanksgiving turkey or ham and will have everyone asking for seconds. Ree Drummond’s take on this iconic dish is not only easy to prepare but also promises a rich and indulgent flavor that will warm hearts and bring families together around the table. Enjoy!

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Video “Ree Drummond's Fan-Favorite Green Bean Casserole | The Pioneer Woman | Food Network” was uploaded on 11/04/2025 to Youtube Channel Food Network