If you’ve ever thought green bean casserole was just a holiday thing, this Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe is here to change your mind forever. Imagine tender green beans perfectly cooked in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, all whipped up faster than you can say “dinner time” thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. With golden, crispy fried onions on top adding that irresistible crunch, this dish is cozy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up on a weeknight or making a show-stopping side for guests, this recipe brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by how quick this recipe comes together — each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish shine. From vibrant green beans to savory mushrooms and crispy fried onions, every element plays its part in this delightful casserole.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds richness and helps sauté ingredients for depth of flavor.
- ½ cup onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a subtle crunch that softens during cooking.
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms: Bring earthiness and moisture to balance the creamy sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic warmth that brightens the casserole.
- 1½ pounds green beans (trimmed and cut): The star vegetable offering vibrant color and satisfying bite.
- 1 cup vegetable broth: Keeps everything moist and blends flavors harmoniously.
- 1 cup French fried onions: Crunchy topping that becomes gloriously golden and irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that creamy, luscious texture.
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nutty tang and layers of savory goodness.
- 10.75 ounces cream of mushroom soup (1 can): Classic creamy base that binds all ingredients together with comforting flavor.
- Kosher salt (to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a hint of spice and rounds out the seasoning perfectly.
How to Make Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your fried onions crisp evenly without sticking, and you’ll thank yourself later for this shine-on-the-ready crunch factor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions in the Instant Pot
Press the Sauté button on your Instant Pot and melt one tablespoon of butter. When it starts to sizzle gently, toss in the diced onions. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until translucent — this stage is essential because it softens the onions and unlocks their natural sweetness that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Garlic
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and keep cooking for 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll notice the mushrooms soften and release their liquid, deepening the flavor base. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Season this mixture with salt and black pepper now to build layers of savory taste right from the start.
Step 4: Add Broth and Green Beans
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the green beans, stirring everything so the beans get coated evenly with all the delicious flavors. When everything is mixed well, hit the Cancel button on the Instant Pot — this marks the end of your sauté phase.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Green Beans
Secure and seal the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on Manual High pressure for 4 minutes. When the timer goes off, perform a quick release of the steam to prevent overcooking and keep those green beans perfectly tender-crisp — just like they should be!
Step 6: Crisp Up the French Fried Onions
While the beans are cooking, spread your French fried onions on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the hot oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye out as they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step is crucial because it elevates the onions from store-bought crispy to homemade spectacularly crunchy, creating that iconic topping everyone loves.
Step 7: Make the Parmesan Flour Mixture
Next, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine this melted butter with flour and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will act as your thickening agent and infuse the casserole with a subtle cheesy note that makes this recipe uniquely delicious.
Step 8: Bring It All Together
Once the Instant Pot’s pin drops, carefully remove the lid. Press the Sauté button again and stir your Parmesan-flour mixture into the green beans. Follow this up by mixing in the cream of mushroom soup. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. If the casserole feels too thick, add a splash of broth until the sauce reaches your desired, creamy consistency.
Step 9: Finish and Serve
You can either serve the casserole straight from the Instant Pot or transfer it to your favorite baking dish. Just sprinkle those golden crispy onions over the top right before serving for that classic crunch. This dish is now perfectly ready to amaze your family or impress guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
How to Serve Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The crispy French fried onions are the star garnish here — they add that irresistible crunch and a delightful golden finish. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little fresh parsley or thyme for color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even grilled chicken, making it a perfect classic side for holiday meals or cozy family dinners. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy dinner rolls complement the creamy, savory sauce especially well.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving this casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at a dinner party. Or layer it with a cheesy gratin topping for an added indulgence. No matter how you plate it, the bold flavors and creamy texture will shine through and steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more after a day, so you might just find the next-day version tastes even better!
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole, but for best texture, keep the crispy onion topping separate and add it fresh after reheating. Freeze the casserole in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months, making it a great time-saving option for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your green bean casserole gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Add the crispy onions on top once reheated to keep them crunchy. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works — just cover and stir halfway through reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for fresh green beans, and trimming and cutting them as directed gives the best texture and freshness in your casserole. Frozen beans can be used but may result in a softer texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by swapping the butter for vegan butter, using a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, and choosing vegan-friendly fried onions, you can easily adapt this Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe for a delicious plant-based meal.
Can I prepare the casserole without using the oven?
Definitely! You can skip the oven step and simply use the French fried onions straight from the package, though they won’t be as crispy or golden. Alternatively, crisp them in a skillet on the stove for a few minutes to mimic that texture.
How do I prevent the green beans from getting mushy?
The quick pressure cooking time of 4 minutes combined with a quick release ensures the beans stay tender yet crisp. Be sure not to overcook and always perform the quick release to stop cooking immediately.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can, but keep in mind the capacity of your Instant Pot. Doubling might require cooking in batches or using a larger pressure cooker for even cooking and great results.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a game-changer that brings comfort food magic to your table faster and easier than you ever imagined. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave something cozy, creamy, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new favorite go-to dish — your family and guests will definitely be asking for seconds!
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Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole is a quick and easy twist on the classic comfort dish. Tender green beans are cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, then mixed with creamy mushroom soup and topped with crispy baked French fried onions. It combines pressure cooking and baking techniques to deliver a rich, flavorful casserole in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday sides.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ pounds green beans, trimmed and cut
Dairy & Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup French fried onions
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 10.75 ounces cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing it for baking the French fried onions crispy.
- Sauté Onions: Press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onions and cook them for 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent, developing their sweetness.
- Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms to the Instant Pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and most liquid has evaporated. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add Broth and Green Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the trimmed green beans, stirring to coat everything well. Press the Cancel button to stop sautéing.
- Pressure Cook Green Beans: Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and cook on Manual High pressure for 4 minutes. Once finished, perform a quick pressure release to safely release the steam.
- Bake Fried Onions: While the Instant Pot cooks, spread the French fried onions evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the all-purpose flour and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: When the pressure in the Instant Pot releases, carefully open the lid and press Sauté again. Stir in the flour-parmesan mixture followed by the cream of mushroom soup. Mix gently until fully incorporated, adding a splash of broth if the mixture is too thick.
- Serve: Optionally, transfer the green bean casserole mixture to a serving or baking dish. Sprinkle the baked crispy fried onions evenly on top and serve immediately for a delicious, creamy, and crunchy casserole.
Notes
- Baking the French fried onions separately makes them extra crispy and prevents sogginess in the casserole.
- A quick release after pressure cooking preserves the bright green color and crisp texture of the green beans.
- You can use a dairy-free butter substitute to make this recipe vegan with a suitable mushroom soup option.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to taste, since cream of mushroom soup can contain salt.
- To make the casserole ahead, prepare up to step 8 and refrigerate. Add fried onions just before serving.
