Step 1 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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Step 2 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Spray an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Step 3 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Step 4 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Cut the green beans into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Slice the mushrooms, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
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Step 5 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Once the water is boiling, add the green beans. Blanch until they are bright green, about 3 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water.
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Step 6 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Set a large pot over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook, flipping once, until browned and crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Do not discard the fat from the pot.
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Step 7 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Add the mushrooms and chopped onion to the bacon drippings. Saute until mushrooms are browned and shrunken and onion is soft, 6-7 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Step 8 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Sprinkle the flour over mushroom mix and stir with a spatula to coat. Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pot, whisking to dissolve flour. Pour in the half-and-half, and season with the salt and black pepper.
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Step 9 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Cook the sauce, whisking constantly, until it begins to bubble and thicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow sauce to simmer, whisking occasionally, until it is reduced by about a third, 5-7 minutes.
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Step 10 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Crumble or chop the bacon into 1/4-inch pieces. Add the green beans and half the bacon to the pot, and stir to coat with the sauce. Pour the green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Step 11 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Bake the casserole on middle rack of oven for 15 minutes.
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Step 12 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Open the oven and sprinkle the french-fried onions and reserved bacon in an even layer over the top. Continue baking until casserole is bubbling at the edges, 5-10 minutes.
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Step 13 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Check to see that casserole is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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Step 14 of 14
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Allow casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.