Description
A quick and easy stovetop green bean casserole with a crispy panko topping, creamy garlic sauce, and tender green beans. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) frozen green beans
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Toast the panko: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and nutty. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in grated Parmesan. Set aside.
- Cook the green beans: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add frozen green beans directly from the bag and spread into an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly tender.
- Add garlic: Push green beans to one side of the skillet. Add minced garlic to the empty space and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir into the green beans.
- Make the sauce: Pour in broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Stir to combine.
- Add topping: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle toasted panko mixture over the top and gently stir in, leaving some panko crunchy on top.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving dish or serve straight from the skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For best results, toast panko separately and add just before serving to maintain crunch. Use frozen green beans straight from the bag—do not thaw. If sauce is too thin, simmer an additional minute; if too thick, add a splash of broth or milk. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 c
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7
Keywords: green bean casserole, crispy green bean casserole, quick side dish, 20-minute recipe, stovetop casserole, easy side dish, weeknight dinner, comfort food