this is a family favorite
Green beans in Green Bean Casserole are young, unripe fruits of various cultivars of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), although immature or young pods of the runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis), and hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) are used similarly. Green beans are known by many common names, including French beans (French: haricot vert), string beans (although most modern varieties are “stringless”), and snap beans or simply “snaps.” In the Philippines, they are also known as “Baguio beans” or “habichuelas” to distinguish them from yardlong beans.
Different Varieties
They are distinguished from the many other varieties of beans in that green beans are harvested and consumed with their enclosing pods before the bean seeds inside have fully matured. An analogous practice is the harvest and consumption of unripened pea pods, as is done with snow peas or sugar snap peas. (Wikipedia)
Ingredients
1 cup bread crumbs (if using fresh bread crumbs toast them first)
1 and 1/2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 and 1/2 cups milk
4 teaspoons dry ranch salad dressing mix
1/2 teaspoon black or white pepper
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 and 1/2 pounds green beans, cooked until tender
Directions
To make the sauce for this easy Green Bean Casserole, start by melting the butter on low heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Using a wire whisk, stir in milk, and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes whisking constantly. Stir in salad dressing mix and pepper. Set aside. Note: using white pepper is good for getting the pepper flavor without getting the black spots of color. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray the pan with cooking oil. Over medium heat saute the onion and the garlic for 2 to 3 minutes making sure the garlic does not burn. Set aside half of this mixture. Add the mushrooms and cook an additional 5 minutes. Add the green beans and sauce in a 1 and 1/2 quart casserole dish. Combine the breadcrumbs with the reserved onion mixture and sprinkle over the green beans. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Enjoy!