Superior Green Bean Casserole

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and position a rack in the center of the oven.

Step 2

Lightly grease a 2 1/2-3-quart casserole dish.

Step 3

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, fry the bacon until crisp, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4

Drain the crisp bacon on paper towels to cool.

Step 5

Crumble the crisp bacon and set aside.

Step 6

Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the pan and increase the heat to medium.

Step 7

Add the onions to the bacon drippings and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 8

Add the garlic to the onions and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 9

Add the cream of mushroom soup, the green beans, 1/2 of the cheddar cheese, the milk, and all but 2 tablespoons of the crumbled bacon to the onion mixture.

Step 10

Season the green bean mixture with the salt and the pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 11

Transfer the green bean mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

Step 12

Evenly top the casserole with the remaining cheese, the remaining bacon, and the fried onions.

Step 13

Bake until the fried onions are golden brown and the filling is bubbling, about 25-30 minutes.

Step 14

Serve.