string beans recipe southern
The Best string beans recipe southern
Classic Southern-Style String Bean Casserole
A hearty, comforting dish featuring tender string beans baked in a savory tomato sauce with a flaky crust. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 lbs string beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, onion powder, and smoked paprika to form a dough. -
2
In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic over medium heat until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. -
3
In another bowl, combine milk, heavy cream, and cheese until melted. Stir in the cooked onion-garlic mixture and string beans. Let sit for 10 minutes. -
4
Press the flour mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Pour the bean mixture evenly over the crust. -
5
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, about 30–35 minutes.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Whisk
- Oven
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Use fresh string beans for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain well before cooking.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top before serving for garnish.
Watch Video Of How Classic Southern-Style String Bean Casserole Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern-Style String Bean Casserole
How do I know when string beans are ripe for picking?
String beans are ready when they are about 6 to 8 inches long and have a vibrant green color, with a slight curve to their shape. They should feel firm to the touch, not soft or mushy. If you pick them too early, they’ll be small and tender, but if you wait too long, they’ll become tough and seedy.
Can I substitute fresh string beans with frozen ones?
Yes, you can use frozen string beans, but adjust the cooking time. Frozen beans may not be as crisp as fresh ones, so sauté or steam them for about 4–5 minutes until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
What if my string beans are slightly wilted or limp?
Wilted string beans can still work—just trim off any wilted ends and rinse them under cold water to refresh. If they’re too limp, they may not hold up well in stir-fries or sautéing. For best results, use them in dishes where they’ll be cooked quickly, like in a stir-fry or as a side salad.
How should I store leftover string beans?
Store leftover string beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If they’re cooked, let them cool before storing to prevent condensation. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a bag once frozen solid.
Why do my string beans turn mushy when cooking?
String beans can become mushy if overcooked or boiled too long. To prevent this, sauté or stir-fry them quickly over medium-high heat, or steam them for just 3–4 minutes. Avoid boiling them, as the water will draw out their moisture.
