Elevate your holiday feast with a twist on a classic side dish—Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole with Stuffing. This modern rendition of the beloved green bean casserole combines the convenience of the Instant Pot with the comforting flavors of green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and a crispy stuffing topping. Perfect for busy days or festive occasions, this dish promises to be a showstopper on your table. Join us as we explore the ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step instructions, share cook notes and variations, and provide keto and low-carb versions. Get ready to impress your guests with the elegance of Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole with Stuffing!
Ingredients
For the Green Bean Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Stuffing Topping:
- 4 cups cubed bread or stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Green Bean Casserole:
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until bright green. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the blanched green beans and toss until well-coated.
- Transfer to Instant Pot: Place the green bean mixture into the Instant Pot.
Crafting the Stuffing Topping:
- Prepare the Stuffing Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cubed bread or stuffing mix, melted butter, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until the bread is well-coated.
- Layer the Stuffing: Spread the stuffing mixture over the green beans in the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Magic:
- Cook Under Pressure: Set the Instant Pot to the manual high-pressure setting for 4 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release of pressure.
- Crisp the Top: If desired, transfer the Instant Pot insert to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes until the stuffing topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Warm: Carefully scoop out servings, making sure to include both the creamy green bean casserole and the delightful stuffing topping.
Cook Notes
- Fresh vs. Frozen Green Beans: While fresh green beans are recommended for optimal texture, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. Thaw and drain them before blanching.
- Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: For an extra touch, consider making your own cream of mushroom soup with fresh mushrooms, onions, and cream.
- Adjusting Stuffing Moisture: If your stuffing appears too dry, add a little more broth until you achieve the desired moisture level.
Variations
1. Bacon Bliss:
Enhance the flavor by adding crispy bacon bits to the green bean casserole or mixing them into the stuffing topping.
2. Onion Crunch:
Incorporate crispy fried onions into the stuffing or sprinkle them over the top before serving for an added layer of crunch.
3. Cheese Lover’s Dream:
Experiment with different cheeses in the casserole or stuffing, such as gruyere or parmesan, for a more complex flavor profile.
Keto Versions
For those on a keto journey, consider these modifications:
- Cauliflower Substitution: Replace the green beans with blanched cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content.
- Almond Flour Stuffing: Use almond flour or a mixture of almond flour and coconut flour in place of traditional bread for the stuffing topping.
- Heavy Cream Magic: Substitute heavy cream for milk in the casserole for a richer, keto-friendly option.
Low-Carb Version
To cater to low-carb preferences, make these adjustments:
- Zucchini Ribbon Twist: Replace green beans with thinly sliced zucchini or yellow squash for a low-carb alternative.
- Nut Flour Crunch: Swap out the bread cubes in the stuffing for a combination of almond flour and crushed pork rinds for a low-carb crunch.
- Broth Control: Use a reduced-sodium broth or homemade broth to control the sodium content in both the casserole and stuffing.
Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole with Stuffing is a modern take on a classic side dish that brings together the ease of the Instant Pot with the comforting flavors of green bean casserole and a crispy stuffing topping. Whether you follow the traditional recipe, explore exciting variations, or adapt it to keto and low-carb preferences, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. So, set up your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and revel in the magic of a side dish that combines elegance with convenience. Here’s to the joy of culinary creativity and the delight of savoring each bite of this flavorful green bean casserole masterpiece!
