Mac and Cheese Green Bean (Printable Format)

Macaroni, cheddar, and green beans baked in a comforting, creamy dish with crisp onion topping.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Pasta and Vegetables

01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
02 - 3 cups green beans, trimmed

→ Cheese and Dairy

03 - 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
04 - 1 cup milk

→ Canned Goods

05 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

→ Seasonings

06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Topping

10 - 1 cup fried onions, divided

→ Optional for Cheese Sauce

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 5 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
04 - Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir continuously to form a roux; cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until thickened, then remove from heat and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
05 - In a large bowl, mix together the drained green beans, cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and condensed cream of mushroom soup. Fold in half of the fried onions. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
06 - Sprinkle the remaining fried onions evenly over the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the surface is golden brown and casserole is bubbling.
07 - Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for optimal melt and flavor.