RANCH GREEN BEAN AND MUSHROOM CASSEROLE

nonstick cooking spray

1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp white whole-wheat flour
1 tbsp dry Ranch salad dressing mix
2 to 3 grinds of fresh ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup soft whole-grain breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Place the green beans in a saucepan and cover with water.  Bring beans to a boil and cook 15 minutes or until crisp-tender.

While beans cook, make the sauce in a medium sauce.  Belt the butter and stir in the flour, dressing mix, and pepper until combined.  Stir in the milk and cook slowly while stirring, until thickened.  Remove from the heat.

Cook a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat.  Add the onion and garlic to the heated skillet and sauté about 3 minutes or until tender.  Remove half from the skillet and set aside.  Add mushrooms to the skillet and continue cooking until tender, about 5 minutes.

Drain the green beans in a colander.  Place back in pan and add the mushroom mixture and the sauce, stirring to combine.  Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the reserved onions with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the beans.

Bake, uncovered, 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Yield: 8-10 servings

File Photo