GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE W/ SWEET PEPPERS & CHEESE

Green Bean Casserole W/ Sweet Peppers & Cheese image

Provided by Rose Mary Mogan @cookinginillinois

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 pound(s) fine frozen green beans
1/2 pound(s) fresh sliced mushrooms
18 - baby carrots (sliced on the diagonal)
1 medium red onion, chopped
8-10 - mini sweet red peppers (cut into ringlets)
6 tablespoon(s) butter divided
5 tablespoon(s) wondra flour or use cake flour
1 1/2 cup(s) heavy whipping cream
2 cup(s) whole milk
1 teaspoon(s) each kosher salt, coarse black pepper, dried thyme
1 1/2 cup(s) freshly shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup(s) mild cheddar cheese shreds
1 1/2 cup(s) french's fried onion rings
- extra mini sweet red pepper ringlets reserved from above as garnish

Steps:

PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 DEGREES F. Spray a 9X13 size casserole dish with non stick cooking spray and set aside till needed.
Using a large pot of hot water bring it to a boil and then drop in the frozen green beans and cook for about 4 minutes, then remove them with a slotted spoon into a large bowl of cold ice water, this stops the cooking process. Then drain completely until needed.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with a tablespoon of olive or canola oil, then add in the sliced carrots, sweet red pepper ringlets, chopped red onion, & sliced mushrooms, sauté until tender about 6-8 minutes then add to reserved green beans and stir to blend together, leaving aside till needed.
Next melt remaining butter in large skillet or pot, then add in flour forming a paste, and whisk with a whisk, then slowly add in the whole milk and heavy whipping cream, stirring until mixture thickens, then add in both cheeses, and stir until cheese melts. Then add in the green Bean mixture & the spices.
Stir until green beans are mixed with cheese mixture.
Pour into prepared casserole dish, & top with French fried onion rings, and reserved red pepper rings. Place in preheated 375 degree F. oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until mixture is hot and bubbly.