Italian Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pound(s) fresh green beans ends trimmed & cut in half
• 8 tablespoon(s) butter divided
• 2 tablespoon(s) minced onion
• 5 clove(s) garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup(s) flour
• 2 cup(s) milk
• 1 roasted red pepper diced
• salt & pepper
• 1/2 pound(s) mozzarella cheese cut in small pieces
• 3/4 sleeve of Ritz crackers crushed
• 1/4 cup(s) grated parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400. Butter a 2 qt casserole dish or 9x13 baking pan. Gently steam the green beans just until tender, but still firm. Arrange in bottom of pan.


2. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat, add onions and saute until translucent. Add garlic and saute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, whisk in milk, bring to a simmer, stir in red peppers and cheese. Turn off heat and stir until cheese is melted. Season with salt & pepper to taste.


3. Pour the sauce over top of green beans. Combine the crushed crackers, remaining 4 tablespoons melted butter and parmeasan cheese and spread over top of casserole. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.