Shelly's Recipe

CAJUN GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

Category: Beans

2 lbs. fresh green beans, (trimmed and cut in half)
1 bunch green onions, sliced
2 tbs.'s olive oil
4 strips bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
1/2 cup baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup each onions, and red bell peppers, chopped
1 tbs. fresh thyme, chopped
Salt to taste
1 tbs. Cajun seasoning, divided
1 cup milk
3 tbs.'s butter
1/4 cup flour
1 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Few shakes Tabasco sauce

Place string beans in boiling water in a large stock pot and boil for about 8 minutes or until tender. Drain and transfer to a large greased, 3 qt. casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. In large skillet, saute the mushrooms, onions and bell peppers, in the olive oil, until soft. (about 10 minutes) Add bread crumbs and continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and add other half of Cajun seasoning, and thyme, mix well and set aside.

In large skillet, melt butter, and add green onions and saute for 5 minutes. Add flour and stir and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, and heat just to boiling. Continue stirring for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and add Tabasco.

Pour over string beans and stir gently to coat. Stir Parmesan cheese and bacon into bread crumb mixture and spread evenly over string bean mixture. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serves 8