Ham and Green Bean Casserole

Preparation Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Blanching the Green Beans Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Making the Sauce In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until thickened, then stir in the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Assembling the Casserole Layer the blanched green beans and cubed ham in the greased baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the ham and green beans, ensuring an even distribution. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

5.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.