Pioneer Woman Green Bean Casserole

Here is another Minnesota dish. Mom made green bean casserole a lot when I was growing up, only hers had hamburger in it. This is from a gal on TV. Pioneer Woman.

Serving Size: 8 Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh green beans, ends cut off salt

4 slices bacon, cut 1/4 inch pieces 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1/2 whole large onion, chopped 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 stick 4 tablespoons flour 2 1/2 cups whole milk, plus extra for thinning if needed 1/2 cup half and half freshly ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup panko bread crumbs, I might use less Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut the green beans in half if you like the pieces to be a little smaller. Blanch the green beans: drop them into lightly salted boiling water and allow the green beans to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the beans once they're cool and set aside. Add the bacon pieces to a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon for 2 minutes, and then add the peppers, garlic and onions, and continue cooking until the bacon is done (but not crisp) and the onions are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk immediately to evenly mix it into the butter. Cook for a minute or 2, and then pour in the milk and half and half. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, while the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Ad 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, some black pepper and the cayenne, and then add the grated cheese. Stir while the cheese melts. Turn off the heat. Add bacon'/onion mixture and stir to combine. Add the green beans and stir gently to combine. Pour into a baking dish and top with the panko. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the panko is golden, about 30 minutes. This is very easy and good. I would use a tight less panko. Adds a nice crunch. Could even prep ahead and cook last minute for 30 minutes