French beans in a cheese sauce, baked until bubbling, topped with a poached egg. Dinner in under 45 minutes. The red chili and garlic go in first, which means every layer picks up that heat. Monterey Jack melts clean and doesn’t go greasy the way sharper cheeses can. Serve with a baguette and you have a full meal. Two pans, one casserole dish.
How to Make French Beans Casserole with Poached Egg
Build flavor in the base
Sauté the chili and garlic long enough to soften and become fragrant before adding the beans. A rushed sauté means raw garlic flavor that survives the bake. Two to three minutes on medium heat is enough.
The poached egg timing
Poach the egg while the casserole rests for a minute out of the oven. A fresh poached egg on a hot casserole is the goal; don’t poach it before the dish is ready or it will be overcooked by the time you serve. 
French Beans Casserole with Poached Egg
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Vegetarian, Omnivore
Description
Creamy French beans baked with Monterey Jack cheese, then topped with a perfectly poached egg. A simple yet satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (591 ml) french beans
- 1 red chilli
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- salt
- pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the red chili and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the beans and fry for a few minutes.
- Mix in the milk, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange grated cheese in the bottom of a casserole. Pour in the bean and milk mixture.
- Bake at 356°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- Serve with a poached egg on top and baguette slices.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim milk.
- If you don’t have Monterey Jack, a similar melting cheese like Colby Jack or even Cheddar will work well.
- To prevent the casserole from drying out, cover it loosely with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 100
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese instead of Monterey Jack?
Gruyère or mild cheddar both melt well and work here. Avoid anything too sharp, as the milk base is delicate and a strong cheese can overpower the beans.
How do I poach the egg for serving on top?
Bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer and add a teaspoon of vinegar. Swirl the water, crack the egg into the center, and cook for about 3 minutes until the white is set but the yolk is still runny.
Should I pre-cook the french beans before baking?
Yes, the recipe calls for sautéing the beans with garlic and chilli before assembling the casserole. This step softens them slightly and builds flavor so they finish properly in the oven.
