Dinner: Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Sausage

Recipe by Woman's Day Kitchen Crisped, succulent Italian sausage adds loads of flavor to this reinvented version of a holiday staple.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon, Spinach

Health benefits of Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Sausage

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

3 tbsp. olive oil
kosher salt
Pepper
2 lb. green beans
6 oz. Italian sausage
1 c. fresh bread crumbs
1/4 c. grated Parmesan
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan
1 onion
1 clove garlic
3/4 c. 2-percent milk
4 oz. lowfat cream cheese
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch cayenne pepper
2 tsp. fresh lemon zest
1 bunch spinach

Instructions

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Oil a 2-quart baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and cook until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to cool.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and toss with the bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add the onion, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until very tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese, nutmeg, cayenne, and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes; stir in the lemon zest and toss with the green beans.
Fold in the spinach and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the sausage mixture and bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

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