Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Blanch the green beans in a large pot of well-salted boiling water for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath, then drain well and pat dry.
2 pounds fresh green beans
Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the Dijon mustard and dried thyme. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and a few generous grinds of black pepper until smooth and heated through.
2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup finely diced white onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 10.5-ounce cans condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/4 cup heavy cream, Freshly ground black pepper
In a large bowl, combine the green beans, soup mixture, 1/2 cup of the crispy fried onions, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the beans are evenly coated.
1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of crispy fried onions and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover and continue baking for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.