Green Bean Casserole Without Mushroom Soup
This green bean casserole is made completely from scratch, no canned mushroom soup in sight! It’s creamy, flavorful, topped with a crispy finish, and perfect for holidays or comforting weeknight dinners. Easy to customize for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot For blanching green beans
- 1 Skillet or saucepan For making the roux & sauce
- 1 9x13 baking dish For assembling the casserole
- 1 Mixing bowl To combine all ingredients
Ingredients
- Casserole Base
- 1 ½ pounds | green beans | trimmed fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons | unsalted butter | or olive oil
- 1 small | yellow onion | finely chopped
- 2 cloves | garlic | minced optional
- 2 tablespoons | all-purpose flour | use GF flour for gluten-free
- 1 cup | chicken or vegetable broth |
- 1 cup | whole milk | or dairy-free alternative
- ½ teaspoon | salt | adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon | black pepper |
- ¼ teaspoon | ground nutmeg or paprika | optional
- Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup | shredded cheddar | or Gruyère
- 2 tablespoons | grated Parmesan |
- 1 teaspoon | Dijon mustard | optional flavor boost
- Topping
- 1 cup | crispy fried onions | or use panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter
Instructions
- Prep the Green Beans
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 4–5 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain and pat dry.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic (if using). Stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in broth and milk. Add seasonings. Simmer until thickened, 4–6 minutes.
- Combine & Assemble
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix green beans with sauce and optional cheese or mustard. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Add the Topping
- Sprinkle with fried onions or buttered breadcrumbs.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To make ahead: Assemble casserole without topping, refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake with topping added fresh.
- Customize easily for gluten-free, vegan, or keto-friendly needs (see full article for detailed variations).
- Add-ins like mushrooms, or lentils can make it heartier.