This healthy green bean casserole from scratch made with fresh green beans and mushrooms is simply delicious, and way better than the canned version. It's perfect for your Thanksgiving table, or any time you're craving homemade comfort food. (vegetarian, includes gluten-free option)

If ever there is a time to cook your favorite foods from scratch, it's Thanksgiving. (Especially Thanksgiving 2020. Yikes.) Whether you're celebrating with two people or 20, you've GOT to make green bean casserole. Thanksgiving just isn't the same without it. If you've never made this holiday favorite from scratch, this is the year!

Why You'll Love This Green Bean Casserole

This homemade green bean casserole is made with real, fresh ingredients - fresh green beans and mushrooms, shallots, broth, and milk. With just a touch of butter and those signature crispy onions for the delicious taste you love (and a little less labor on Thanksgiving day.) It's healthier and tastes way better than the canned kind!

How To Make Green Bean Casserole

Blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes until bright green and slightly softened. Then drain them and set aside.
Make the 'cream of mushroom'. Melt the butter and add sliced shallot and mushrooms. Cook on medium low heat until the mushrooms are soft, then sprinkle with flour. Lower heat and stir in broth, milk, salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring, until thickened and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the green beans. Spread in a lightly greased baking dish and top with crispy onions.
Bake for 15 minutes, then serve!

closeup of green bean casserole topped with crispy onions in a white baking dish.

Tips For Making Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

Cut green beans in to one inch pieces for easier eating.
If you like your green beans more tender, boil them for a bit longer in the blanching process.
Keep the heat on low when adding the milk. You don't want it to curdle or scorch!
If you prefer a version without the crispy onions, leave them off and top with panko, bread crumbs, pecan pieces, or walnuts.
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the flour with 2 teaspoon cornstarch, and make sure the onions are gluten-free.

How Many People Does This Recipe Serve?

This recipe makes an 8 or 9 inch square dish. It will serve 4-6 people, so it's perfect for a smaller group. If you have a bigger group, double the recipe and bake in a 9x13 inch pan.

closeup of a spoon of green beans from green bean casserole sitting on top of a white dish of casserole.

Make Ahead Instructions

If you'd like to make this green bean casserole in advance, prepare the recipe as written but don't top it with the onions. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days, then when you're ready to bake, top it with onions and bake until heated through and the top is browned, about 20-25 minutes.

More Thanksgiving Favorites

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!

Healthy Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

green bean casserole topped with crispy onions in a white baking dish.

Print Recipe

Author: Kaleigh
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Category: side dish
Method: baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

½ lb green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp butter
1 small shallot, sliced thinly
4 oz mushrooms, sliced thinly
1 ½ tbsp flour
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
¾ cup milk
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 cup crispy fried onions

Instructions

Heat oven to 400°F.
Fill a pot with water and ½ teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Add green beans and cook until bright green and slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Melt butter over medium-low heat. Add mushrooms and shallot and cook, stirring, until mushrooms are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat.
Lower heat and add broth, milk, salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring, until bubbly and thickened, about 10 minutes.
Add green beans and coat with the mushroom sauce.
Lightly grease a square baking dish and spread green beans into the dish. Sprinkle with onions.
Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and serve hot.

Notes

Cut green beans into one inch pieces for easier eating.
If you like your green beans more tender, boil them for a bit longer in the blanching process.
Keep the heat on low when adding the milk. You don't want it to curdle or scorch!
If you prefer a version without the crispy onions, leave them off and top with panko, bread crumbs, pecan pieces, or walnuts.
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the flour with 2 teaspoon cornstarch, and make sure the onions are gluten-free.
For make ahead instructions see post above.

Keywords: healthy green bean casserole, green bean casserole from scratch, green bean casserole with fresh green beans