If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that warms the heart and pleases the palate, you’ve landed in the right place. This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is a cherished recipe that I often whip up for family gatherings and busy weeknights alike. With its creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch and topped with crispy fried shallots, it’s bursting with flavor and texture. You won’t find any canned soups here—just wholesome ingredients that bring comfort to your table.

What makes this dish even more special is how versatile it is. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a simple Sunday meal, this casserole fits right in. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this casserole without any fuss.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves green bean casserole! It’s a great way to get those veggies in without anyone complaining.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance, pop it in the oven when you’re ready, and enjoy more time with your loved ones.
Rich and Flavorful: The homemade creamy mushroom sauce takes this dish to the next level of deliciousness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday feasts to casual dinners, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! They are simple and wholesome, making this casserole not only delicious but also nutritious.

For the Fried Shallots

4 medium shallots (halved lengthwise & then sliced thinly into half moons)
1 cup vegetable oil
Creole Cajun Seasoning – homemade or store-bought (or seasoned salt), to taste

For the Casserole

24 ounces fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms (sliced)
1 tablespoon garlic (minced or paste)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (smooth or whole grain)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences.

Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some sliced carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Change Up the Cheese: Try using cheddar or Gruyère instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper if you like a kick!
Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with olive oil and use plant-based cream to create a delicious vegan version.

How to Make Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Shallots

Start by frying those shallots! Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add your sliced shallots. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy—this brings out their natural sweetness and adds an irresistible crunch to your casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Green Beans

While your shallots are frying, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add your trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 3-5 minutes until they turn bright green but still crisp. This step keeps them vibrant and prevents overcooking later on.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

In another large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir in minced garlic for additional flavor before sprinkling in flour. This creates a roux that thickens your sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Slowly whisk in chicken broth while continuing to stir. Then add lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to simmer until thickened before mixing in heavy cream and half of your grated parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

In a large baking dish, combine blanched green beans with your creamy mushroom sauce. Mix well until all beans are coated evenly. Top with remaining parmesan cheese and those crispy fried shallots we made earlier. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until bubbly.

And there you have it—a comforting Homemade Green Bean Casserole that will surely become a favorite at your table! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Creating the perfect Homemade Green Bean Casserole is easy when you keep a few key tips in mind!

Use fresh ingredients – Fresh green beans and mushrooms enhance the flavor and texture of your casserole, making it taste vibrant and delicious.
Don’t skip the shallots – Crispy fried shallots add an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor, elevating your casserole from ordinary to extraordinary.
Adjust seasoning to your taste – Feel free to tweak the spices and seasonings, such as adding more red pepper flakes for a kick or extra lemon juice for brightness; this dish should reflect your palate!
Make it ahead of time – You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it before baking; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Use different cheese options – If you want to mix things up, try substituting half of the parmesan with another cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a unique twist.

How to Serve Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Serving your Homemade Green Bean Casserole is just as important as making it! A little thought into presentation can go a long way in impressing your guests.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of freshness that complements the creamy flavors.
Toasted pine nuts – These will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with green beans.

Side Dishes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory casserole, offering balance and warmth.
Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing – This light side dish adds a refreshing touch, and its nutty flavor complements the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and indulgent, these mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce from the casserole.
Cranberry Sauce – A tangy cranberry sauce brings an exciting pop of acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish, making every bite more dynamic.

Enjoy bringing this gorgeous Homemade Green Bean Casserole to your table! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Green Bean Casserole is not just a delightful dish for your holiday table; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store it after preparation:

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
Transfer it to an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If the top looks too brown, cover it with foil during reheating.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Homemade Green Bean Casserole without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with half and half, or use a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a lighter version.

How long does Homemade Green Bean Casserole last in the fridge?

When stored properly, homemade green bean casserole can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it well!

Can I prepare Homemade Green Bean Casserole in advance?

Absolutely! This dish is ideal for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Just follow the storage instructions above for best results.

What type of green beans should I use?

Fresh green beans are recommended for this recipe as they provide a crisp texture. However, you may use frozen green beans if fresh ones are unavailable.

Can I add other vegetables to my Homemade Green Bean Casserole?

Certainly! Feel free to include other veggies such as carrots or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Homemade Green Bean Casserole as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal, especially during special occasions. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and make it your own. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Homemade Green Bean Casserole, an irresistible side dish that brings joy to any meal. This delightful casserole features fresh green beans enveloped in a creamy homemade mushroom sauce, enhanced with a touch of lemon and Dijon mustard for a zesty kick. Topped with crispy fried shallots, this dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Say goodbye to canned soups—this recipe uses wholesome ingredients to create a truly comforting experience that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

24 ounces fresh green beans
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms
1 tablespoon garlic
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy whipping cream (or plant-based alternative)
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the shallots: Fry thinly sliced shallots in vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy.
Cook the green beans: Blanch trimmed green beans in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes until bright green.
Make the creamy mushroom sauce: Sauté mushrooms in melted butter, add garlic, then stir in flour; gradually whisk in chicken broth, followed by lemon juice, mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, and cream. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Mix blanched green beans with the sauce and half of the parmesan cheese in a baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and fried shallots.
Bake: Cook at 350°F for about 25 minutes until bubbly.