How to make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom

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This Green Bean Casserole with No Mushrooms is a must-make side dish perfect for easy weeknight meals, Sunday family dinners, and holidays!

How to make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom

This is an out-of-this-world homemade green bean casserole made with green beans, cheese, bacon, garlic, onions, and more!

Say goodbye to the creamy soup-based casserole and say hello to fresh and homemade. It’s so good, you won’t make it any other way!

Looking for more delicious side dishes and casseroles? Check out Tater Tot Casserole, Twice Baked Potato – The Perfect Steak Side Dish, Southern Style Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Legs, and Smoked Mac and Cheese!

How to make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom

This recipe was inspired by my brother’s desperate plea for a green bean casserole WITHOUT mushrooms!

Being the loving brother I am, I obliged. Not a single mushroom of any kind made it into this recipe. No cream of mushroom soup, no mushroom powder, no mushrooms of ANY kind. 

Please note, I’ll accept my award for best brother at any time.

While I personally enjoy mushrooms, if you also have a loved one that emphatically hates them then this recipe will save the day. 

Bursting with flavor and that perfectly crispy top layer. Everyone will marvel at this delicious, mushroom-free, green bean casserole. 

Tender greens, crispy fried onions, and a creamy center, this green bean casserole will have your mouth watering at first sight. 

How to make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom

Ingredients needed for Green Bean Casserole with No Mushrooms

  • 36 oz Green Beans (Frozen) snipped, thin cut
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • ¼ cup Flour
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • ¾ cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded
  • ¼ cup Cooked Bacon, Chopped
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • ½ tsp Granulated Garlic
  • 1 tsp Beef Base
  • 2 tsp Dry Minced Onions
  • 1 cup Crispy Fried Onions
How to make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom

How to Make Green Bean Casserole with No Mushrooms

Prepare Green Beans. Completely thaw green beans then pat dry with a paper towel.

Note: If you’re using fresh green beans blanch first in boiling water for 3-4 minutes then shock in an ice bath to cool to room temperature then set aside. 

Mix Sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter then whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and stir until thickened. Add in salt, pepper, garlic, and beef base. 

Fold in Green Beans. Cook for about 1 minute then fold in green beans, cheddar cheese, and ½ of the bacon. Cook for about 4 minutes until the green beans are warm.

Preheat Oven and Bake. Set the oven to 350°F. Then transfer the green bean mixture to a casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Top with remaining chopped bacon and crispy fried onions before serving.

How to make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom

Casserole Tips and Tricks

Skipping the stovetop: cooking fresh ingredients on the stovetop before adding them to the casserole improves both taste and texture. It can also help flavors blend and mix. 

Topping is not crispy: Ensure your casserole is thick enough, not watery. If needed, add a little flour or cornstarch to the casserole to thicken it up.

Green beans are mushy: If you have the time, it is typically best to use fresh-cut green beans because they hold their shape and texture better than frozen ones. First, roast, steam, or boil them until they are tender/crisp. Then, add them to the recipe. 

How to make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom

Can you freeze a green bean casserole? 

Definitely! Use plastic wrap to cover the oven-safe pan, then wrap the whole thing tightly in foil. It will keep for about 6 months. 

Can you refrigerate a green bean casserole? 

For sure! Have the dish cool to room temp and cover tightly with foil. Or transfer the green bean casserole into an airtight container. Store for up to 3 days. 

How to reheat a green bean casserole

Let it sit on the counter for about 30 mins. Then, reheat using the same cooking directions as the original recipe. I.e. Bake in the oven for 20mins at 350°F. 

How to make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom

What to pair with a green bean casserole? 

Chicken or turkey are both light but delicious options. They can be added directly into the casserole or simply served alongside. You can also try some other crowd favorites like mashed potatoes, sweet mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and/or Mac n Cheese. 

What other toppings can you use on a green bean casserole? 

Looking for some different flavor accents try cajun seasoning, old bay seasoning, jalapenos, more cheese, panko, bacon, bacon bits, small sausage bites, or crushed red pepper flakes.

How to make green bean casserole without cream of mushroom

More Recipes You Will Love


Green Bean Casserole NO MUSHROOMS!!

This Green Bean Casserole with No Mushrooms is a must-make side dish perfect for easy weeknight meals, Sunday family dinners, and holidays!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Casserole

Keyword green beans

Servings 8

Calories 228kcal

  • casserole dish (oven-safe)

  • 36 oz Green Beans (Frozen) snipped, thin cut
  • 4 tbsp Butter
  • ¼ cup Flour
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • ¾ cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded
  • ¼ cup Cooked Bacon, Chopped
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • ½ tsp Granulated Garlic
  • 1 tsp Beef Base
  • 2 tsp Dry Minced Onions
  • 1 cup Crispy Fried Onions

  • Completely thaw green beans then pat dry with paper towel. If using fresh green beans blanch in boiling water for 3-4 minutes then shock in an ice bath to cool to room temperature then set aside

  • In a large skillet over medium heat melt butter then whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and stir until thickened. Add in salt, pepper, garlic, and beef base. Cook for about 1 minute then fold in green beans, cheddar cheese, and ½ of the bacon. cook for about 4 minutes until green beans are warm.

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. then transfer the green bean mixture to a casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Top with remaining chopped bacon and crispy fried onions before serving.

serving size is about 1 cup

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 943mg | Potassium: 352mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1212IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 165mg | Iron: 2mg

How do I thicken my green bean casserole?

Add a thickener While your green bean casserole is on the stove, incorporate a thickener into the vegetables, such as cornstarch or flour. According to The Kitchn, you can combine cornstarch and a small amount of water or broth in a cup and stir until the lumps are gone, and it becomes a thick yet drizzly consistency.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom in beef stroganoff?

Our favorite substitute for cream of mushroom soup in beef stroganoff is cream of potato soup. It's hearty and thick, but it doesn't compete with the flavor of the beef. You could also try mixing cream cheese with milk for a cheesier solution or opt for sour cream for a lighter, fresher version of beef stroganoff.

Can I substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of Chicken Another Campbell's staple, cream of chicken is one of the easiest substitutes for cream of mushroom soup. It has the same consistency and saltiness. This makes it a great choice for recipes like casseroles or creamy sauces.

Why is green bean casserole so gross?

Green bean casserole is considered a “danger food” by many nutritionists. It packs on the calories and massive amounts of sodium with heavy cream of mushroom soup and fried onions…and it's just gross! One serving of the traditional recipe is 120-142 calories, 7-8 grams of fat and 344 mg of sodium!