Vegetarian Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Easy Dinners

Green bean casserole is a classic comfort food that often graces holiday tables and family dinners across the country. However, traditional recipes usually include cream of mushroom soup and fried onions laden with animal-derived ingredients.

For vegetarians looking to indulge in this nostalgic dish without compromising their dietary choices, this vegetarian green bean casserole recipe is the perfect solution. It’s creamy, flavorful, and topped with crispy onions, all while being completely plant-based and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for a festive occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, this casserole offers a delicious way to enjoy green beans with a satisfying twist.

In this recipe, we’ll swap out heavy cream and canned soup for a homemade, savory mushroom sauce that enhances the green beans’ natural flavor. The crispy topping adds just the right amount of crunch, making it a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Ready your oven and your appetite for a dish that’s hearty, wholesome, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian green bean casserole blends traditional comfort with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. It’s a healthier alternative to the classic dish but doesn’t sacrifice any of the rich, creamy textures or savory flavors you expect.

• Simple and fresh ingredients: no canned soups or artificial additives.
• Rich mushroom sauce: made from scratch with fresh mushrooms and dairy-free milk.
• Crispy topping: perfectly golden fried onions or homemade breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch.
• Versatile: suitable for vegetarians and easily adaptable for vegans.
• Perfect for holidays or everyday dinners: this casserole fits any occasion.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and mains, making it a flexible addition to your meal planning.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
• 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari for depth of flavor
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups fried onions (store-bought vegetarian version or homemade)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling green beans
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
• Oven
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics and mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook until mushrooms soften and release their moisture, about 6-7 minutes.
4. Make the mushroom sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the plant-based milk and soy sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add thyme, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Combine beans and sauce: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and gently toss to coat the beans evenly with the mushroom sauce.
6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the green bean and mushroom mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the fried onions, reserving a small handful for garnish after baking.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
8. Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the reserved crispy onions on top for extra crunch and presentation. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, make sure your fried onions are vegan-friendly and use a plant-based milk without additives.

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and gluten-free fried onions.
• Customize your mushrooms: Mix shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for deeper umami flavor.
• Add extra veggies: Incorporate sliced carrots or celery for added texture and nutrition.
• Homemade fried onions: Slice onions thinly, toss in flour and seasoning, then bake or pan-fry until crispy for a fresher topping.
• Use fresh herbs: Swap dried thyme for fresh rosemary or sage for a different aroma.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian green bean casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome meal.

For a festive spread, consider complementing it with a Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert and a fresh salad to balance the richness.

It also works well as a side to roasted vegetables or a savory main like a lentil loaf or stuffed squash. For more vegetable-focused recipes, check out Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try a creamy sauce with your casserole using the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Conclusion

This vegetarian green bean casserole brings a fresh, wholesome twist to a beloved classic. By using fresh green beans and a homemade mushroom sauce, you create a dish that is both comforting and nourishing without relying on processed ingredients.

The crispy fried onions topping adds that familiar crunch, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply want a delicious vegetable side for dinner, this recipe is a reliable favorite that suits vegetarian diets and pleases all palates. Feel free to experiment with the variations and pair it with other tasty vegetarian dishes to make your meal complete.

Enjoy the warmth and joy this casserole brings to your table!

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