Healthy Green Bean Casserole – Made from Scratch with Real Ingredients

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Today we’re honoring a beloved classic—one that has warmed many family tables through the years. Green bean casserole has long been that dependable dish found beside roasts, holiday spreads, and Sunday suppers. But before canned soups and shortcuts, this dish was crafted with care, using fresh beans, real broth, and a creamy base made right on the stovetop. 🌿🍲

There’s a quiet beauty in preparing it the traditional way. The beans stay vibrant and tender, the mushrooms deepen with earthy flavor, and the homemade sauce brings a richness that feels both wholesome and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that calls you back to simpler times—when meals were thoughtfully prepared, shared slowly, and remembered fondly.

This made-from-scratch version keeps that heritage alive while giving you a lighter, healthier approach. No artificial ingredients, no heavy canned soups—just honest flavors coming together in a dish that feels familiar, nourishing, and truly satisfying. Let’s bring this classic back to life in its most heartfelt form.

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Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely sliced onions (pan-crisped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Extra Parmesan for serving

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 4–5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and sauté the onions until soft.
4. Add the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their juices and deepen in color.
5. Add the butter and let it melt. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to form a smooth paste.
6. Gradually pour in the broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
7. Add the milk and continue stirring as the sauce thickens gently.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, letting the flavors meld together.
9. Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
10. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them fully in the sauce.
11. Transfer everything to a baking dish.
12. In a small bowl, mix the panko, sliced onions, and olive oil.
13. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
14. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbling at the edges.
15. Serve warm, finishing with a touch of Parmesan if you like. 😋🔥

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 50 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~210 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️