In my kitchen, there’s a comforting aroma that instantly transports me back to family gatherings—it’s like a warm hug wrapped in memories. Today, I’m excited to share my take on Rustic Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Mushroom Gravy, a classic dish reinvented from scratch without canned soup and zero MSG. This casserole isn’t just a healthier alternative; it’s an easy way to impress all your loved ones, taking only about an hour to prepare. Packed with fresh green beans and rich cremini mushrooms, it’s a dish that invites hearty conversations around the table. Plus, the crispy shallots on top provide an irresistible crunch that elevates every bite. Are you ready to whip up this delightful comfort food that balances nostalgia with a fresh twist? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Make This Green Bean Casserole? Comforting Tradition: This dish redefines tradition with a fresh, homemade twist, evoking nostalgia while being MSG-free. Wholesome Ingredients: Crafted from scratch, each ingredient blends to enhance flavor without additives. Quick & Easy: In under an hour, you can create a dish that impresses—perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Crispy Topping: The fried shallots add a crunchy finish that brings joy to every forkful. Customizable Delight: Whether enjoyed as a vegetarian side or paired with a juicy roast chicken, this casserole fits any occasion, just like my Chicken Broccoli Casserole or Cowboy Casserole Discover! Green Bean Casserole Ingredients • Here’s everything you need for this delightful Green Bean Casserole! For the Casserole Fresh Green Beans – Essential for a vibrant crunch; fresh beans are best, but you can use frozen if you’re short on time. Cremini Mushrooms – Adds a deep, earthy flavor; they can be replaced with button mushrooms if needed. Half & Half – Provides a creamy texture to the sauce; heavy cream or plant-based alternatives make great substitutes. Chicken Broth – Enhances the overall flavor; for a vegetarian option, opt for vegetable broth. Butter – Gives richness to the gravy; substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free version. All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the gravy perfectly; gluten-free flour works well for a gluten-free dish. Soy Sauce – Adds umami depth to the sauce; tamari can be used to keep it gluten-free. Black Pepper – Brings warmth to the palate; feel free to omit for a gentler flavor. Small Shallots – Provide sweetness and delightful crunch when fried; red onions can be an effective alternative. Canola Oil – Ideal for frying shallots; any neutral oil like grapeseed can also work well. For the Topping Crispy Fried Shallots – To top off your dish with a satisfying crunch; fry just before serving to keep them crisp! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Rustic Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Mushroom Gravy Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans and Mushrooms Begin by washing the fresh green beans and trimming the ends. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Next, clean the cremini mushrooms and slice them thinly. This initial prep sets the stage for your Rustic Green Bean Casserole, ensuring all components are ready to shine. Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the green beans. Boil for about 5 minutes until they are vibrant and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them well and place them in a baking dish, ready to be enveloped in the luscious mushroom gravy. Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and tender, releasing their savory aroma. Remove the cooked mushrooms from the pan and set them aside, allowing the flavors to deepen in your Rustic Green Bean Casserole. Step 4: Make the Mushroom Gravy Preheat your oven to 350℉. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat, then whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the half & half until the mixture thickens. Next, stir in the chicken broth, soy sauce, black pepper, and the sautéed mushrooms, creating a rich gravy full of comforting flavor. Step 5: Combine and Bake Pour the homemade mushroom gravy over the prepared green beans in the baking dish. Using a spatula, gently mix everything together until the green beans are fully coated. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully in your Rustic Green Bean Casserole. Step 6: Fry the Shallots While the casserole is baking, prepare the crispy shallots. In a small pan, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and fry for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crunchy. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside to maintain their crispness for topping. Step 7: Add the Topping and Serve After the casserole has finished baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Generously sprinkle the crispy fried shallots over the top, then return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to meld the toppings. Finally, take a moment to appreciate the warm, inviting aroma of your Rustic Green Bean Casserole before serving it to your family and friends. Expert Tips for Green Bean Casserole Fresh Beans Matter: Always choose firm, vibrant green beans for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using limp beans, as they can affect the overall dish. Onion Crispiness: To keep your crispy fried shallots crunchy, add them just before serving rather than baking them with the casserole; otherwise, they may lose their texture. Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a bit more chicken broth or half & half until you reach your desired consistency for the green bean casserole. Watch Your Timing: Keep a close eye on frying shallots to prevent burning. They can turn from golden to burnt in seconds, ruining your topping. Mix Those Veggies: Feel free to swap out some green beans for other vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for a delicious twist in flavor and texture in your casserole! Green Bean Casserole Variations Feel free to explore these tasty variations that will make your rustic green bean casserole uniquely yours! Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mushroom gravy for extra heat. It’s a simple way to elevate flavor and stir things up! Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier version. This twist turns the casserole into a filling main dish that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Veggie Medley: Swap out some of the green beans for broccoli or cauliflower for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The balance of fresh veggies adds vibrant color to your dish! Creamy Vegan Option: Replace half & half with coconut milk and use vegetable broth for a creamy, dairy-free sauce. This substitution makes it easy for everyone to enjoy! Umami Richness: Try adding a tablespoon of miso paste to the gravy for an extra umami kick. This flavor boost makes each bite deeply satisfying—trust me, it’s a game changer! Garlic Infusion: Sauté minced garlic with the mushrooms for additional aromatic flavor. Garlic lovers will appreciate this small but mighty enhancement. Zesty Citrus: A splash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the entire dish. This little twist adds freshness that perfectly complements the richness of the casserole. Shortcut Swap: For those busy nights, consider using store-bought crispy onions instead of frying shallots. It’ll save preparation time while still giving you that crunchy topping! Feel like exploring more veggie goodness? Check out my delightful Parmesan Green Beans for an extra side of satisfaction on your table today! Make Ahead Options These Rustic Green Bean Casseroles are a dream for meal prep! You can prepare the green beans and mushroom gravy up to 24 hours in advance by blanching the green beans and making the gravy as directed. Simply combine the cooled green beans in a baking dish, pour the gravy over them, cover tightly, and refrigerate. This way, when you’re ready to serve, you can pop the casserole in the oven for about 25 minutes to heat through, adding the crispy shallots in the last 5 minutes for that perfect crunch. By prepping ahead, you’ll experience all the deliciousness with minimal effort during your busy weeknight dinners! What to Serve with Rustic Green Bean Casserole? Creating the perfect meal is all about balance and harmony on the plate, and this delightful casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks! Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich mushroom gravy, adding a classic comfort element to your meal. Garlic Bread: A crunchy, garlic-infused accompaniment, perfect for scooping up that luscious gravy while adding an aromatic touch. Roasted Chicken: Juicy, seasoned roast chicken makes an excellent protein partner, elevating your meal’s heartiness and providing a contrasting texture. Simple Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing and nutritious balance, cleansing the palate between bites. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds: For those who love green vegetables, lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds introduce a nutty crunch and vibrant color. Cranberry Sauce: Its bright tartness creates a festive flavor contrast that complements the richness of the green bean casserole, especially in seasonal meals. Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay brings a smooth, fruity note that pairs perfectly with both the dish’s creaminess and savory flavors. Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with pumpkin pie; its spices echo the warmth of the casserole, making a comforting conclusion to your feast. These pairings can transform your Rustic Green Bean Casserole into a complete and flavorsome meal, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home! Storage Tips for Green Bean Casserole Fridge: Store any leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole without the crispy shallots for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Add the fried shallots just before serving for that perfect crispy topping! Rustic Green Bean Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of green beans should I use? Absolutely! Fresh green beans are ideal for providing a vibrant crunch and optimal flavor. Look for firm, bright green beans without dark spots or blemishes. If you’re short on time, frozen green beans can be a convenient substitute, but they’ll yield a slightly different texture. How should I store leftover green bean casserole? For sure! Store any leftover green bean casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s essential to cover it tightly to lock in that delicious flavor and keep it fresh. Can I freeze my green bean casserole? Yes, you can! To freeze, prepare the casserole but omit the crispy shallots. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, adding the shallots just before serving. What if my mushroom gravy turns out too thick? Not to worry! If your gravy is thicker than desired, simply whisk in a bit more chicken broth or half & half until you achieve your preferred consistency. This can also enhance the flavor, making your casserole even more delightful! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Very much so! This green bean casserole can be adapted for various dietary needs. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, simply use olive oil in place of butter and a plant-based cream alternative. For those needing gluten-free options, consider substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Enjoy the delicious flavors without worry! How do I keep my fried shallots crispy? To maintain that delightful crunch, I recommend frying the shallots just before serving and adding them on top of the casserole. This way, they won’t soak up moisture during baking and will stay wonderfully crispy as you dig in! Homemade Green Bean Casserole That Will Warm Your Heart This Green Bean Casserole is a healthier alternative, made from scratch with fresh ingredients and a homemade mushroom gravy. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: CasseroleCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole1 pound Fresh Green Beans Can use frozen if short on time.8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms Can replace with button mushrooms.1 cup Half & Half Use heavy cream or plant-based alternatives if desired.1 cup Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.3 tablespoons Butter Substitute with olive oil for dairy-free.1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be used.2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free.1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Omit for a gentler flavor.2 small Shallots Can replace with red onions.1/4 cup Canola Oil Use any neutral oil like grapeseed.For the Topping1 cup Crispy Fried Shallots Fry just before serving for crunch. Equipment potskilletbaking dishspatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Rustic Green Bean Casserole with Homemade Mushroom GravyBegin by washing the fresh green beans and trimming the ends. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Next, clean the cremini mushrooms and slice them thinly.Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the green beans. Boil for about 5 minutes until they are vibrant and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath.In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.Preheat your oven to 350℉. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the half & half until thickened, then stir in the chicken broth, soy sauce, black pepper, and mushrooms.Pour the mushroom gravy over the prepared green beans in a baking dish. Mix everything together until the beans are coated. Bake for 25 minutes.While the casserole is baking, heat canola oil in a small pan. Add sliced shallots and fry for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.After baking, sprinkle crispy fried shallots over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, add crispy shallots just before serving and store leftovers in an airtight container. Can freeze without shallots for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
