Name: Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ tablespoons vegetable or canola oil; ½ cup yellow onion, diced; 1 ½ cups cremini mushrooms, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups vegetable broth; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bag frozen green beans; 1 (6-ounce) package fried onions

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This Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole is a lighter, fresher twist on the traditional holiday side dish. Made without canned soup, dairy, or processed ingredients, it uses fresh mushrooms, a homemade savory gravy, and crispy fried onions for the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch. It’s a wholesome, vegan-friendly addition to your \ table that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Completely dairy-free and vegan, perfect for plant-based diets
No canned soup or canned beans, just whole ingredients
Simple and wholesome, with only 8 core ingredients
Rich, creamy homemade gravy replaces heavy dairy sauces
Quick to prep and bake—ready in under an hour
Perfect for holidays or any cozy meal
Customizable with fresh green beans or alternative toppings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 ½ tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
½ cup yellow onion, diced
1 ½ cups cremini mushrooms, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable broth
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 bag frozen green beans
1 (6-ounce) package fried onions

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Sauté Vegetables:
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender.

3. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a thick paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until it turns golden in color.

4. Add Broth and Seasoning:
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously. Add dried oregano and a dash of ground pepper. Simmer and whisk for about 15 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.

5. Add Green Beans:
Stir in the frozen green beans until well coated with the gravy.

6. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the mixture to a large cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish. Top with the fried onions in an even layer.

7. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use fresh green beans: Blanch them briefly before adding to the casserole.
Healthier topping: Sauté onions or caramelize them and combine with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
Add extra flavor: Toss in a splash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast for a deeper umami taste.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and ensure your fried onions are gluten-free.
Try other mushrooms: Shiitake or oyster mushrooms offer bolder flavor than cremini.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top. You can also microwave individual portions, though the onions may soften.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Yes, just blanch them first for 3–4 minutes in boiling water, then drain and proceed with the recipe.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free fried onions.

What’s the best mushroom for this recipe?

Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are ideal for flavor and texture. Avoid white mushrooms, which are milder.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole without the fried onions, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then top with onions and bake just before serving.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven.

Can I make this oil-free?

You can sauté the veggies in vegetable broth instead of oil, but the fried onions will still contain oil unless replaced with a homemade version.

What can I use instead of fried onions?

Try sautéed onions with breadcrumbs or crispy shallots. You can also use crushed crackers or roasted nuts for texture.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer it longer and whisk frequently. You can also add a bit more flour or a cornstarch slurry if needed.

What kind of vegetable broth is best?

Use a low-sodium, flavorful vegetable broth for the best taste. Homemade or high-quality store-bought broths work well.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Diced carrots or chopped spinach can be added to the mix for extra nutrition and variety.

Conclusion

This Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole is a delicious, wholesome update to the traditional holiday side. With a rich homemade gravy, tender green beans, and that irresistible crispy onion topping, it’s proof that comfort food can be both satisfying and dairy-free. Whether you’re serving a vegan crowd, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Molly