Introduction
Embrace comfort and tradition with our quick and easy vegan green bean casserole. This classic dish gets a plant-based makeover, requiring just 10 simple ingredients and one skillet. Research suggests that incorporating plant-based meals can lead to numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. It’s the perfect nostalgic holiday favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll love this deliciously creamy, savory casserole, complete with that irresistible crispy onion topping.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Green Bean Casserole
- Effortless & Simple: You only need a few common ingredients and a single pan for easy cleanup.
- Rich & Creamy: The homemade sauce delivers an incredibly luxurious, savory texture without any dairy.
- Satisfying Crunch: Crispy fried onions add the perfect textural contrast to the tender beans and creamy sauce.
- Plant-Based Goodness: Enjoy a healthier, dairy-free take on a beloved classic that everyone can appreciate.
- Versatile Dish: This casserole is ideal for festive holiday gatherings or a comforting weeknight side.
- Time-Saving: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Gather these simple components for your delightful vegan green bean casserole:
Packed with essential vitamins like K and folate, as well as beneficial fiber, green beans offer a range of nutritional advantages for overall health.
- 1 pound green beans (rinsed, trimmed, and cut in half)
- Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
- 1 medium shallot (minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (button, baby bella, or cremini)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour*
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth (DIY or store-bought)
- 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions (divided // I love Trader’s Brand – check ingredients to ensure vegan friendly)
Notes & Substitutions
Fresh green beans offer the best crisp-tender texture, but frozen or canned options work too (drain well). For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms like shiitake for more depth. Many brands of crispy fried onions are accidentally vegan; always double-check the label. You can also make your own crispy fried onions for an extra special touch.
Equipment
- Large pot for blanching green beans
- Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works beautifully)
- Whisk for smooth sauce preparation
- Ice water bath (a bowl of ice water)
- Oven for baking the casserole
Instructions
- Prep Green Beans: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 C). Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it generously with salt. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for exactly 5 minutes until vibrant and tender-crisp. Immediately drain the beans and plunge them into an ice water bath to halt the cooking process. Drain the blanched green beans very well and set them aside. This step is crucial for the best vegan green bean casserole texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: In your large oven-safe skillet, melt vegan butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and garlic, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the finely chopped mushrooms, season with a bit more salt and pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are lightly browned and have released their moisture.
- Form the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the cooked vegetables in the skillet. Whisk constantly for 1 minute, ensuring the flour coats all the veggies. This creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour the vegetable broth into the skillet while whisking continuously to prevent lumps and incorporate it smoothly. Next, add the unsweetened plain almond milk and whisk again to combine thoroughly. Season the sauce with a touch more salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s bubbly and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Combine and Top: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/3 of the crispy fried onions (about ½ cup, depending on your batch size). Add all of the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure the green beans are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Finally, generously top the casserole with the remaining crispy fried onions.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through, bubbly around the edges, and the topping is slightly browned and extra crispy. Serve this delicious plant-based green bean casserole immediately from the skillet. Handle the hot pan carefully.
- Store Leftovers: Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and enjoy within a few days.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Achieving Optimal Green Bean Texture: Don’t overcook your green beans during blanching. Five minutes in boiling water followed by an ice bath keeps them tender-crisp.
- Enhancing Sauce Flavor: Browning the mushrooms properly before adding flour deepens their umami flavor, enriching the entire sauce.
- Preventing a Thin Sauce: Whisking constantly when adding flour and liquids is key to a smooth, thick roux. If it’s too thin, simmer a little longer.
- Ensuring Crispy Onions: Add the majority of the fried onions right before baking. This preserves their crunch, which is a hallmark of a great vegan green bean casserole.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: You can blanch the green beans and make the creamy sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store separately, then combine and bake just before serving.
- Batch Cooking Advice: For larger pans, you might need to increase baking time slightly. Always look for bubbling and a golden-brown top.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
This creamy vegan green bean casserole is a versatile side dish.
- Pair it with a hearty holiday roast for a festive meal.
- Serve it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
- Complement its savory notes with a bright cranberry sauce.
- Enjoy it with other delicious vegan main dishes and sides.
Storage
- Refrigerate any leftovers promptly once they have cooled.
- Store your casserole in an airtight container for freshness.
- Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Extra Umami: Stir a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast into the sauce for a cheesy, savory depth.
- Different Toppings: Try crushed gluten-free crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even toasted nuts for varied crunch.
- Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a little heat.
Nutrition
(per serving, approximately 4 servings total)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 g |
| Protein | 5-7 g |
| Fat | 18-22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3-5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 400-500 mg |
| Fiber | 5-7 g |
| Sugar | 3-5 g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
FAQ
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the green beans and sauce up to two days in advance. Store them separately, then combine and bake just before serving for the best results.
- Can I use frozen or canned green beans? Absolutely. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well. For canned, drain and rinse thoroughly to remove excess sodium before using in your vegan green bean casserole.
- What kind of mushrooms are best? Button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms work perfectly. They add an earthy, rich flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Is this recipe naturally gluten-free? No, but you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a certified 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Where can I find vegan crispy fried onions? Many mainstream brands are accidentally vegan; always check the ingredient label for dairy or animal products. Trader Joe’s brand is often a good option.
Conclusion
This 30-minute vegan green bean casserole offers all the comforting, savory flavor of the classic without any dairy. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy parents and beginners, and delivers a delicious, creamy result every time. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving a comforting side dish, this plant-based option is sure to impress. Try it today and share your delightful experience with us!