Bring homemade comfort to your table with this Green Bean Casserole from Scratch — no canned soup, no shortcuts. Fresh green beans simmer in a silky mushroom cream sauce, topped with golden, crispy onions for the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory. Ideal for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals, this dish is classic comfort, made better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Green Bean Casserole because it’s fresh, flavorful, and made entirely from scratch. Forget the canned soup — this version combines real mushrooms, milk, onions, and butter for a rich, homemade sauce that tastes incredible. Topped with crunchy fried onions, it’s the perfect side dish for family gatherings, Thanksgiving, or Sunday dinners.

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

This Green Bean Casserole from Scratch takes a beloved classic and gives it a well-deserved upgrade. No condensed soup or shortcuts here — just wholesome, real ingredients that bring out the best in every bite. It’s creamy, crispy, and full of fresh flavor, making it a side dish worth remembering.

The foundation of this dish starts with fresh green beans, not canned. When lightly blanched, they stay tender-crisp and vibrant green, giving the casserole both texture and freshness. This simple step makes all the difference — your casserole won’t be mushy or dull, but instead full of life and color.

Then comes the creamy mushroom sauce — the soul of the dish. Sautéed white mushrooms, onions, and butter create a savory base. Add in milk thickened with a little cornstarch, and you get a perfectly smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every green bean. It’s lighter than traditional versions but still incredibly satisfying.

For a touch of depth, crisped beef bacon replaces traditional bacon, bringing smoky flavor without overpowering the dish. The bits of bacon add a salty, meaty contrast to the creamy sauce and tender beans, enhancing the casserole’s comforting warmth.

Texture is key in a great green bean casserole, and the French fried onions deliver the perfect crunch. That golden, crispy layer on top contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce below — it’s what makes every spoonful irresistible.

This version is designed to be approachable for home cooks while keeping the taste elevated. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, blanch the beans in advance, and assemble everything just before baking — making it stress-free for busy holidays.

It’s also flexible — add a pinch of garlic powder for extra savoriness or use whole-grain mustard for a subtle tang. Whatever your spin, this dish holds up beautifully.

Beyond the holidays, this casserole makes a cozy side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. It’s the kind of comforting recipe that feels right at home on any table.

Every bite delivers the essence of homemade comfort — the tenderness of the beans, the creaminess of the sauce, and the crunch of the onions. This Green Bean Casserole from Scratch isn’t just a side dish — it’s the dish everyone reaches for first.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 lb fresh green beans, washed and trimmed

• 7 white mushrooms, washed and sliced

• ½ cup chopped yellow onion

• 2 slices beef bacon, chopped

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 cups whole milk

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping

• 1 cup French fried onions

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Blanch green beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add green beans, and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, cook beef bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

5. Whisk cornstarch and milk together in a small bowl, then pour into the pan. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.

6. Add salt, pepper, and the cooked bacon. Stir to combine.

7. Add green beans to the sauce and toss gently until evenly coated.

8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with French fried onions.

9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

10. Serve warm, garnished with extra crispy onions if desired.

Tips

• Use fresh green beans for the best texture; frozen can make the dish watery.

• Add a pinch of garlic powder or nutmeg for a subtle flavor boost.

• Prepare the sauce a day ahead and assemble before baking for easy prep.

• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.