Easy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Sharing is caring!

Nothing says cozy comfort food quite like a warm, creamy green bean casserole. This Easy Vegan Green Bean Casserole is a plant-based twist on the classic dish, packed with rich, savory flavors and hearty textures. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting weeknight side dish, it combines fresh green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and a velvety sauce topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a crowd-pleaser that proves vegan recipes can be just as satisfying as their traditional counterparts.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of green beans, halved and ends trimmed (optional to leave whole)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 5 tablespoons vegan butter, divided
• 4 sprigs thyme, destemmed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups plant-based milk
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated vegan Parmesan (or substitute with ¼ cup nutritional yeast)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup fried onions (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Blanch the Green Beans
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the green beans and cook for 3 minutes.
   • Work in batches if necessary, ensuring the beans cook evenly.
   • Drain the beans and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
   • Stir in 3 tablespoons of vegan butter and the thyme.
   • Continue cooking for 8 minutes or until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
   • Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
   • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegan butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
   • Gradually pour in the plant-based milk, whisking continuously to remove any clumps.
   • Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until it thickens.
   • Stir in the vegan Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
   • Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
   • Remove the sauce from heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole
   • Place the blanched green beans in the prepared casserole dish.
   • Top with the sautéed mushrooms.
   • Pour the sauce over the beans and mushrooms, stirring lightly to combine.
6. Bake the Casserole
   • Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
   • Sprinkle the fried onions evenly over the top.
   • Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, creamy, and crunchy casserole.

Flavor and Texture Highlights

• The green beans remain crisp-tender, providing a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
• The mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth that pairs beautifully with the thyme.
• The vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast brings a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Crispy fried onions add a satisfying crunch and enhance the dish’s savory profile.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor. Frozen green beans can be used in a pinch but may not retain the same crispness.
• For extra richness, choose a creamy plant-based milk like oat or cashew.
• Customize the seasoning to your taste by adding smoked paprika, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute the cremini mushrooms with button or portobello mushrooms for different flavor profiles.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and fried onions.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this casserole with other holiday favorites like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter, balanced meal.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully and make a great addition to grain bowls or wraps.

This Easy Vegan Green Bean Casserole is not just a recipe—it’s a celebration of comfort food made plant-based. Its creamy sauce, tender vegetables, and crispy topping are sure to delight everyone at the table. Give it a try, and savor the flavors of this classic dish reinvented.