Homemade Green Bean Casserole (Better Than the Can!) | A Cozy Thanksgiving Recipe

If there is one dish that’s earned its spot on the Thanksgiving table every single year, it’s green bean casserole. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and just a little bit magical; the kind of comfort food that smells like home.

I grew up with the classic version from the back of the French onion can (and honestly, there’s no shame in that!) But this year I decided to try something different, I made my own from scratch, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s creamy, flavorful, and still gives you that perfect crunchy-on-top finish, just real ingredients and a little extra love.

Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving dinner or you’ve been in charge of the sides for decades, this recipe is easy, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 oz cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup half & half (or heavy cream for extra richness)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce

• ½ cup shredded Parmesan or sharp cheddar (optional)

• 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Blanch the green beans:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 6–7 minutes, until bright green and just tender. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking.

2. Make the sauce:
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes, until soft. Add mushrooms and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until golden and most of the moisture has evaporated. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Thicken it up:
   Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in broth, then add half & half. Cook, stirring, until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in soy sauce, salt, pepper, and cheese (if using).

4. Combine & bake:
   Add blanched green beans to the sauce and stir to coat. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with crispy fried onions.

5. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
   (If making ahead, assemble everything except the onions. Refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add onions and bake when ready.)

Thanksgiving is about slowing down, gathering with people you love, and celebrating the simple things that make life sweet, like this cozy little casserole. I hope it finds a place at your table this year.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Miranda

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