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Green Bean 'Casserole' Redux

Healthier redux of the classic green bean casserole from the '70's with roasted green beans and mushrooms topped with French Fried onion rings.

Baking sheet of roasted green beans and mushrooms.

Our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners weren't complete without the green bean casserole that was all the rage in the '70's. You might remember it: green beans swamped with cream of mushroom soup and topped with French fried onion rings. I think it graced every table at one or another in that decade.

I can still remember the first time I had it. I wasn't sure I would like it; in fact I was pretty convinced I wouldn't. I didn't like mushrooms, so I didn't see how I could. But my mother spooned some on my plate next to my pile of mashed potatoes and turkey and insisted that I eat just two or three bites. After shoving it around my plate, trying to hide it under the potatoes, I caught my mother's unwavering stern look and resentfully tried a very small bite. The look of surprise must have shown on my face, because I saw my mom smile. It was good. Really, really good. And after that, I always made sure it was on the holiday menu.

That was a long time ago, and her recipe is long gone. But when I saw that this week's theme was retro recipes from the '70's, it was my first thought. Well that and the tuna fish casserole my mom made with a crumbled potato chip topping - another '70's classic. I could have recreated it, the recipe is easily found on the internet, but just as foods have changed over the years, so has my diet. Well, mostly. I'm still not overly fond of mushrooms, but tossed with greens beans in lemon and olive oil and then roasted suits me so much better these days than all the cream. So this redux takes all the cream out, but leaves everything else intact. Hope you enjoy it!

Baking sheet of roasted green beans and mushrooms.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Classic Green Bean Casserole Redux

Healthier redux of the classic green bean casserole from the '70's with roasted green beans and mushrooms topped with French Fried onion rings.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Total Time50 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Vegetable Side
Keyword: Roasted green beans
Servings: 6
Calories: 82.9kcal
Author: The Wimpy Vegetarian

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound green beans with both ends trimmed
  • 2 cups thickly sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¾ cup crumbled canned French fried onion rings
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Combine the beans and mushrooms in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and dried thyme, and pour over the beans and mushrooms.
    Toss with your hands until the vegetables are thoroughly coated.
  • Spread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
    Remove from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onion ring crumbles and Parmesan cheese evenly over the roasted vegetables. Roast for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  • Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 82.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.8g | Protein: 3.1g | Fat: 5.7g | Saturated Fat: 1.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.6g | Cholesterol: 2.2mg | Sodium: 437.6mg | Potassium: 268.9mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 3.2g | Vitamin A: 545IU | Vitamin C: 10.9mg | Calcium: 52.3mg | Iron: 1mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. CCU

    Mmmm this is one of the most flavoursome casseroles ever 😀

    Cheers
    CCU

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks CCU!

  2. apuginthekitchen

    I like your take on a green bean casserole, I think we must have been the only family stateside that didn't have it, my Mom never made it. I made it once myself and thought it was good but I like your version much better. I just got some haricot vert and mushrooms and will make it today.

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Maybe it was a mid-western thing, because it was everywhere in our town it seemed. Hope you enjoy this much healthier version!!

      • apuginthekitchen

        No I think it was everywhere, we had Italian food for Thanksgiving, my Mom always made a capon, dressing and sweet potatoes but the other fixings were never on our table. I never even tasted a pumpkin pie until I left home.

        • The Wimpy Vegetarian

          That's amazing that you hadn't had pumpkin pie growing up, but you were likely far ahead of the rest of us on authentic Italian food instead of the Chef-Boy-ar-dee stuff I grew up on 🙂

          • apuginthekitchen

            My Mom tried making dishes that were American classics and my Dad snubbed them so she gave up. Mom was a wonderful Italian cook, everything home made including the pasta it was great but we ate it so often we really looked forward to eating out and trying different foods.

  3. Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers

    This is the best bean casserole I have ever seen! Yummy!

  4. Jen @JuanitasCocina

    Now THIS is one that I would actually eat!

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      LOL! Yes, our food tastes have certainly changed over the years. Thirty years ago I would have looked at this and said boooooorrr-ing.

  5. [email protected]

    I love this! I am going to pin this and make it for our next big gathering. Thanks for sharing your version of green bean casserole.

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Sherron! I hope you like it! Your ambrosia salad looks wonderful!!

  6. The Wimpy Vegetarian

    Thanks Helene! My mom was no fool. I agree, this is a wonderful meal combination 🙂

  7. Katie

    I was never a huge fan of green bean casserole simply because of the mushy texture. HOWEVER, this version you've created sounds amazing! I love that you roasted everything and lightened it up. Awesome!

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Katie! Now it would honestly just turn my stomach with all the creamy stuff. It funny how our tastes do change through life 🙂

  8. Tara

    What a brilliant recipe. I can't bring myself to make the old green bean casserole anymore, even though it is so delish. I love this take on it!!

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Tara! I know what you mean 🙂

  9. Heather @girlichef

    I may be one of the rare individuals who still loves the classic green bean casserole - but I know I'd love this awesome update, too. It looks so darn delicious!

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Heather!

  10. Soni

    I love this version of the green bean casserole and not at all surprised that you loved it 🙂 I love mushrooms too and the thyme sounds really good!Lovely flavororful dish 🙂

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks so much Soni!

  11. Amy

    I actually love the ole green bean casserole, but am really loving your distilled version of it! I'm trying this soon!

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Amy - I hope you like it if you try it. It's so easy 🙂

  12. Sarah

    That is the best version of that casserole I've ever seen!

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Sarah!

  13. Wendy

    I have to admit that I love the version on the can of French's onions. That said, this looks FABULOUS and so much healthier! I'm putting this on the list for our Easter lunch...my family will love it.

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      I hope you enjoy it, Wendy! Thanks so much.

  14. TasteFood

    This is a great re-invention, Susan. Those fried onion rings are a favorite in our house.

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Lynda! They're really versatile little things 🙂

  15. Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP)

    YUM! Love the fresher and lighter version of this recipe! Roasted veggies are one of my favorites.

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Karen! I love, love, love your broccoli salad!

  16. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts

    I love green bean casserole! We made it from scratch instead of the canned soup - but this is even better!

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Erin - your's must have been so good. My mom used a lot of what we now call processed foods. But we thought is was great at the time.

  17. Liz

    What a delicious twist on the green bean casserole! I like it SO much better!!!

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      Thanks Liz! And I love your individual Baked Alaskas!

  18. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen

    This is definitely the way to eat it green beans today Susan. Just wonderful! With so many great fresh ingredients around I feel funny opening too many cans. Have a great week!

    • The Wimpy Vegetarian

      I know, Paula! It just doesn't feel right, and it usually doesn't taste the same either now that I'm so used to cooking fresh vegetables. You have a great week too!!

  19. Emily @ Life on Food

    I love this redo. The traditional is a staples for my family at Thanksgiving but it grosses me out. This sounds and looks amazing!

  20. Cass @foodmyfriend

    This looks so good. I love beans 🙂 I usually just eat them raw for a snack but love what you are doing here. I have nominated you for a blog award.. come check it out 🙂

  21. mjskit

    Well, this is perfect! I love green bean casserole, but all of the cream and cheese does take it over the top calorie wise. I love what you've done with it. Very healthy but still quite delicious!

  22. EA-The Spicy RD

    We were more of a jello salad kind of family, than a green bean casserole family, so I'm not sure I've ever had this classic dish (but I sure have enjoyed my fair share of tuna noodle casseroles :-). Love your healthier version-classic recipes are so inch fun!

  23. Conni Smith

    Wow! I LOVE your version of this! So fresh and flavorful!

  24. The Ninja Baker

    Your green bean casserole does look great, Susan. Looking forward to seeing the smiles on the faces of my loved ones' faces, too =)

  25. Jennie @themessybakerblog

    Susan, this looks amazing...way better than the original version with all of that gelatinous canned soup. Yummo!

  26. Laura Hunter | Small Wallet Big Appetite

    What a great healthier twist to this dish. Love it

  27. Renee

    I would eat this any day! Oh how I love roasted green beans. So much better and also with the parmesan cheese. Yum!

  28. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com

    What a beautiful dish! I love roasted beans!

  29. Donna

    Nice take on the green bean casserole! I like the cheese in particular.

  30. Nancy @ gottagetbaked

    Susan, I love this modern take on green bean casserole. I could gobble up that entire tasty tray of roasted veggie goodness. And your mom's potato chip topping for her tuna fish casserole sounds divine.

  31. Hezzi-D

    Your updated green bean casserole sounds so much better then the old school one. YUM!

  32. Faye Leong

    Love the cheese in this green bean casserole! Great recipe!

  33. Amanda @ MarocMama

    This is the best looking green bean casserole I've ever seen!