I made a wicked green bean casserole for years but I just can’t bring myself to make it anymore. Just way too high in fat and calories, especially when you have all the other fixings for the holidays!! So I decided to re-do my casserole and have made a Healthier Lightened-Up Green Bean Casserole that in my opinion is just as good or even better than the original one I made before.
The original recipe had loads of butter, cheddar cheese, and cream. The frozen string beans were kind of lost in all of that high-fat sauce. So I wanted to make a new version with crisp fresh green beans, no canned soup (although my original didn’t have that but many do), and a lighter sauce. The green beans were quickly cooked to maintain their freshness and wonderful flavor. The end result, is a magnificent casserole that not only will you be proud to serve but will be enjoyed by all.
There are lots of mushrooms in this recipe with lots of green beans and a few other surprises. I love it when a casserole has a crunch as well as a sauce. I added water chestnuts and did so for a lot of dishes for the holidays. They are pretty benign for flavor but give dishes a lovely crunch. They come sliced in a little can and are so easy to use. I add them to my stuffing also, which again gives a lovely texture.
The topping I changed up also but you won’t be missing the crispy deep fried onions because this topping is fantastic with panko crumbs, parmesan and almonds. I also add in a little heat, not much but it gives a little warmth in the sauce from added Tabasco.
Healthier Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Mushrooms
- 1 lb. mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp. canola oil
Cheese Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups skim milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp. Tabasco hot sauce
- 2 tsp. low sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Green Beans
- 2 lbs. fresh green beans washed and ends clipped
- 5 oz. can sliced water chestnuts
Topping
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large saute pan add the oil on medium heat and saute the onions and garlic for about 2 min. stirring occasionally. Add the mushrooms and continue to cook until tender and moisture has been released from them.
- Meanwhile boil green beans in salted water for 3-4 min. until still tender crisp. Drain and immediately immerse in ice water. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Preheat oven to 375F. and spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- To make the cheese sauce, melt the 2 Tbsp. of butter in a small pot and add the flour, cook for 1-2 min. stirring. Slowly whisk in the skim milk until smooth. Bring up to a simmer and once thickened add the 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring. Then stir in the Tabasco, soy sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the green beans and add the mushrooms mixture and water chestnuts. Gently stir to mix.
- Pour into the prepared casserole. You can make this ahead of time to this point and refrigerate covered.
- When ready to bake, mix the panko crumbs, almonds and 1/4 cup Parmesan together and sprinkle on top of the casserole. Bake for 30-35min. or until bubbly and the top is slightly browned.
Try this casserole for the holidays you will be loving it and so will your company!! Check out other healthy recipes on Fave Healthy Recipes!
Comments & Reviews
Hali @daytodayMOMents says
Looks delicious, used to love making similar to these! You’ve reminded me! 🙂
Cathi Crismon says
This recipe is perfect for the upcoming holiday! It’s always a favorite at my house and I love the ‘lighter’ version.
Nancy @ whispered inspirations says
My family hasn’t been a big fan of green beans but your casserole looks super yummy! Great recipe!
Amy Desrosiers says
I love that you swapped out the traditional fried onion rings for healthier nut slivers. I am excited to try your version now!
Melissa says
I’ve been looking for a new casserole to add to our vegetarian diet and this looks like it is right up my alley and A dish my kids will like as well. Can’t wait to try it!
Vera Sweeney says
I love green bean casserole!! What a great way to make it lighter in calories!
Meagan says
Okay, this would be perfect for Thanksgiving…well any time of year really! There’s nothing better than a good green bean casserole.
Stacie says
I love green bean casseroles but I haven’t thought of lightening it up before. The added crunch from the water chestnuts is a great addition too.
Shauna says
Oh my goodness, now this looks delicious. With so many health concerns in our family, this would be perfect this holiday season. Thanks so much for the recipe.
Sarah says
O you just gave me my dinner idea!! Yum!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am always looking for healthier versions of my favorites. I will have to get the ingredients I need to make Green Bean Casserole for dinner this week.
Elizabeth Lampman says
Green Bean Casserole is a family favorite. I like that this is a healthier version. I look forward to trying it.
gingermommyrants says
This Green Bean Casserole looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to give it a try this weekend.
Ash Sears says
I know that I have been watching what I eat lately and with the holiday season coming up it’s gonna make it hard. I am gonna make this for sure!
Robin Rue says
There is seriously a healthier green bean casserole?! Sign me right up for that!
Reesa Lewandowski says
Green bean casserole is one of the things we always serve. I love that this is a lighter version.