Grandma's Green Bean Casserole

If you're looking for the best green bean casserole without mushroom soup, you've come to the right place! This grandma-approved recipe will be welcome on any holiday table.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole Without Cream of Mushroom Soup

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

What to Use Instead of Mushroom Soup In Green Bean Casserole

Instead of condensed cream of mushroom soup, this recipe utilizes an irresistible sour cream sauce thickened with flour and butter. The creamy, tangy mixture adds tons of richness and flavor — so there's no need for any store-bought soup.

Grandma's Green Bean Casserole Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this easy green bean casserole without mushroom soup:

• Butter: You'll use two tablespoons of butter for the green beans and two tablespoons for the topping.
• Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the green bean mixture, resulting in a decadent casserole.
• Sour cream: A cup of sour cream adds richness and pleasant tanginess.
• Onion: Diced white onion lends complexity, taking the flavor up a notch.
• Seasonings: A teaspoon of salt enhances the other flavors, while a teaspoon of sugar lends a touch of subtle sweetness.
• Green beans: This recipe calls for three cans of French-style green beans. You can use fresh green beans if you prefer.
• Cheese: You can use pre-shredded Cheddar cheese, but freshly grated is always best.
• Cracker crumbs: Buttery cracker crumbs give the topping a welcome crunch.

How to Make Grandma's Green Bean Casserole

Here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this old-fashioned green bean casserole:

1. Make the casserole: Melt butter in a large skillet, then add flour and cook for about a minute. Stir in sour cream, onion, salt, and sugar. Add green beans and toss to coat.
2. Top the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Spread the cheese over the green bean mixture. Mix melted butter and crumbs together, then sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
3. Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden and bubbly.

How to Store Grandma's Green Bean Casserole

Allow the green bean casserole to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Can You Freeze Grandma's Green Bean Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this green bean casserole. Transfer your leftovers (in serving-sized portions, if you like) to zip-top bags or another freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This recipe is way, WAY BETTER than the cream soup version," according to Baseballmom_88. "The fam LOVED it! I made this with fresh green beans (cooked earlier)."

"The sour cream sauce is great with the cheesy layer on top," raves Melanie. "I added chopped mushrooms into the skillet with the onion mixture."

"I cannot stand the traditional mushroom soup recipe, and found this. It tastes amazing - my kids love it so much I have to double the recipe for leftovers," says another Allrecipes member. "Excellent and tasty recipe - I would not dream of omitting this from Thanksgiving or Christmas."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams