A new, healthy twist on this classic holiday side dish, this Green Bean Quinoa Casserole is packed with flavor and will be a huge crowd pleaser!
I really wanted to lighten up the typical Green Bean Casserole that everyone makes on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I figured I'd use fresh green beans (a MUST!) and definitely take out the cream of mushroom soup.
Once I started to prepare it I realized I could add one thing that's packed with plant-based protein, fiber and minerals and is also naturally gluten-free! Yes, QUINOA!
Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to trash talk all of the Green Bean Casserole lovers who love it with the creamed soup and canned beans. There's still some of those fried onions in there.
I just used less and added some panko breadcrumbs for some extra crunch. You can try this dish and let me know which one you like better. I will not be offended if you like the other way better, I will just be shocked!
This yummy casserole is a match made in heaven with Mushroom Cauliflower Rice Risotto, Sweet Potato Casserole and Balsamic Glazed Green Beans!
All of these would be even more yummy with some Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate, Apple Chai Latte, Eggnog Latte and definitely some Spiked Apple Cider!
Also, my cookbooks are both on sale now and would make a great gift! The Everything Wheat Free Diet Cookbook and The Greek Yogurt Cookbook are both the lowest prices I have seen!
Why You Should Make This Green Bean Casserole
Well, as I stated above, this version of green bean casserole is way healthier than what your mom made years ago. This recipe contains all whole ingredients that are easy to find in the grocery store.
Many people think holidays are the time to splurge and I agree, but why not lighten up some of your favorites and have them still taste delicious? I promise you aren't sacrificing flavor at all.
And because the holiday are hectic enough, this green bean casserole can easily be prepared ahead of time and placed in the refrigerator until you re ready to cook. I love finding ways to save time when I entertain because I am usually act like a crazy person when I am hosting a holiday.
Recipe Ingredients
- Quinoa - One of my favorite plant-based protein sources ever. Quinoa is so incredibly versatile and is packed with protein, fiber and antioxidants.
- Vegetable Broth - You can use whatever broth you have in the house; bone broth, chicken broth or beef broth. I used a low sodium vegetable broth to keep this vegetarian and to lighten up on the sodium. Typical green bean casseroles are loaded with sodium from the canned soups.
- Mushrooms
- Green beans
- Whole wheat flour - This is a little more healthy than your typical white all purpose flour. Whole wheat flour contains protein, fiber and some vitamins and minerals unlike white flour.
- Milk - I've made this green bean casserole with regular whole milk and unsweetened almond milk and it tasted great either way. Use what you have I your house or whatever your dietary preferences are.
- Fried Onions - Ok, so before you message me telling me how unhealthy these fried onions are, I only use ¼ cup in the entire casserole. You can use the regular kind or these that are gluten free, GMO free, low carb and sodium free and make a healthy substitute.
- Panko bread crumbs - These have a drier consistency than regular bread crumbs which allows for a lighter, crunchier taste. I like to use these whole wheat panko bread crumbs for a little extra fiber.
- Parmesan cheese - Personally I think grating your own cheese really makes a different in taste, but that's just me. It takes minimal effort and takes a couple of minutes to grate.
Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips
Yes, I would place the leftovers in an airtight container and leave in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you Ould like to reheat, I would suggest heating in the oven to make sure the topping stays crunchy. Microwaving might make it mushy. I would place in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees F.
It's super helpful to prep this the day before to save time. Follow all of the instructions up until you place it in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to cook. So easy!
Yes, I have used both broccoli and cauliflower instead of green beans in this casserole and it was delicious. I would love to hear any other vegetables that you guys have used in here so I can try that too.
Related Recipes
Maple Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Balsamic Glazed Green Beans with Almonds and Cranberries
Gluten Free Spicy Cornbread Stuffed with Cheese
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Green Bean Quinoa Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoon whole wheat flour
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ¼ cup fried onions
- 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place quinoa and 1 ½ cup broth into large sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until all broth is absorbed.
- While quinoa is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat.
- Add green beans and cook for about 3 minutes so they are crisp and not fully cooked. Drain in colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, add oil. onion and garlic and cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add mushrooms and cook another 3-4 minutes.
- Add flour to mushroom mixture and mix well.
- Add broth and milk and continue to stir to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add cheese, quinoa and green beans and remove from heat.
- Top with Parmesan cheese, fried onions and panko crumbs.
- Place in a baking dish and cook for 30 minutes uncovered.
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
Love this healthified version of green bean casserole! Especially the fact that it still has the fried onions on top!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Jessica!
Sherwood
I would buy kitchen tools that I'm missing! A cooling rack, mixing bowls, a bigger cutting board...
lauren.kelly
Good luck!
Lora @cakeduchess
What a wonderful healthier version of Thanksgiving classic! I like that you added quinoa, Lauren!!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Lora!
Amanda -The Kitcheneer
The green bean casserole looks AHMAZING. I'm pretty much signing up to make this for the guys at work before we leave for Thanksgiving!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Amanda!
Sharon
I would put it toward a new tablet.
lauren.kelly
Good luck Sharon!
The Food Hunter
I have got to try this recipe! it sounds fabulous. With the gift card I would most likely buy more cookbooks.
lauren.kelly
Thanks Theresa!
Liz @The Clean Eating Couple
This looks WAY better then the green bean casserole I normally see on thanksgiving!! Gotta try this 🙂
lauren.kelly
Thanks Liz!
Dawn
It looks really good but even though the Quinoa is GF, the Whole wheat flour and fried onions make the recipe contain gluten. I initially read that the entire dish was GF. I may still try it for my family and not eat it myself.
lauren.kelly
Hi Dawn! Yes, only the quinoa is GF. You can easily use almond flour or FG all purpose flour instead of the whole wheat flour and omit the fried onions! I hope you like it!
joeyfromsc
Looks so delicious!! I'd use the gift card to buy my Aunt a Christmas gift. Thanks for the chance!
Joey J.
lauren.kelly
Thank you!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
A big huge fat no to canned casseroles! Haha. I love shortcuts, but just, no... 😉 So I think this looks awesome. Love that you made it so much healthier!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Erin!
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
Love this quinoa version of green bean casserole, Lauren. It looks so delicious!
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet
Nice way to punch up the nutrition and to add some protein to an otherwise vegetarian dish!
Katie @ Mom to Mom Nutrition
It's official: I don't think I would miss the traditional green bean casserole as long as I had your version on the table. Since it's the one thing I make at Thanksgiving I'm definitely giving your recipe a try!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Katie!
Beth
I've never been a huge fan of green bean casserole, but I would definitely try this quinoa version!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Beth!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
This casserole looks SO good Lauren- I'm excited for all the delicious Thanksgiving goodness- A new experience!
lauren.kelly
Oh Thanksgiving recipes are the best Arman! And thank you 🙂