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What if I told you that you could take this timeless dish to the next level using some of your favorite Trader Joe’s ingredients? That’s right! Its easy to whip up a Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole that is not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare.
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Table of Contents
How to make Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole
Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole is a seasonal, ready-to-heat holiday side dish sold at Trader Joe’s, inspired by the classic Thanksgiving casserole.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy and delicious Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole:
- 1.5 lbs fresh green beans (Trader Joe’s green beans or Haricots Verts for a thinner French bean-style dish)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Trader Joe’s Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup or your preferred mushroom soup
- 1 cup Trader Joe’s Gourmet Fried Onion Pieces (or Crispy Shallots for a fun variation)
- 1/2 cup milk (you can use whole milk, almond milk, or cream depending on your desired richness level)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, to saute your green beans for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Green Beans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and trim the green beans. If you’re using Haricots Verts, they usually come pre-trimmed. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for about 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside. (Pro tip: You can also saute the green beans in butter for a richer flavor.)
- Make the Creamy Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the Trader Joe’s Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup and 1/2 cup milk. Stir until smooth. Add garlic powder and season with a pinch of salt and fresh-cracked pepper. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Combine & Assemble: In a large mixing bowl, toss the blanched green beans with the creamy mushroom mixture until well-coated. Transfer the mixture into a buttered or greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Crispy Fried Onions: Sprinkle 1 cup of Trader Joe’s Gourmet Fried Onion Pieces evenly over the top. You can add a touch more if you want extra crunch!
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. The sauce should bubble slightly, and the fried onions will crisp up beautifully.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
Tips for the Best Green Bean Casserole:
- Go Fresh or Frozen: While fresh green beans deliver the best texture, you can use Trader Joe’s frozen green beans in a pinch. Just thaw them and pat them dry before using.
- Upgrade the Toppings: If you want to give your casserole a gourmet twist, swap the fried onions for Trader Joe’s Crispy Shallots or even their Unexpected Cheddar shreds for a cheesy, crispy topping.
- Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Trader Joe’s Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup is vegetarian, making this casserole a great option for plant-based holiday gatherings. For a vegan version, substitute with a plant-based mushroom soup and a non-dairy milk or cream.
- Add Extra Flavor: For more depth, you can sauté diced onions or mushrooms with the green beans before mixing them with the creamy sauce. A few dashes of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce in the filling can also boost savory umami flavors.
- Prep Ahead: This casserole is a dream for busy holiday cooks. You can blanch the green beans, mix up the filling, and even assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just add the crispy onions right before baking to keep them crunchy.
What to serve with
Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole is a star side dish, but no meal is complete without the right combination of complementary courses. Its creamy, savory flavor and crispy onion topping pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, sides, and even beverages.
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- Roast Turkey: Since Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole is a holiday staple, it’s no surprise that it complements roast turkey beautifully. Juicy and tender turkey with crunchy green beans creates the ultimate Thanksgiving combination. Consider using Trader Joe’s ready-to-brine turkeys or their Herb Butter Turkey Breast for convenience.
- Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweetness of honey-glazed ham balances the creamy, earthy flavors of the casserole. Trader Joe’s Spiral Sliced Uncured Ham is a great option, offering pre-sliced convenience for effortless carving.
- Roast Chicken: If you’re hosting a smaller gathering, pair the casserole with Trader Joe’s pre-cooked Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken. It’s fragrant and flavorful without overwhelming the dish.
- Beef Tenderloin or Prime Rib: For an elevated menu, serve the casserole alongside Trader Joe’s Grass-Fed Beef Tenderloin or Boneless Prime Rib Roast. The rich and hearty nature of roasted beef perfectly complements the casserole’s creamy texture.
- Salmon or White Fish: For seafood lovers, a mild fish like Trader Joe’s Wild Sockeye Salmon or Barramundi makes a beautiful pairing. Add a squeeze of lemon and some fresh dill to brighten the meal against the richness of the casserole.
Ingredients Substitutes
Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole is a crowd-favorite side dish, made simple and delicious thanks to their high-quality, pre-packed ingredients. However, if certain items are out of stock, you have dietary restrictions, or you simply want to add your own spin, it’s easy to substitute ingredients while maintaining the dish’s creamy, crunchy, and comforting character.
Fresh Green Beans
If fresh green beans from Trader Joe’s are unavailable or not your preference, you can try:
- Frozen Green Beans: Substitute with Trader Joe’s frozen green beans or French-cut green beans. Simply thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking (avoid adding excess water to the casserole).
- Canned Green Beans: While not as crisp as fresh, canned green beans work well for a softer casserole texture. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove extra sodium or brine.
- Alternative Vegetables: For a creative twist, swap green beans for broccoli florets, cauliflower, or even asparagus. These substitutions bring new textures and flavors but still pair well with the casserole’s creamy base.
Trader Joe’s Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup
If Trader Joe’s Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup isn’t available, here are some alternatives:
- Other Store-Bought Cream of Mushroom Soups: Substitute with any brand of cream of mushroom soup available at your local grocery store (Campbell’s or Pacific Foods are popular options).
- Homemade Cream of Mushroom Sauce: Make your own by sautéing finely chopped mushrooms in butter or olive oil, adding minced garlic, and stirring in flour (or a gluten-free alternative) to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk or cream, simmer until thickened, and season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg for depth of flavor.
- Other Creamy Soups: Substitute with other creamy soups such as cream of celery, cream of chicken (if not vegetarian), or Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato Bisque for a tangy tomato-based variation.
- Plant-Based Cream Alternatives: Use Trader Joe’s Vegan Cashew Kale Dip to create a plant-based creamy base, or try blending soaked cashews with non-dairy milk for a homemade vegan cream.
Milk
Milk adds richness to the casserole’s sauce, but it’s easy to tweak for dietary preferences or if you’re out of milk:
- Dairy Substitutes: Use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even creamier, richer consistency. If you want a tangier option that still works, try sour cream or Trader Joe’s Plain Greek Yogurt, diluted slightly with water or broth.
- Non-Dairy Milk: For dairy-free options, substitute with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. Make sure to choose varieties that are plain and unsweetened to avoid altering the casserole’s flavor.
Trader Joe’s Fried Onion Pieces
The crispy topping is what makes green bean casserole so iconic! If Trader Joe’s Gourmet Fried Onion Pieces aren’t available, opt for these substitutes:
- Other Store-Bought Fried Onions: Brands like French’s Crispy Fried Onions or pre-packaged crispy shallots from another store can replace Trader Joe’s onion topping directly.
- Homemade Crispy Onions: Slice onions thinly (or shallots for a sweeter flavor), dredge them lightly in flour, and fry them in oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Cheesy Topping: For a twist, swap fried onions with shredded Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese or Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy golden crust.
- Alternative Crunchy Toppings: Experiment with toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, crushed potato chips, or panko mixed with seasonings as a unique replacement.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, and with the right pairings, it can elevate your entire meal.
More Trader Joe’s Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh green beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) mushroom soup
- 1 cup Trader Joe’s Gourmet Fried Onion Pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and trim the green beans. If you’re using Haricots Verts, they usually come pre-trimmed. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the green beans for about 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside. (Pro tip: You can also saute the green beans in butter for a richer flavor.)
- Make the Creamy Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the Trader Joe’s Cream of Portabella Mushroom Soup and 1/2 cup milk. Stir until smooth. Add garlic powder and season with a pinch of salt and fresh-cracked pepper. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Combine & Assemble: In a large mixing bowl, toss the blanched green beans with the creamy mushroom mixture until well-coated. Transfer the mixture into a buttered or greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Crispy Fried Onions: Sprinkle 1 cup of Trader Joe’s Gourmet Fried Onion Pieces evenly over the top. You can add a touch more if you want extra crunch!
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. The sauce should bubble slightly, and the fried onions will crisp up beautifully.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
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