When it comes to comfort food side dishes, green bean casserole is an American classic that shows up at family dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, and holiday gatherings. If you’re a fan of Trader Joe’s, you’ll be happy to know that you can make a Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe using their fresh and flavorful ingredients.
This recipe is creamy, savory, and topped with the perfect crispy crunch—everything you’d expect from a casserole, but with that Trader Joe’s twist. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is sure to win over everyone at the table.
In this article, we’ll walk through the full recipe, ingredient breakdown, cooking tips, storage advice, and even a few creative variations. Let’s dig in!
Why Make Green Bean Casserole with Trader Joe’s Ingredients?
Trader Joe’s is known for quality, budget-friendly ingredients that are also unique and easy to work with. By using their products, you simplify the cooking process while ensuring bold, delicious flavors. Here’s why this version stands out:
- Fresh Produce: Trader Joe’s sells fresh French green beans (haricots verts) that cook beautifully without being mushy.
- Convenient Ingredients: Pre-made crispy onion pieces and mushroom soup shortcuts make cooking faster.
- Gourmet Twists: Trader Joe’s offers items like mushroom medley, garlic powder blends, and vegan alternatives so you can customize your dish.
- Affordable: You can prepare a casserole for a crowd without overspending.
Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe (Classic Version)
This recipe serves 6–8 people and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need from Trader Joe’s:
- 1 ½ lbs Trader Joe’s French Green Beans (Haricots Verts) – trimmed
- 2 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Unsalted Butter (or olive oil)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 oz Trader Joe’s Mushroom Medley (or Baby Bella Mushrooms, sliced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Trader Joe’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or use Trader Joe’s Mushroom Bisque for a richer version)
- ¾ cup Trader Joe’s Organic Whole Milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Trader Joe’s Onion Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Paprika (optional, for flavor depth)
- 1 ½ cups Trader Joe’s Crispy Fried Onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. - Blanch the Green Beans
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender.
- Drain and immediately transfer them into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
- Make the Mushroom Base
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and mushrooms; sauté until golden brown and tender.
- Create the Creamy Sauce
- Add condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Stir well until combined and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Season with onion salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Assemble the Casserole
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Transfer mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top evenly with 1 cup of crispy fried onions (reserving ½ cup for later).
- Bake
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden around the edges. - Final Crunch
- Remove casserole, sprinkle remaining fried onions on top.
- Bake an additional 5 minutes until onions are crispy.
- Serve Hot
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole
- Don’t Overcook Green Beans: Blanch just until crisp-tender for the best texture.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: Trader Joe’s Mushroom Medley gives this dish extra flavor compared to just soup.
- Extra Creamy Option: Swap whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in ½ cup of Trader Joe’s shredded Gruyère or cheddar for a gooey casserole.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the onion topping) a day before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Variations of Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole
The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to fit dietary preferences or give it a gourmet spin.
- Vegan Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole
- Use Trader Joe’s Vegan Mushroom Soup or coconut cream.
- Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Top with Trader Joe’s Crispy Onions (vegan-friendly).
- Gluten-Free Version
- Swap soup with Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Mushroom Bisque.
- Use gluten-free fried onions (or make your own with almond flour).
- Spicy Kick
- Add Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch for a flavorful, spicy edge.
- Healthy Lightened-Up Version
- Replace soup with Trader Joe’s Organic Greek Yogurt mixed with sautéed mushrooms.
- Use almond milk instead of whole milk.
What to Serve with Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole
This casserole pairs perfectly with almost any main dish. Some serving suggestions:
- Thanksgiving Turkey or roasted chicken
- Trader Joe’s Spiral Ham
- Mashed Potatoes with gravy
- Stuffing or cornbread
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts or other roasted vegetables
It’s a versatile side dish that balances heavy mains with fresh, savory flavors.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15 minutes. Add a few extra fried onions on top for a fresh crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
(Note: Values may vary depending on specific Trader Joe’s products used.)
Final Thoughts on Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe
The Trader Joe’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe is a delicious, budget-friendly, and easy-to-make side dish that elevates a classic American favorite with high-quality ingredients. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe, go vegan, or spice it up, this casserole brings comfort and flavor to any meal.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a Sunday dinner, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for years to come.
So next time you’re strolling through Trader Joe’s, grab those green beans, mushrooms, and crispy onions—then get ready to bake up a dish that everyone will be asking for again and again.