Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for holiday gatherings? This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is your go-to recipe! By preparing this dish in a slow cooker, you free up oven space for other important dishes and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this easy Crockpot Green Bean Casserole will be a hit. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and more!

this Recipe

What Is Crockpot Green Bean Casserole?

Green bean casserole is a timeless comfort food, often served during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It combines green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions for a warm and comforting side dish. In this slow cooker version, all the flavors come together in one pot with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on other cooking tasks or simply relax. The slow-cooked green beans become tender and flavorful, while the creamy sauce thickens to perfection, making this dish an easy yet satisfying classic.

Why Make Green Bean Casserole in the Crockpot?

• Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work.
• Free up oven space: Perfect for busy holiday meals when the oven is needed for other dishes.
• Consistent results: Cooking in a slow cooker ensures perfectly tender green beans and a thick, creamy sauce every time.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

To make this easy Crockpot Green Bean Casserole, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. You may already have most of these in your pantry!

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of green beans, drained (you can use fresh or frozen as well)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy variation)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup French fried onions, divided
• Salt, to taste (optional, as the soup and fried onions already contain some salt)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Mushrooms: Sautéed fresh mushrooms add extra texture and flavor.
• Bacon: Cooked, crumbled bacon can bring a savory, smoky element to the dish.
• Sour cream: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream for added creaminess and tang.

Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is highly adaptable, and you can tweak the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or available ingredients.

• Fresh Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure they’re tender.
• Frozen Green Beans: You can use frozen green beans directly without thawing, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
• Gluten-Free Version: Opt for a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and gluten-free fried onions.
• Cheesy Version: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mix for a richer, creamier casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can substitute cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this classic dish in your slow cooker. It’s as simple as combining the ingredients and letting the Crockpot do its magic!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by draining the canned green beans, or if using fresh, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain. This will ensure they stay tender but not mushy.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and soy sauce (if using). If you're going for the cheesy variation, this is also where you’ll stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Layer the Green Beans

Spray the inside of your Crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking. Add the green beans to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Crockpot

Pour the creamy soup mixture over the green beans and stir everything together until the beans are fully coated.

Step 5: Cook in the Crockpot

Cover the Crockpot and set it to low heat for 4 hours, or on high heat for 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Add the Crispy Fried Onions

After the casserole has finished cooking, sprinkle half of the fried onions on top. Stir them in gently for extra texture throughout the dish.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, add the remaining crispy fried onions on top for that signature crunchy finish. If you want extra crispy onions, you can transfer the casserole to a broiler-safe dish and pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the top.

How to Cook Crockpot Green Bean Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare your green beans (drain if canned, blanch if fresh).
2. Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and optional ingredients like cheese or soy sauce.
3. Layer green beans in a greased slow cooker.
4. Pour the creamy mixture over the beans and stir.
5. Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
6. Stir in half the fried onions after cooking.
7. Top with the remaining fried onions before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using unblanched fresh green beans: If using fresh green beans, be sure to blanch them beforehand. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender, not tough.
• Overcooking the casserole: While slow cookers are great for hands-off cooking, overcooking can cause the casserole to become mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
• Skipping the fried onions: The fried onions add essential crunch and flavor. Don't leave them out unless absolutely necessary!
• Not stirring in the onions: Mixing some fried onions into the casserole and leaving some for the top ensures there’s crunchy texture throughout.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, and it can be served directly from the Crockpot for a casual, family-style meal. However, with a few tweaks, you can elevate the presentation as well.

How to Serve Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

• Holiday Mainstay: Serve alongside classic Thanksgiving or Christmas dishes like turkey, ham, or roasted chicken.
• Everyday Side Dish: This casserole is also an excellent side dish for weeknight dinners with grilled or roasted meats.
• Vegetarian Meal: Serve with a grain like rice or quinoa for a complete vegetarian meal.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve in a Casserole Dish: Transfer the green bean casserole from the Crockpot to a pretty casserole dish just before serving to give it a more elegant look.
• Add Cheese on Top: For a cheesy variation, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top before serving and let it melt for a golden, bubbly finish.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prep in Advance: You can prepare the casserole ingredients the night before, refrigerate them, and then just pop everything into the Crockpot the next day.
• Don’t Overdo the Liquid: The canned soup and milk create a creamy base, but adding too much extra liquid can make the casserole too soupy. Stick to the recommended measurements.
• Make It Crispy: If you want the fried onions extra crispy, transfer the dish to the oven and broil for a few minutes just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh green beans work great in this recipe. Just blanch them for 3-4 minutes in boiling water before adding them to the Crockpot.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish the day before, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the Crockpot or oven before serving.

Can I freeze green bean casserole?

Green bean casserole can be frozen, but the texture of the fried onions may change upon reheating. Freeze the casserole without the fried onions and add them fresh when reheating.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the Crockpot on low.

Can I make this dish without cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer to make a homemade version, you can create your own creamy sauce using a roux (butter and flour), milk, and sautéed mushrooms.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, crowd-pleasing Crockpot Green Bean Casserole that’s perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is a winner for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with the suggested variations, this slow cooker green bean casserole will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it for your next gathering and watch it disappear!

Print