Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a simple and delicious side dish, this Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is the perfect recipe for you. It takes all the classic flavors of the beloved green bean casserole and makes it even easier by using your slow cooker! This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you need a no-fuss side dish. Made with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, it’s a comforting classic that never goes out of style. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and variations to make this dish your own!

What is Crockpot Green Bean Casserole?

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is a slow-cooked version of the traditional green bean casserole, typically made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. The crockpot allows you to cook this dish hands-free, freeing up your oven and stovetop for other dishes—especially handy during busy holidays. The slow cooking process helps to infuse all the flavors together, resulting in a rich, creamy casserole with perfectly tender green beans. At the end, we’ll add the crispy fried onions for that signature crunch.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this tasty Crockpot Green Bean Casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans: Drained. You can use fresh or frozen green beans if you prefer.
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup: This forms the creamy base for the casserole.
• 1 cup milk: To thin out the sauce and make it creamier.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: To season the casserole.
• 1 ½ cups French fried onions: Divided. These will be mixed into the casserole and sprinkled on top.
• Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.

Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is super flexible, so feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Substitutions:

• Fresh or frozen green beans: You can use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned. If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 5 minutes before adding to the crockpot. If using frozen green beans, thaw them before adding to the crockpot.
• Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, you can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
• Dairy-free: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk, and choose a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup.

Variations:

• Cheesy version: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mix for a cheesy twist.
• Bacon lover’s version: Cook 4-5 slices of bacon, crumble them, and stir the bacon pieces into the casserole before slow cooking.
• Spicy twist: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Vegetable mix: Add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced carrots to bulk up the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is super easy to prepare, with just a few simple steps before letting your slow cooker do all the work!

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

1. Prep the crockpot: Lightly spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner to prevent sticking.
2. Add the green beans: In a large mixing bowl (or directly in the crockpot), combine the drained green beans with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Mix in the onions: Stir in ½ cup of the French fried onions. These will add some flavor and crunch throughout the casserole.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Casserole

1. Cook on low: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The casserole should be heated through, and the green beans should be tender.
2. Stir occasionally: If possible, give the casserole a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to make sure everything cooks evenly.

Step 3: Add the Crispy Onion Topping

1. Add the topping: Once the casserole is finished cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of French fried onions evenly over the top.
2. Let the onions crisp up: Leave the lid off and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high to allow the onions to crisp up. Alternatively, you can transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish, add the onions, and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to get the top extra crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the topping is crispy and golden brown, your Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is ready to serve! You can garnish it with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

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

1. Prep the ingredients: Drain the green beans and mix them with cream of mushroom soup, milk, seasonings, and some of the fried onions.
2. Cook in the crockpot: Set the slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. Top with crispy onions: Add the remaining French fried onions at the end and let them crisp up before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the green beans: While the slow cooker is convenient, cooking the casserole for too long can make the green beans overly soft or mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking time for best results.
• Skipping the onion topping step: The crispy fried onions are essential for texture. Be sure to add them at the end to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Not draining the green beans: If you’re using canned green beans, drain them well. Otherwise, the casserole can become watery.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish for many occasions, but here are some tips to serve and present it beautifully.

How to Serve Crockpot Green Bean Casserole:

• Family-style: Serve directly from the crockpot for a casual meal or transfer the casserole to a serving dish if you want a more formal presentation.
• Pair with main dishes: This casserole pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, chicken, or any hearty main dish. It’s great for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Add fresh garnishes: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the casserole for a pop of color and flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole:

• Serve in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a decorative casserole dish to give it a homey, inviting look.
• Garnish the top with a sprinkle of black pepper or a few chopped herbs to brighten up the dish.
• If you broil the casserole at the end to crisp up the onions, make sure the edges get golden brown for an appealing finish.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ingredients in the crockpot ahead of time (without the crispy onions), store it in the fridge overnight, and cook it the next day. Add the onions before serving.
• Crispier topping: For an extra crispy onion topping, you can transfer the casserole to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking.
• Adjust the consistency: If your casserole turns out too thick, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh green beans in this recipe?

Yes, fresh green beans work well in this recipe. Just trim and blanch them first by boiling them for 4-5 minutes and then shocking them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This ensures they’ll be tender after slow cooking.

Can I cook this on the stovetop or oven instead of a crockpot?

Yes! If you prefer a quicker method, you can bake the green bean casserole in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, then add the crispy onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Can I freeze Crockpot Green Bean Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole (without the crispy onions) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. Add the crispy onions just before serving.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is the perfect hands-off side dish for holiday meals or any time you need something easy and comforting. With tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, it’s a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, with all the variations and customization options, you can easily make it your own!

Now that you have the recipe and all the tips, it’s time to grab your crockpot and get cooking! Your family and friends will love this classic, creamy, and crispy green bean casserole. Enjoy!

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