Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Green Bean Casserole?

There are numerous advantages to preparing your Green Bean Casserole in a Crock Pot, especially during busy holiday periods:

• Free Up Oven Space: This is arguably the biggest benefit. With turkeys, roasts, and other casseroles vying for oven time, a slow cooker allows you to prepare a beloved side dish without the logistical headache.
• Consistent Heat: Slow cookers provide a gentle, even heat that prevents burning and ensures your casserole cooks through beautifully, resulting in a wonderfully creamy and tender dish every time.
• Keep Warm Function: Many slow cookers have a “keep warm” setting, which is perfect for holiday entertaining. Your Green Bean Casserole will stay at the ideal serving temperature for hours, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal.
• Portability: If you’re heading to a potluck or family gathering, a slow cooker makes transporting your casserole incredibly easy. Just plug it in when you arrive, and it’s ready to go.
• Hands-Off Cooking: After a quick initial mix, the slow cooker does all the work. This hands-off approach gives you more time to spend with loved ones or tackle other holiday preparations.

Once you try this Crock Pot version, you might find yourself making it this way year-round!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

What kind of cheese is best to use?

Cheese adds a wonderful depth of flavor to green bean casserole, though some purists prefer it without. For our recipe, we recommend a delightful blend of Parmesan and cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and incorporates better into the casserole, creating a superior texture. However, store-bought grated or finely shredded cheese works perfectly well too. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties; a sharp cheddar or a touch of Gruyère could also be excellent. This combination, however, consistently delivers fantastic results.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a convenient alternative to canned ones. For best results and to maintain optimal cooking time, we suggest defrosting them thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker. If you’re short on time, adding them frozen is an option, but be prepared for the overall cooking time to increase slightly as the slow cooker works to thaw and then cook the beans.

Can other cream soups be used?

If cream of mushroom soup isn’t your preference, don’t worry! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can substitute it with any “cream of” soup you enjoy. Popular choices that work wonderfully include cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even cream of potato soup. Each will lend a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile to your casserole. If you wish to avoid cream soups altogether, there are fantastic recipes for green bean casserole made without cream soups.

Can I bake this recipe in the oven instead?

Certainly! If you have the oven space and prefer to bake this casserole, the transition is simple. Prepare the casserole mixture exactly as directed in the slow cooker instructions. Then, transfer the entire mixture into a large baking pan, approximately 9×13 inches. Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and heated through. During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining French’s fried onions over the top and continue to bake until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Green Bean Casserole is a treat! To store it, transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual servings in the microwave until thoroughly warmed. For larger portions, you can gently warm it in a covered dish in the oven to prevent it from drying out.

Essential Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful side dish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips:

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This forms the rich, creamy base of your casserole. If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a similar creamy texture with a different flavor profile. For an extra homemade touch, consider making your own homemade cream of mushroom soup.
• Milk: Adds to the creamy consistency and helps thin out the soup concentrate. Any milk fat percentage will work, from whole to skim.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the savory onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions. If you prefer less onion, garlic powder makes a great substitute, or you can omit it entirely. There’s generally no need to add extra salt, as canned green beans and cream soups contain ample sodium.
• Pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a subtle warmth and balances the richness of the casserole.
• Green Beans: Canned green beans are traditionally used for convenience. If you’re mindful of sodium intake, opt for salt-free or low-sodium canned green beans. This can also be paired with low-sodium cream of mushroom soup for a healthier option.
• Parmesan Cheese & Cheddar Cheese: This combination offers a perfect balance of sharp, salty, and creamy flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheddar for a unique twist. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully, but pre-shredded varieties work too.
• French’s Fried Onions: The iconic crispy topping that provides an essential crunch and savory onion flavor. While French’s is the classic brand, store-brand alternatives are just as effective and delicious.

How to Make Your Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing this Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps for a perfect holiday side dish:

1. Begin by combining the wet and dry base ingredients. In the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker, thoroughly mix together the two (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of mushroom soup, ⅔ cup milk, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are completely combined and smooth.

   

2. Next, add the star of the dish and the first layer of cheesy goodness. Incorporate the four (14.5 ounce) cans of drained green beans, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup grated cheddar cheese, and half of the French’s fried onions into the soup mixture. Gently stir all these ingredients until they are just combined, ensuring the beans are evenly coated.

   

3. Set your slow cooker to “low” and let it work its magic for 2 hours. Remember to stir the mixture occasionally during this time to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Once the initial cooking time is complete, give the casserole a final good stir. Then, evenly sprinkle the remaining French’s fried onions over the top. Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking on low for an additional 20-30 minutes. This last step will ensure the topping gets nice and crispy.

4. Once the additional 20-30 minutes has passed and the fried onions are golden and crunchy, your Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole is ready! Carefully remove the dish from the slow cooker and serve immediately, allowing everyone to enjoy this warm, comforting, and perfectly seasoned side dish.

   

Expert Tips for Your Best Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

• Don’t Overstir: While occasional stirring is good, excessive stirring can break down the green beans and make them mushy. Stir just enough to combine and prevent sticking.
• Customize Your Topping: While French’s fried onions are classic, consider adding crumbled bacon, crushed Ritz crackers, or a mix of cheeses on top for added flavor and texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before adding it to the slow cooker and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remember that canned goods and cheese often contain a fair amount of sodium.
• Prep Ahead: You can mix the base ingredients (soup, milk, seasonings) the night before and store them in the fridge. Add green beans, cheese, and onions just before cooking.
• Liner for Easy Cleanup: For even easier cleanup, use a slow cooker liner.

Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Table

This Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of other holiday favorites. Serve it alongside:

• Roasted Turkey or Ham
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Cranberry Sauce
• Cornbread Dressing or Stuffing
• Dinner Rolls

It’s also fantastic as a comforting side dish for a weeknight meal with roasted chicken or pork chops.

Creative Variations and Customizations

While the classic Green Bean Casserole is perfect, don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture for a subtle heat.
• Mushroom Boost: Sauté fresh sliced mushrooms with a bit of garlic before adding them to the slow cooker for an extra layer of umami.
• Bacon Love: Crumble crispy bacon bits into the casserole mixture or sprinkle them on top with the fried onions for a smoky, savory touch.
• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an aromatic enhancement that complements holiday flavors beautifully.
• Different Onions: Instead of or in addition to onion powder, you can finely mince a shallot or a small yellow onion and sauté it before adding to the mix for a fresh onion flavor.

Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

This Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole is a must-have side dish on any holiday table! It’s easy, tasty, and no oven is required!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Based on 5 reviews)

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Servings: 8

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of mushroom soup
• ⅔ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 4 (14.5 ounce) cans of green beans, drained
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 (6 ounce) can French’s fried onions (divided use)

Instructions

1. In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, mix together 2 (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of mushroom soup, ⅔ cup milk, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

   

2. Add in 4 (14.5 ounce) cans of green beans, drained, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup grated cheddar cheese, and half of the French’s fried onions. Stir gently until well combined.

   

3. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. When cooking time is complete, stir mixture well and top with the remaining French’s fried onions. Cover again and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.

   

4. After the additional 20-30 minutes is up, remove the dish from the slow cooker and serve immediately.

   

Notes

• Other cream soups can be used instead of cream of mushroom. Refer to the FAQs section for suggestions.
• Freshly shredded or grated cheese generally melts and incorporates better, but pre-packaged shredded cheese works too. Feel free to customize your cheese blend or omit it entirely based on preference.
• Frozen green beans are suitable, but for best results and consistent cooking times, it’s recommended to defrost them before adding to the slow cooker.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information (Estimated)

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 23g
• Sodium: 1154mg
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 10g

Nutritional Disclaimer

The Country Cook is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used and exact measurements.

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