The Easiest Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

The holiday season often brings a beloved classic to the table: green bean casserole. Did you know this iconic dish was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly at the Campbell Soup Company? Learn more about the history of green bean casserole and its enduring popularity. But managing oven space can be a real headache. This simple crockpot green bean casserole recipe offers the perfect solution! Let your slow cooker do all the hard work, freeing up your oven for other dishes. Enjoy a rich, creamy, and crispy casserole with minimal fuss, every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

• Frees up valuable oven space. During busy holidays, your oven is prime real estate. This recipe makes the slow cooker your new best friend.
• Minimal effort and simple ingredients. You only need a few pantry staples and a few minutes of prep time for this easy side.
• Consistently creamy, flavorful results. The slow cooker gently simmers the ingredients, creating a perfectly blended and delicious casserole.
• Stays warm for easy serving. Your crockpot green bean casserole holds its temperature beautifully, making serving a breeze for potlucks or family dinners.
• Perfect for gatherings and potlucks. This impressive dish serves a crowd effortlessly and travels well.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for your creamy crockpot green bean casserole:

• 3 cans cut green beans (14.5 oz can each – drained)
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz each)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 6 ounces French Fried onions

Notes & Substitutions

• Green Beans: Canned green beans are quick and convenient; just make sure to drain them thoroughly. You can use fresh or frozen green beans, but they require a bit more prep. Thaw frozen beans completely, and for fresh beans, trim them and blanch them briefly before adding. This ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
• Cream of Soup: We use canned cream of mushroom soup for ultimate ease. Feel free to substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer. For a homemade touch, you can prepare your own cream of mushroom soup.
• Milk: Any type of milk works here, whether it’s whole milk, skim milk, or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk. The choice will slightly impact the richness.
• Seasoning: Adjust the salt and black pepper to your personal taste. A pinch more or less can really make a difference.
• Onions: Crispy fried onions are absolutely essential for that classic taste and texture. Don’t skip them for the perfect finish!

Equipment

You won’t need much specialized equipment to whip up this easy slow cooker green bean casserole.

• 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker/Crockpot
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Non-stick cooking spray

How to Make Crockpot Green Bean Casserole (Instructions)

This simple method makes preparing a delicious crockpot green bean casserole incredibly easy. Follow these steps for a perfect side dish every time.

Step 1: Prepare the creamy base. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soups, milk, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, flavorful foundation for your casserole.

Step 2: Combine ingredients. Gently stir in the well-drained green beans into the creamy soup mixture. Next, mix in half of the French fried onions (approximately 3 ounces). This ensures the onion flavor is infused throughout the casserole while some remain crunchy for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare slow cooker. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier after cooking your slow cooker green bean casserole.

Step 4: Cook to perfection. Spread the green bean mixture evenly into a single layer in the bottom of the crockpot. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-1.5 hours. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.

Step 5: Add final topping & serve. Remove the lid during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle with the remaining French fried onions over the top. Recover if needed to keep warm, but leaving the lid slightly ajar can help keep them crispy. Serve your warm crockpot green bean casserole immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

• Achieving Crispy Onions: For extra crispy onions, especially when cooking in a slow cooker, consider an oven-safe insert. If your slow cooker has one, transfer the casserole to the oven for the final 10-15 minutes after adding the topping. Alternatively, crisp the remaining onions separately in a pan on the stovetop or a toaster oven and add them just before serving.
• Preventing Soupy Casserole: To prevent your slow cooker green bean casserole from becoming too watery, remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking. This allows some moisture to escape, thickening the sauce. Ensure green beans are very well-drained.
• Make-Ahead Prep: You can easily prep this casserole ahead of time. Combine all ingredients except the final French fried onions. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, transfer to the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe.
• Keeping Warm: The slow cooker’s “warm” setting is perfect for gatherings. Once your casserole is cooked, you can keep it on warm for up to 2-3 hours without overcooking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Doubling the Recipe: This recipe easily doubles for a larger crowd. Use a larger slow cooker (8-quart or more) and increase cooking time by approximately 1 hour on LOW, or 30 minutes on HIGH.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This easy green bean casserole is a versatile side dish perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this classic holiday side dish with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a savory pot roast.
• Serve it alongside a simple roasted chicken or tender pork chops for a comforting weeknight meal.
• It’s always a hit when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy dinner rolls, or cranberry sauce.

Storage Instructions

• Allow any leftover crockpot green bean casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
• To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes for the best crispiness, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

Flavor Variations

• Cheesy Version: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or grated Parmesan cheese with the green beans for a delightful cheesy twist.
• Mushroom Options: For a richer flavor, sauté 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms with a clove of minced garlic before adding them to the mixture.
• Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the creamy base.
• Crunch Factor: Incorporate a can of drained, sliced water chestnuts or a cup of crushed buttery crackers along with the initial fried onions for added texture.
• Homemade Soup: If you have more time, substitute the canned soup with your favorite homemade cream of mushroom soup recipe for an elevated taste.

Nutrition Information

Please note that nutritional values are estimates based on average product data and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is provided for general guidance.

According to USDA data, green beans are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Explore the nutritional benefits of green beans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can this be Made Ahead of Time?

  Yes, you can prepare the green bean and soup mixture up to 3 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook your slow cooker green bean casserole.

• Can you use Fresh or Frozen Green Beans?

  Absolutely! Thaw frozen beans completely and drain any excess water. For fresh green beans, trim them and blanch them for 2-3 minutes before adding, then extend cooking time to 4-6 hours on LOW or 3 hours on HIGH.

• How Long Can you Keep this on Warm?

  You can safely keep your crockpot green bean casserole on the “warm” setting for up to 3 hours after it has finished cooking. Stir it occasionally to maintain consistency and prevent sticking.

• How do you Keep Green Bean Casserole from being Soupy?

  To prevent a soupy casserole, ensure your canned green beans are very well-drained. Also, remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking to allow some steam and excess moisture to escape.

Conclusion

This crockpot green bean casserole truly makes preparing a beloved classic effortless. Say goodbye to oven space woes and hello to a rich, creamy, and perfectly cooked side dish with minimal fuss. It’s the ideal addition to any holiday feast or family gathering, bringing comfort and flavor without the stress. Give this incredibly easy slow cooker recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to. We would love to hear your thoughts and ratings in the comments below!