Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Creamy Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe – Set & Forget Magic

A hearty crockpot green bean casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into a creamy, delectable side dish that sparkles with homestyle charm.

Classic flavors mingle effortlessly during the gentle simmering process.

Crispy onion toppings add a delightful crunch that makes each bite memorable.

Seasonal gatherings become more special when this crowd-pleasing dish appears.

Busy cooks appreciate how simple preparation meets impressive results.

You’ll want seconds of this warm, inviting casserole that feels like a culinary hug.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole: Why To Love

  • Simplify Cooking: Dump all ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic without constant monitoring or complex preparation steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic green bean casserole transformed into an easy slow cooker version that brings nostalgic flavors everyone loves, perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding cheese or bacon for extra flavor, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Minimal hands-on cooking time means you can enjoy a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for busy home cooks seeking convenient meal solutions.

Ingredients for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Green Beans: Fresh green beans provide the primary vegetable base for this classic casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Milk: Provides additional moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
Topping and Optional Add-ins:
  • French Fried Onions, Cheese, Bacon: Crispy onions add a crunchy texture, while cheese and bacon offer optional extra flavor and richness.

How to Make Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Mix together green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper directly in the crockpot.

Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for an even flavor distribution.

Step 2: Add Crispy Onion Layer

Sprinkle half of the French fried onions into the green bean mixture.

These will provide a delightful crunch and additional texture to the casserole.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to low temperature and let the green bean mixture cook for 4-5 hours.

This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the green beans become tender and delicious.

Step 4: Enhance with Optional Extras

When the cooking time is almost complete, consider stirring in cheese and crumbled bacon for extra richness and depth of flavor.

These optional ingredients can transform the classic casserole into a more indulgent side dish.

Step 5: Final Crispy Topping

Just before serving, top the casserole with the remaining French fried onions.

This final layer adds a satisfying crunch and golden-brown appearance that makes the dish visually appealing and extra tasty.

Pro Tips for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

  • Add crispy French fried onion topping just before serving to maintain their crunch and texture.
  • Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory dimension that elevates the classic casserole.
  • Use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned to reduce excess liquid and maintain better vegetable texture.
  • Swap regular milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious sauce.
  • Substitute cream of mushroom soup with homemade version using low-sodium ingredients to reduce salt and processed food content.

Variations to Customize Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream of mushroom soup with coconut cream and use dairy-free milk. Swap French fried onions with crushed gluten-free crackers for a lighter version.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Boost: Eliminate bacon and use smoked paprika for depth. Add diced bell peppers and mushrooms to increase nutritional value and enhance flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Crunch: Substitute green beans with cauliflower florets. Use almond flour-coated crispy onions and reduce milk quantity for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos and add nutritional yeast for extra savory notes.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

  • Classic Holiday Sidekick: Pair this creamy green bean casserole with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or golden-brown chicken for a traditional family dinner that brings everyone together.
  • Rustic Buffet Companion: Create a stunning side dish spread by placing this casserole next to mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and fresh dinner rolls for a complete comfort food experience.
  • Gourmet Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits, chopped fresh chives, or toasted sliced almonds on top just before serving to add delightful crunch and elevate the dish's texture and flavor profile.
  • Leftover Magic Remix: Transform remaining casserole into a delicious lunch by mixing with cooked pasta or spreading over toasted bread for a quick and satisfying next-day meal.

How to Store Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep crispy onion topping separate to maintain crunchiness.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding fresh onion topping before freezing.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm in preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add fresh French fried onions during last 5 minutes for extra crispness.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen green beans work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them before adding to the crockpot.

  • How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and use vegetable cream of mushroom soup. You can also add extra cheese or nutritional yeast for more flavor.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the green beans?

No, the slow cooker will cook the green beans to the perfect tenderness during the cooking process.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate. Just start cooking in the morning for a delicious dinner.

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Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Green bean casserole with creamy mushroom sauce blends classic comfort and modern slow-cooker ease. Fresh green beans mingle with crispy onions, creating a hearty side dish perfect for family gatherings and holiday meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds Fresh Green Beans (trimmed, cut in half)
  • 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 cup Milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 can (6 ounces) French Fried Onions
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup Bacon (cooked, crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  • 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced)

Instructions

  1. Gently layer fresh green beans with creamy mushroom base in the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
  2. Fold half of the crispy fried onions into the mixture, allowing them to nestle throughout the casserole.
  3. Set the crockpot to low temperature and allow the ingredients to meld together for 4-5 hours, creating a rich and tender dish.
  4. During the final moments of cooking, incorporate optional cheese and crumbled bacon for enhanced depth of flavor.
  5. Garnish the top with remaining golden-brown fried onions, creating a crunchy textural contrast to the soft vegetable base.
  6. Serve immediately while warm, ensuring the onion topping maintains its signature crispness.

Notes

  • Opt for fresh green beans to enhance the casserole’s texture and flavor, ensuring crisp-tender results.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and minimal soy sauce for a heart-healthy version.
  • For a gluten-free adaptation, substitute traditional French fried onions with gluten-free crispy onions or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Elevate the dish’s protein content by adding cooked diced chicken or turkey for a complete meal option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours (or 5 hours)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 119 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 527 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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