Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Looking for an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering? Look no further than this Crockpot Green Bean Casserole recipe. This classic comfort food is now made even simpler with the slow-cooker method, allowing you to enjoy a rich and creamy dish without constantly checking the oven. Whether you're planning for a holiday meal or just craving a cozy side dish, this Crockpot Green Bean Casserole will surely be a hit. Read on for step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and everything you need to make this dish perfect.

What Is Crockpot Green Bean Casserole?

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is a slow-cooked version of the traditional green bean casserole. Originally popularized by Campbell’s in the 1950s, the classic dish consists of green beans mixed with cream of mushroom soup and topped with crispy fried onions. In this version, you use a crockpot or slow cooker to make the process easier while still retaining the creamy texture and rich flavor everyone loves. Using the crockpot allows you to prepare this dish hours in advance, freeing up space in your oven for other dishes—especially helpful for holiday meals.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic Crockpot Green Bean Casserole. This ingredient list serves approximately 8-10 people, making it ideal for gatherings:

• 4 cans of cut green beans (14.5 oz each) – drained
• 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz each)
• 1 cup of milk – whole milk works best for a creamy consistency
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce – adds a little umami depth
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – for added flavor
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper – to taste
• 1 teaspoon of salt – or adjust to taste
• 1 ½ cups of French-fried onions – for topping
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – for added richness and flavor

These are the basics of a traditional green bean casserole, but you can also make a few variations to suit your dietary preferences or tastes. More on that below.

Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is versatile, so feel free to get creative or adapt it to different dietary needs. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations:

• Vegan Version: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a vegan-friendly cream soup, and use almond milk or another plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. You can also find or make vegan fried onions for the topping.
• Gluten-Free Option: Choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, and make sure your fried onions are gluten-free as well.
• Healthier Version: Use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned for a fresher taste and better texture. You can also use a low-sodium soup and cut back on the salt to reduce sodium levels.
• Cheesy Variation: Adding cheddar cheese gives the dish extra creaminess and flavor. If you love cheese, you can even mix in some grated Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Add Protein: For a more filling dish, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even bacon bits. Just stir them into the casserole before slow cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

The great thing about using a crockpot is that you can set it and forget it. Follow these simple steps to make your Crockpot Green Bean Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by draining the canned green beans. This is important to avoid a watery casserole. If you’re using fresh or frozen green beans, make sure to blanch them briefly in boiling water, then drain them well.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. If you're adding cheese, stir in the shredded cheddar at this stage.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole in the Crockpot

Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then add the drained green beans and pour the soup mixture over them. Gently stir everything together so that the green beans are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Set your crockpot to cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to make sure the casserole is heating evenly.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, sprinkle the French-fried onions over the top. If you want an extra cheesy layer, you can also add more shredded cheddar on top of the onions.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is heated through and the topping is crispy, your dish is ready to serve. Transfer the casserole to a serving dish, or serve it directly from the crockpot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a foolproof recipe like Crockpot Green Bean Casserole, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not Draining the Green Beans: Always make sure to drain canned green beans thoroughly to avoid a runny casserole. If using fresh or frozen, be sure to blanch and drain them well.
• Overcooking the Green Beans: If you cook the casserole too long, the green beans can become mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best texture.
• Skipping the Stirring: While it’s tempting to let the crockpot do all the work, give the casserole a stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.
• Adding the Onions Too Soon: The fried onions will lose their crunch if added too early. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to sprinkle them on top.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Your Crockpot Green Bean Casserole will be delicious no matter how you serve it, but a few small touches can elevate your dish’s presentation. Here are some ideas to make it look as good as it tastes:

How to Serve Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

This casserole works beautifully as a side dish for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Serve it alongside roast turkey, ham, or beef. You can serve it directly from the crockpot to keep it warm, or transfer it to a nice serving dish if you're hosting a formal meal.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

If you want to impress your guests, top the casserole with additional crispy fried onions just before serving to maintain their crunch. You could also garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a touch of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

Want to make sure your Crockpot Green Bean Casserole turns out perfectly every time? Keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: While canned green beans are convenient, using fresh or frozen green beans can give your casserole a brighter color and a better texture.
• Add the Onions Later: For a crunchy topping, wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add the fried onions.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the casserole about halfway through cooking, and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Some cream of mushroom soups can be saltier than others, so it’s good to check before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green beans work wonderfully. You’ll want to blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes and then drain them well before adding them to the crockpot.

2. How can I make this dish healthier?
For a healthier version, use fresh or frozen green beans, low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, and reduced-fat milk. You can also use less fried onions or opt for a gluten-free and baked variety.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. The next day, simply add it to the crockpot and heat it according to the instructions.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, Crockpot Green Bean Casserole can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.

5. Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?
While cream of mushroom is traditional, you can use other cream-based soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is the perfect addition to any meal, whether you're hosting a holiday feast or just need a comforting side dish for a weeknight dinner. It's incredibly easy to make and bursting with creamy, savory flavors. Best of all, using the crockpot takes the stress out of cooking, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and your company. With the recipe tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas provided, you're sure to impress everyone at the table. Try this Crockpot Green Bean Casserole at your next gathering—you won’t be disappointed!

Print