Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole is a beloved side dish, often gracing holiday tables from Thanksgiving to Christmas. But what if you could make this classic dish even easier? Enter the Crockpot Green Bean Casserole! With the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, freeing up your oven for other dishes during busy holiday meal preparations. This creamy, savory dish, with tender green beans, a flavorful mushroom sauce, and crispy onions, is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delectable Crockpot green bean casserole. From the ingredients list to step-by-step instructions, substitutions, variations, and even some pro tips, you’ll have all the information to create a fuss-free, delicious side dish. Read on to find out how to make this comforting classic in your slow cooker!

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What is Crockpot Green Bean Casserole?

Crockpot green bean casserole is a slow-cooked version of the traditional oven-baked green bean casserole. It features the same creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crunchy fried onion topping, but made with the convenience of a Crockpot. This method allows the green beans to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors of the sauce, while still delivering the crisp onion topping that everyone loves.

This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings when your oven is occupied with other dishes, or anytime you want to make meal prep easier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Hands-off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other tasks.
• Classic Flavor: All the creamy, savory flavors of traditional green bean casserole, but with less hassle.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Make this dish alongside your turkey, ham, or roast without worrying about oven space.

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Ingredients List for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Crockpot green bean casserole. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.

Primary Ingredients:

1. Fresh Green Beans – 2 pounds (trimmed and cut in half)
   • Fresh green beans offer the best texture, but you can also use frozen green beans if you prefer. If using canned green beans, drain and rinse them first to remove excess sodium.
2. Cream of Mushroom Soup – 2 cans (10.5 oz each)
   • Cream of mushroom soup forms the creamy base of this casserole. You can substitute with homemade mushroom sauce if you want a fresher alternative.
3. Milk – 1 cup
   • Milk helps thin out the mushroom soup and creates a silky sauce. Use whole milk for a richer texture, or swap with almond milk or another non-dairy option for a dairy-free version.
4. Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon
   • Soy sauce adds umami depth to the dish. You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
5. Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
   • Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
6. Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon
   • A little black pepper adds subtle spice and complements the creamy sauce.
7. French Fried Onions – 1 can (6 oz)
   • These crispy onions add the perfect crunchy topping. You’ll stir some into the casserole and save the rest for sprinkling on top before serving.

Optional Ingredients:

1. Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup (shredded)
   • For a cheesy variation, add shredded cheddar cheese to the casserole. It adds a creamy, rich element to the dish.
2. Bacon – ½ cup (cooked and crumbled)
   • Crispy, crumbled bacon can be mixed into the casserole or sprinkled on top for a smoky flavor.
3. Parmesan Cheese – ¼ cup (grated)
   • Adding Parmesan cheese to the sauce provides an extra layer of umami richness.
4. Mushrooms – 1 cup (sliced)
   • Fresh mushrooms give the casserole more texture and flavor, especially if you prefer homemade over canned mushroom soup.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot green bean casserole recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Substitutions:

• Green Beans: If you don’t have fresh green beans, frozen or canned green beans will work. If using frozen, no need to thaw them; simply toss them into the Crockpot. For canned, make sure to drain them well.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Replace store-bought soup with homemade mushroom sauce for a fresher, less processed alternative.
• Milk: For a dairy-free version, use almond, soy, or oat milk.
• Soy Sauce: Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.

Variations:

• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Add 1 to 1½ cups of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the mixture for a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky and savory twist.
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole: Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, non-dairy milk, and skip the fried onions or use vegan-friendly crispy onions.
• Mushroom and Onion Lovers: Add fresh sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions for extra depth and texture.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Crockpot green bean casserole couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans

If using fresh green beans, start by washing them and trimming off the ends. Cut the beans in half for easier serving. If you're using frozen green beans, no need to thaw them—just add them directly to the Crockpot.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. This forms the creamy sauce that will cook down and coat the green beans.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

In the Crockpot, add the green beans and about half of the fried onions. Pour the mushroom soup mixture over the top and gently stir to combine. Make sure the green beans are evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The green beans should be tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping

Once the green beans are cooked through, sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top. Cover the Crockpot again and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes on low, just enough to heat the onions and keep them crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the casserole to a serving dish, or serve it directly from the Crockpot. Enjoy your creamy, crispy green bean casserole!

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

Here’s a quick breakdown of the cooking process to help you master this dish:

1. Prep the Green Beans: Trim and cut the green beans, or use frozen for convenience.
2. Mix the Sauce: Combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and seasonings.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Add green beans and fried onions to the Crockpot, then pour the sauce on top.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Let the slow cooker do its magic on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Top with Onions: Add crispy fried onions at the end for crunch.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve directly from the Crockpot or transfer to a serving dish.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Green Beans: Be careful not to cook the green beans for too long, as they can become mushy. If you prefer your green beans with a bit of crunch, check them after the minimum cooking time.
2. Not Enough Sauce: If you like a saucier casserole, you can add an extra ½ cup of milk or an additional can of soup to ensure the beans are thoroughly coated.
3. Forgetting the Fried Onions: Don’t skip the fried onion topping! These add a crucial crunchy texture that makes green bean casserole special.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Crockpot Green Bean Casserole:

• As a Side Dish: This casserole pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken. It’s a must-have on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables but can also be served during any family dinner or potluck.
• For Potlucks: This dish is perfect for potlucks and large gatherings since the Crockpot keeps it warm for hours. Simply plug in the Crockpot at the event and serve directly from it.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a touch of color and freshness.
• Add Extra Crispy Onions: For added crunch and visual appeal, top the casserole with extra crispy fried onions just before serving.

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Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ingredients in the Crockpot insert a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the slow cooker and set the timer.
• Make It Crunchier: For an even crispier topping, you can transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish, add the onions, and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
• Check for Seasoning: The cream of mushroom soup and soy sauce both add salt, so taste the casserole before adding additional salt.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned green beans for Crockpot green bean casserole?

Yes, you can use canned green beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them first. Keep in mind that canned green beans are softer, so the casserole may not have as much texture as when using fresh or frozen beans.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and cook it in the Crockpot the next day. Just add the fried onions at the end to keep them crispy.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make a healthier version, use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, low-fat milk, and omit the fried onions or use a baked onion topping for a lighter option. You can also use fresh mushrooms and make a homemade sauce to reduce preservatives.

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Conclusion

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish, made even easier with the help of a slow cooker. It’s creamy, flavorful, and topped with the perfect amount of crispy fried onions. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this dish is a lifesaver during busy holiday meals or anytime you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing side.

Give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple on your table. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a large holiday feast, this Crockpot version of the classic green bean casserole is sure to be a hit.

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