Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Dreamy Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Green bean casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to every holiday table with this effortless crockpot green bean casserole recipe that simplifies traditional cooking methods.

Tender green beans mingle with creamy sauce and crispy onion toppings for a mouthwatering side dish.

Slow cooking ensures rich, deep flavors develop naturally throughout the preparation.

No need to juggle multiple pans or worry about complicated techniques when this one-pot wonder delivers deliciousness.

The gentle crockpot method allows ingredients to blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.

Creamy, crispy, and packed with flavor, this casserole will become your new go-to side dish that everyone will request at gatherings.

Savor every delectable bite of this classic comfort food reimagined.

Key Ingredients for Crockpot Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Green Beans: Fresh green beans provide the vegetable base for this classic casserole.
  • Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy sauce that adds rich flavor and binds the ingredients together.
  • Milk: Helps to thin the soup and create a smooth, creamy texture.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Soy Sauce, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: These seasonings add depth and savory notes to the dish.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Fried Onions, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Crispy onions and melty cheese create a delicious crunchy and cheesy topping for the casserole.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Toss Green Beans and Creamy Base

Dump fresh or frozen green beans into the crockpot.

Pour in cream of mushroom soup, splash of milk, dash of soy sauce, sprinkle of garlic powder, and a crack of black pepper.

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Enhance With Crunchy Toppings

Fold in a generous handful of crispy fried onions.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add some shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness and flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat.

Let the green bean magic happen for 2-3 hours, allowing all the flavors to mingle and the beans to become tender and delicious.

Step 4: Create Crispy Finale

In the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and sprinkle additional fried onions on top.

This will create a golden, crunchy layer that adds amazing texture to your casserole.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer the steaming green bean casserole to a serving dish.

The onions will be perfectly crisp, and the beans will be swimming in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Bring this crowd-pleasing side dish to the table and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Top Tips for Casserole Success

  • Add fried onions in two stages – mix some into the casserole and sprinkle the rest on top during the last 15 minutes for extra crunch.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and let the other ingredients shine without overwhelming the dish.
  • Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a creamy consistency that works for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Opt for fresh green beans instead of canned for more vitamins, minerals, and a fresher taste that elevates the entire casserole.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a spicy kick to the classic comfort dish.

Green Bean Casserole Variations to Try

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and omit cheddar cheese for a lactose-free version.
  • Vegetable Medley: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and reduce or eliminate soy sauce to cut down on salt intake.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Choose gluten-free fried onions and cream of mushroom soup to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Best Ways to Serve This Casserole

  • Festive Family Feast: Pair this hearty casserole with roasted turkey or glazed ham for a complete holiday meal that will delight everyone at the table.
  • Veggie Companion Combo: Serve alongside roasted carrots or buttered mashed potatoes to create a balanced and colorful plate that adds extra nutrition.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Top with extra crispy fried onions just before serving and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a restaurant-style visual appeal that makes the dish look irresistible.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining casserole into a delicious lunch by adding shredded chicken and wrapping in a warm tortilla for a quick next-day meal.

Storing Green Bean Casserole Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add extra fried onions for crunch.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread casserole in baking dish. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes. Uncover last 5 minutes to crisp onion topping.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?

Yes, both work well. Fresh green beans should be trimmed and cut, while frozen can be added directly without thawing.

  • Is it okay to use low-fat or non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! You can substitute with almond milk, soy milk, or low-fat milk without compromising the recipe’s taste and texture.

  • How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a vegetarian version and ensure your fried onions are vegetarian-friendly. The recipe will still be delicious.

  • What if I don't have a crockpot?

You can easily adapt this recipe for an oven. Bake in a casserole dish at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, adding fried onions in the last 10 minutes.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Favorite Features

  • Simplify Holiday Cooking: Ditch the oven and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting with this stress-free green bean casserole that saves precious kitchen space during busy meal preparations.
  • Customize with Ease: Toss in extra cheese or swap ingredients to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for picky eaters or dietary needs.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Dump, stir, and walk away – this one-pot wonder requires minimal cooking skills while delivering a classic side dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals, this crockpot version brings nostalgic flavors with a modern, convenient twist that everyone will love.
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Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy crockpot green bean casserole brings comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Crispy onion topping and tender green beans meld into a heartwarming side dish that welcomes you home with southern hospitality.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 4 cups green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Dairy and Protein:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

  • 2 cups French’s fried onions (1 cup mixed in, 1 cup for topping)

Instructions

  1. Gently place fresh or frozen green beans into the crockpot, creating a soft vegetable base.
  2. Pour condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk, whisking the liquid ingredients to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  3. Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper throughout the mixture, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
  4. Incorporate soy sauce to enhance the savory undertones of the casserole.
  5. Fold in half of the crispy fried onions and optional shredded cheddar cheese, gently stirring to integrate ingredients.
  6. Set crockpot to low temperature and allow casserole to simmer for 2-3 hours, developing rich flavors and heating thoroughly.
  7. During the final 15 minutes of cooking, remove lid and scatter remaining fried onions across the surface to achieve a golden, crunchy topping.
  8. Once onions are perfectly crisp and casserole is steaming hot, remove from crockpot and serve immediately for optimal texture and taste.

Notes

  • Fresh green beans can replace canned for a crisper texture and more vibrant flavor profile.
  • Swap dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk to create a lactose-free version that remains creamy.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and low-salt soy sauce for heart-conscious eaters.
  • Enhance protein content by stirring in cooked crumbled bacon or diced grilled chicken before final cooking stage.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 195 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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