Tired of juggling oven space during holiday feasts? This Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole recipe is your new secret weapon, delivering classic flavor with minimal fuss, freeing up your oven and your time for a stress-free celebration. Get ready for a delicious, creamy, and crispy side dish that practically cooks itself!
Key Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole:
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained: Using canned saves time and ensures consistent texture.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: The classic base for that rich, umami flavor.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth of the casserole.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of spice to balance the richness.
- 1 (6 ounce) can crispy fried onions, divided: The essential crispy topping, providing wonderful texture and flavor.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole:
This Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole eliminates oven overcrowding and delivers a consistently delicious, satisfying side dish with minimal effort. Its creamy sauce, perfectly cooked green beans, and iconic crispy fried onion topping combine for a beloved classic, all ready with just 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll love its simplicity and the rich, comforting flavors it brings to any meal, transforming a classic into a stress-free delight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker crock with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This forms the flavorful, creamy foundation of your casserole.
- Add the green beans: Drain the two cans of cut green beans thoroughly. Add the drained green beans to the soup mixture in the bowl. Gently stir to ensure all the green beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Incorporate half the crispy onions: Open your can of crispy fried onions. Add about half (approximately 3 ounces) of the crispy fried onions to the green bean mixture in the bowl. Fold them in gently so they are distributed throughout the casserole but don’t break apart too much.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Pour the entire green bean mixture from the bowl into your prepared slow cooker. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula to create an even layer.
- Cook on LOW: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 2-3 hours. The casserole is done when the green beans are tender, and the sauce is bubbly and heated through. Cooking times can vary between slow cooker models, so keep an eye on it after the 2-hour mark.
- Add final crispy topping: About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining half (the other 3 ounces) of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Re-cover the slow cooker and allow the onions to heat through and become even crispier. This ensures you get that fresh crunch when serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the lid and serve your delicious Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole warm. Garnish with a few extra crispy fried onions if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
You’ll adore this Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole because it perfectly embodies the comforting flavors of tradition without any of the fuss! Its main feature is undoubtedly its incredibly creamy texture, a luscious blanket over tender green beans, elevated by the iconic crunch of fried onions. Not only does making this classic at home save you money compared to store-bought versions or specialty sides, but the rich, savory mushroom soup base combined with the perfectly browned crispy onion topping creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. This dish offers all the cheesy, satisfying goodness without the stress.
Unlike its oven-baked cousin, which demands precious oven real estate, this slow cooker version quietly cooks to perfection, freeing you up to focus on other parts of your meal. The way the slow cooker infuses all the flavors together means every bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and satisfying crunch. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl that your whole family will appreciate. So, why not give your oven a break and let your slow cooker work its magic this holiday season? Try this delightful Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole today!
What to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole With
This Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is a versatile and beloved side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals, especially during the holidays or for comforting Sunday dinners.
For a classic holiday spread, serve it alongside a Roast Turkey, a succulent Glazed Ham, or a juicy Prime Rib. Its creamy texture and savory notes provide a perfect counterpoint to rich meats. Other excellent pairings include Roasted Chicken, Pork Loin, or even a simple Meatloaf.
Beyond the main protein, consider complementing it with other traditional sides like Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, or a light and fresh Cranberry Sauce. A crispy green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing contrast. For drinks, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp un-oaked Chardonnay would complement the flavors beautifully, or even a robust craft beer.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
- Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, green beans can become mushy if cooked too long. Start checking around 2 hours on LOW. They should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Enhance the Flavor Base: For an even richer flavor, sauté a quarter cup of finely diced yellow onion and/or a clove or two of minced garlic in a bit of butter before adding it to your soup mixture. This adds an extra layer of depth.
- Crispy Topping Strategy: The key to perfect crispy fried onions is adding the second half just before serving. If you add them too early, they’ll absorb moisture and lose their crunch. For extra crispiness, you can even warm the topping onions in a separate small pan on the stovetop for a few minutes before sprinkling on top.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Green Beans: While canned is easiest, you can use frozen cut green beans (about 20-24 ounces), but don’t thaw them first – just add directly to the mixture. Fresh green beans would require blanching first, which adds an extra step.
- Mushroom Soup: If you’re not a fan of mushroom, cream of celery or cream of chicken soup can be a good substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly. For a homemade touch, you can make a thickened béchamel sauce seasoned with mushrooms or other aromatics.
- Milk: Heavy cream or half-and-half can be used for an even richer casserole, or use a dairy-free milk alternative (like almond or oat milk) for dietary needs.
- Crispy Topping: If you can’t find fried onions, crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even a handful of crushed potato chips can provide a fun, crunchy texture.
- Customize Your Casserole: Feel free to add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese to the mixture for an even more cheesy and savory flavor. A pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the creaminess.
- Prevent Sticking: Even with greasing, slow cookers can sometimes stick. For super easy cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftover Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the casserole to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness and to prevent the crispy onions from becoming soggy, it’s best to store any remaining crispy fried onions separately in an airtight bag or container at room temperature.
To reheat, the best method is in the oven. Transfer the desired portion to an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick reheat, you can use the microwave: place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warmed. Be aware that the microwave will make the texture softer. If reheating in the oven or microwave, add fresh crispy fried onions just before serving for that essential crunch.
While green bean casserole can be frozen, the quality may diminish slightly upon thawing, especially the texture of the green beans and the creaminess of the sauce. If you do freeze it, ensure it’s in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above, omitting any existing soggy toppings and adding fresh ones.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole truly redefines stress-free holiday entertaining, offering all the beloved comfort and nostalgic flavors with remarkable ease. Don’t let oven space or complicated recipes hold you back; embrace the simplicity of your slow cooker. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a treasured part of your family meals and festive gatherings!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can, but they will require blanching first. Steam or boil about 1.5-2 pounds of fresh green beans for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain well before adding to the mixture.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the green bean and soup mixture up to one day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, transfer it to the slow cooker and proceed with cooking, adding the crispy onions at the end.
Q: My slow cooker runs hot/cold, how do I adjust cooking time?
A: Slow cooker temperatures can vary. If your slow cooker tends to cook hotter, check it earlier, around 1.5-2 hours. If it cooks cooler, it might take closer to 3-4 hours. The goal is tender beans and a bubbly, heated-through sauce.
Q: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Many people love a cheesy green bean casserole. You can stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a blend like colby jack or mozzarella when you add the initial half of the crispy onions.
Q: How do I prevent the crispy fried onions from getting soggy?
A: The most important tip is to add the second half of the crispy fried onions during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This allows them to heat through and crisp up without absorbing too much moisture from the casserole. For extra crunch, store any leftover crispy onions separately.
Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker crock with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.cooking spray or butter
- Combine the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This forms the flavorful, creamy foundation of your casserole.1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Add the green beans: Drain the two cans of cut green beans thoroughly. Add the drained green beans to the soup mixture in the bowl. Gently stir to ensure all the green beans are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.2 cans cut green beans
- Incorporate half the crispy onions: Open your can of crispy fried onions. Add about half (approximately 3 ounces) of the crispy fried onions to the green bean mixture in the bowl. Fold them in gently so they are distributed throughout the casserole but don’t break apart too much.1 can crispy fried onions
- Transfer to slow cooker: Pour the entire green bean mixture from the bowl into your prepared slow cooker. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula to create an even layer.
- Cook on LOW: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 2-3 hours. The casserole is done when the green beans are tender, and the sauce is bubbly and heated through. Cooking times can vary between slow cooker models, so keep an eye on it after the 2-hour mark.
- Add final crispy topping: About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining half (the other 3 ounces) of the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Re-cover the slow cooker and allow the onions to heat through and become even crispier. This ensures you get that fresh crunch when serving.1 can crispy fried onions
- Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the lid and serve your delicious Easy Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole warm. Garnish with a few extra crispy fried onions if desired.