If you have a soft spot for classic comfort food with a modern twist, you will absolutely love this Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe. It’s creamy, flavorful, and has that irresistible crispy onion topping that everyone looks forward to. Best of all, it’s prepared right in your slow cooker, freeing you from the oven and giving you plenty of time to focus on other things. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, this recipe turns simple canned green beans and pantry staples into a dish so delicious, it instantly becomes a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe are incredibly straightforward, each bringing its own unique contribution to flavor, texture, and color. They work beautifully together to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated without any complicated steps.
- 4 (14.5 oz) cans French-cut green beans: These make the dish super convenient while still giving you that classic green bean texture.
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup: The creamy base that adds richness and umami depth throughout the casserole.
- ¾ cup milk: Used to thin the soup into a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
- 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: A small but mighty seasoning that gives a subtle tang and complexity.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty sharpness that amps up the flavor profile beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients, making every taste shine.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight bite.
- 2 cups crispy fried onions: The star topping that provides crunch and that iconic green bean casserole finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Grease the bottom and sides of your 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking. This simple step keeps cleanup easy and ensures the casserole doesn’t cling to the pot.
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients
In the slow cooker, add the drained French-cut green beans, condensed soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Give everything a thorough stir until the green beans are completely coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. This blend is where all the magic begins, melding those savory flavors into one harmonious mix.
Step 3: Cook on Low or High
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours. It’s important not to lift the lid during this time so the casserole can cook evenly and the flavors intensify inside.
Step 4: Add Crispy Onions and Finish Cooking
After the initial cooking period, sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Re-cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to let the onions warm through and mingle with the creamy casserole beneath. This finishing touch gives the dish its crispy, golden crown.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once the onions are perfectly crisp and the casserole is bubbling and hot, serve it right from the slow cooker. This dish tastes best fresh, with the sauce still rich and the onions delightfully crunchy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bright, fresh twist, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. A little extra black pepper or a drizzle of truffle oil can also elevate the casserole and make it feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe makes a fantastic side for roasted meats like turkey or chicken, especially at holiday meals. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes or a crisp cranberry sauce for a full festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for elegant single servings, or layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to show off the creamy layers and crispy topping. For potlucks, bring the slow cooker to the table and let guests serve themselves warm comfort food straight from the cooker.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy the comforting flavors again without any prep hassle.
Freezing
We don’t recommend freezing this casserole because the texture of the green beans and crispy onions may change, and the sauce might separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
When reheating, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave single portions but add fresh fried onions on top afterward to regain that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you use fresh green beans, blanch them first for about 5 minutes and then cool in an ice bath before adding them to the slow cooker. Frozen green beans should be thawed completely and patted dry to avoid a watery casserole.
Is it necessary to use Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle depth of flavor and a bit of tanginess that enhances the overall dish, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it or substitute with a dash of soy sauce or a splash of lemon juice.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the condensed cream of mushroom soup with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk, and choose a vegan fried onion topping. This will keep it creamy and delicious while fitting your dietary choice.
How do I double the recipe?
Doubling this Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe is easy — just double all the ingredients and use an 8-quart slow cooker. You may want to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it heats evenly.
Can I keep the casserole warm in the slow cooker before serving?
Yes, you can keep it on the Warm setting for up to an hour without affecting the taste or texture. This is perfect for timing your meal perfectly if guests aren’t quite ready to eat right away.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe enough. It takes a classic comfort dish and makes it effortlessly easy, freeing you up to enjoy your time with family and friends. Whether for a cozy night in or a holiday feast, this casserole promises creamy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying bites every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to casserole that everyone requests year-round!
Print
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is a classic comfort dish made easy with a slow cooker. Featuring French-cut green beans, creamy mushroom soup, Parmesan cheese, and crispy fried onions, it’s a perfect side for family dinners and holiday gatherings. The slow cooking method melds the flavors beautifully while keeping the beans tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 (14.5 oz) cans French-cut green beans, well drained
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup, or cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup milk
- 1–2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups crispy fried onions, or one 9-ounce bag
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease the bottom and sides of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained French-cut green beans, condensed soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined and the green beans are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low heat for 4 hours or on High heat for 2 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and consistency.
- Add Fried Onions: After the initial cooking time, uncover the casserole and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Re-cover the slow cooker.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 30 minutes to warm the fried onions and complete the casserole.
- Serve: Serve the green bean casserole warm directly from the slow cooker for convenient and crowd-pleasing presentation.
Notes
- You can keep the casserole on the Warm setting for up to 1 hour before serving.
- To double the recipe, double all ingredients and use an 8-quart slow cooker. Increase cooking time by 30-45 minutes on Low or 15-20 minutes on High.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Combine all ingredients except fried onions up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the slow cooker insert covered in the refrigerator and cook as directed when ready.
- Using Fresh Green Beans: Blanch 2 pounds (6 cups) of fresh green beans for 5 minutes, then chill in an ice bath before using.
- Using Frozen Green Beans: Fully thaw 2 pounds (6 cups) and pat dry to avoid watery sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
