recipe for green bean casserole in the crock pot
The Best recipe for green bean casserole in the crock pot
My kids have been eating it since they were little, and honestly, they’ve never gotten tired of it. It’s that kind of dish that’s just always there, ready to be enjoyed without any drama. I’ve also noticed how it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies if you’re trying to make healthy swaps—just use a little less cream of mushroom soup or swap in low-sodium broth for extra flavor without the extra sodium. It’s a dish that’s flexible enough to work for everyday meals or when you want something special, and it’s always a hit. Plus, the crock pot makes it foolproof, so you can focus on other things while it cooks itself. It’s the kind of recipe that makes life a little easier and tastes even better.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
A comforting and creamy green bean casserole made in the crock pot, featuring crispy fried onions on top for added texture and flavor. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Trim the ends off the green beans and blanch them in boiling salted water for 3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. -
2
In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. -
3
Place the green beans in the crock pot. Pour the creamy sauce over the beans and stir gently to combine. -
4
Cook on LOW for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. -
5
In a skillet, heat butter and vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry onions until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels. -
6
Once the green beans are tender, transfer the crock pot mixture to a baking dish (if using). Top with fried onions and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.
🔧Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Baking dish (optional, for topping)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Tips
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream and mayonnaise or use Greek yogurt instead.
- You can add diced potatoes or carrots to the crock pot for extra heartiness.
- Make sure to stir the onions occasionally while frying to ensure even browning.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
What is the best way to prepare green bean casserole in a crock pot for a crowd?
To make a crowd-pleasing green bean casserole in a crock pot, start by slicing 2 lbs of fresh green beans into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of diced potatoes (like Yukon Gold), 3 cups of frozen green beans, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of chopped celery, ¼ cup of chopped onions, and 1 tsp of salt. Stir well, then transfer everything to your crock pot. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. For the crispy topping, mix 1 cup of French fried onions with 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of flour, then pour over the green bean mixture. Cover and cook on low for another 1 hour.
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How can I make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor?
To make a healthier version, use whole-grain or sweet potato potatoes instead of white potatoes. Replace half the milk with unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk, and opt for a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup. Load up on more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients. For the topping, use air-fried or baked French fried onions instead of deep-fried ones. Skip the butter and use olive oil instead, and sprinkle a little garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor.
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Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen in this crock pot recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans, but they require a bit more preparation. Trim the ends, slice them into ½-inch pieces, and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly before adding them to the crock pot. You can also sauté them lightly with a bit of oil, salt, and pepper before mixing them into the crock pot recipe. Fresh green beans will add a slightly different texture but still work well.
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What are some substitutions I can make if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with other soups or broths for a similar flavor. Here are some options:
– Cream of celery soup (½ cup)
– Cream of asparagus soup (½ cup)
– Homemade mushroom soup (blend ½ cup cooked mushrooms with ½ cup milk and a pinch of salt)
– Coconut milk (½ cup) for a richer, slightly tropical twist
– Heavy cream or half-and-half (½ cup) mixed with a splash of vegetable broth for a lighter option
– A mix of ¼ cup milk and ¼ cup cornstarch (whisked together) for a quick thickening agent
For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of soy sauce to any of these substitutes.
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How do I prevent the green bean casserole from getting soggy?
To keep your crock pot green bean casserole from becoming soggy, follow these tips:
– Use a thick layer of topping: Ensure the French fried onions (or baked version) are well-distributed and form a thick, crispy layer on top. This helps absorb excess moisture.
– Cook on low heat: Cooking on low heat allows the potatoes to soften gradually without breaking down the topping too quickly.
– Don’t overfill the crock pot: Leave some space at the top to allow steam to escape, which can help prevent excess moisture buildup.
– Add an extra layer of moisture control: Before adding the topping, mix 1 tbsp of flour or cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water and stir it into the crock pot mixture. This helps absorb some of the liquid.
– Bake the topping separately: Instead of mixing the onions directly into the crock pot, cook them in a separate pan with a bit of oil, then transfer them to the top once the green bean mixture is cooked.
– Let it rest: After cooking, let the casserole sit covered for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow any excess liquid to redistribute.
