This Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. I make it in the slow cooker so it’s low effort and minimal clean up. Plus, it’s not taking up oven space so you can use it for something else.
Since, this dish is a true family favorite, I have developed several different versions. Here are two favorites: Green Bean Casserole from Scratch Recipe and my Classic Green Bean Casserole.
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Why this Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is a Keeper
This easy crockpot green bean casserole recipe checks all the boxes; it’s simple, satisfying and totally customizable.
- Frees Up Oven Space: This is the #1 reason to make green bean casserole in a slow cooker. During the holidays, room in your oven is the holy grail, and this recipe allows you to “set it and forget it” while your turkey, ham, and other dishes are cooking.
- Keeps Food Warm: Once cooked, the slow cooker can be set to the “warm” setting, keeping the casserole at the perfect serving temperature for hours. This is ideal for buffets or for serving dinner at a slightly later time.
- Deep Flavor Development: The low and slow cooking process allows the green beans to absorb the creamy, savory sauce, resulting in a more flavorful and a tender casserole.
- Less Monitoring: Unlike a stovetop or oven version, which requires frequent stirring, the slow cooker method requires minimal attention perfect for the holidays.
Can I Use Fresh Green Beans or Frozen Green Beans?
Sure! Using fresh or frozen green beans is fine, but if you’re using frozen green beans you may need to add a couple minutes to the cook time.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was a really great tasting recipe and I really appreciated freeing up my oven!”
~ Cindy
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Ingredient Notes for Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
To make this slow cooker green bean casserole recipe, there are just a few easy ingredients that are needed. They can all be found in the kitchen, at the store or can be substituted.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cut Green Beans: Use canned green beans for classic flavor, or swap with blanched fresh beans for more bite.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Condensed soup is key for creaminess. I also like to use Campbell’s cream of chicken soup.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances umami flavor. Adjust to your taste.
- Fried Onions: Adds crunch, so save some for topping at the end.
Variations and Substitutions for Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
There’s a couple different swaps you can make to make this recipe extra delicious.
- From Scratch: For a richer, more homemade taste, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup base using a roux with butter, flour, sautéed mushrooms, and milk.
- Cheese: Adding grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or a cheese blend to the mixture adds a delicious, gooey layer.
- Add-Ins: Cooked and crumbled bacon, sautéed onions or shallots, garlic powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce and onion powder can elevate the flavor.
- Different Soup: While cream of mushroom is classic, you can substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
- Alternative Toppings: Besides the traditional fried onions, you can use a topping of panko breadcrumbs toasted in butter, crushed crackers, or fried shallots.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable-based cream soup to make a vegetarian crock pot green beans casserole.
Special Equipment Needed for the Holiday Side Dish
Sometimes a specific item is needed to make a recipe just right. In this case, all that’s needed is a crock pot.
- Slow Cooker: A 4- to 6-quart slow cooker is the only piece of special equipment you’ll need to make the green bean casserole.
- Slow Cooker Liners: Makes cleanup quick and easy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
This recipe comes together in just 2 super easy steps. This Thanksgiving side dish is so good, it’s a great one to have in your stash during the busy holiday season.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Mix Ingredients: In the crock pot, add the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper and half of the French fried onions. Mix well.
- Cook the Casserole: Cook on low until bubbly. Add the remaining French fried onions on top of the casserole and then cook for another 10 minutes.
Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make Green Bean Casserole
Since this classic green bean casserole is already super easy, there are only a couple things you can do ahead of time when you make this for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
- Assemble Early: Mix ingredients in the crock and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. Be sure to add the onions right before serving.
- Pre-Blanch Beans: If using fresh beans, blanch and cool ahead of time.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Green Bean Casserole with French Fried Onions
Make this recipe another way by using your instant pot or oven.
- Oven: You can easily convert this recipe back to the traditional green bean casserole. Simply assemble the soup mixture (reserving the onions) in a casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly, then add the onions for the last 5-10 minutes.
- Instant Pot: Some recipes are adapted for the Instant Pot, which can cook the casserole in a fraction of the time.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The microwave is an option, but the onions will likely lose their crispiness.
- Use Leftovers: Leftover green bean casserole can be mixed into mashed potatoes or even served with a fresh, crispy topping on a simple weeknight meal.
Common Questions About The Casserole in the Crock Pot
If your casserole is watery, there may have been too much milk added or too much moisture from the green beans. Thicken it up with a little bit of flour or cornstarch if needed.
Yes. Make sure you add the fried onions just before it’s done cooking.
Expert Tips for Making Slow Cooker Green Beans
- Don’t Overcook: The goal is tender-crisp green beans, not mushy ones. Keep an eye on the casserole, especially if using a smaller slow cooker.
- Grease the Crock Pot: A light coating of cooking spray will make cleanup much easier.
- Don’t Forget the Onions: The key to this recipe’s success is a crispy topping. Be sure to add the final layer of onions at the very end to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Use the “Warm” Setting: The slow cooker is a great way to keep your food warm. If you’re serving a buffet, you can keep the casserole on the “warm” setting for a few hours
- Serve this Recipe: Serve with Glazed Air Fryer Ham, Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole or White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
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Easy Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
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Ingredients
- 42 ounces Green beans, 3 cans drained
- 10.5 ounces Cream of mushroom soup, 1 can
- ¾ cup Milk
- 2 teaspoons Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoons All Purpose Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Combine soup, soy sauce, milk, black pepper, green beans and ½ cup of the French fried onions in a slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until bubbly.
- Stir the mixture and top with remaining French fried onions.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Christina’s Notes
- Drain Well: Prevents watery texture.
- Top Last: Add fried onions just before serving.
- Adjust Timing: Fresh beans need less cook time than canned.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
Genius! I never thought of putting green bean casserole in the crockpot before! I never have enough room in the oven for everything. This is perfect!
Slow cooking is definitely the way to go with this yummy casserole! It’s a great way to free up oven space when making holiday meals. Love it!
This was a really great tasting recipe and I really appreciated freeing up my oven!
Do you prefer cut or french style canned green beans?
Either will work, I prefer the cut because they tend to hold up better. Hope you like it!:)
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely!
love green bean casserole first time going in the crock pot…think it will be great and everything tastes better ahead of time and on Holidays saves time for the things that need you last minute..and the oven is already full..Enjoy your Thanksgiving..
recipe calls for 3/4 cup of milk
but no mention in directions/instructions as to when to add it……
You add it with all of the other of the other ingredients. Thank you for bringing this up. I corrected the recipe. 🙂
You forgot to say where./when to out the milk in!!!! Does one drink it?
It’s so funny, but can you believe that I’ve never had green bean casserole. I swear, one of these days I am going to make one just so I can say I tried it.