Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole: A Holiday Essential

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish, especially for holiday gatherings. This Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole recipe takes a traditional favorite and makes it incredibly easy to prepare. It is perfect for freeing up valuable oven space during a big meal. Plus, you can easily transport it to a potluck. This recipe delivers a creamy, savory casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

• Cream of Mushroom Soup (31.5 oz): This is three 10.5-oz cans.
• Milk (½ cup): This helps to thin the soup mixture.
• Black Pepper (⅛ tsp): A simple seasoning.
• Onion Powder (⅛ tsp): This adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
• Green Beans (145 oz): This is ten 14.5-oz cans, which you should drain.
• French’s French Fried Onions (12 oz): This is two 6-oz canisters.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: This is optional but helps with cleanup.

How to Make Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

This recipe is incredibly simple, making it a great option for a no-fuss holiday side dish.

Making the Casserole Mixture

First, you can spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray if you desire. Next, add all of the drained green beans to the slow cooker. In a medium-sized bowl, you should whisk the cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth. Pour the soup mixture over the beans. Finally, add half (one canister) of the French fried onions and stir everything gently.

Cooking and Finishing Touches

Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2½ hours. While the casserole cooks, you can prepare the remaining onions. Brown the onions in a skillet on the stovetop. Set the skillet to medium-high heat and stir the onions for about 3 minutes until they are golden brown. Once the casserole is done cooking, sprinkle the onions over the top and serve. If you are traveling, you can brown the onions at home and then add them to the slow cooker just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

• Using Different Green Beans: You can use 10 cups of fresh (trimmed and cut) or frozen green beans instead of canned. If you do, cook the casserole for 3.5 hours on high, or until the green beans are tender.
• Keeping it Warm: After cooking, you can keep the casserole on the warm setting for up to 3 hours. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to make sure the edges are not scorching.
• Browning the Onions: You have a few options for browning the onions without a skillet. If your slow cooker insert is oven-safe, you can place it in the oven (without the lid) with the remaining onions on top. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F until the onions are browned. Alternatively, you can place the onions in a small oven-safe dish and bake them for 10 minutes, then sprinkle them on the casserole.
• Halving the Recipe: You can easily halve this recipe. You will only need to cook it for 2 hours on high before adding the remaining onions.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is a smart and convenient way to prepare a holiday classic. It is a fantastic option for parties and potlucks, and it tastes just as delicious as a traditional oven-baked version. With this recipe, you can save valuable oven space and still enjoy a rich, comforting side dish.