Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Looking for the perfect side dish to compliment your main course? Look no further, as the slow cooker green bean casserole is a delightful combination of green beans and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy layer of french fried onions. This easy-to-make dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.

Photos of Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should be easy to find in any grocery store. However, there might be some you may not regularly have at home. French's French Fried Onions, for example, are a key ingredient in this recipe, offering a delicious crispy topping. Cream of mushroom soup forms the base of the creamy sauce in this recipe, and while you can use any brand, the consistency might vary. Lastly, the recipe calls for fresh green beans and mushrooms, ensure to choose firm and fresh ones for the best results.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

French's French fried onions: These ready-to-use fried onions add a crispy texture and sweet, savory flavor to this casserole.

Cream of mushroom soup: This is used as the base for the sauce, lending a creamy, rich taste.

Evaporated milk: This adds a creaminess to the sauce and helps it to have a smooth, velvety texture.

Flour: This is used to thicken the sauce, ensuring it coats every green bean.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and spice to balance out the creamy, savory components.

Garlic salt: Used to season the casserole, adding another layer of flavor.

Green beans: The main ingredient of the casserole, they provide a nice crunch and fresh taste.

Mushrooms: They add a meaty texture and umami flavor to the casserole.

One reader, Iver Foster says:

This slow cooker green bean casserole recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the slow cooking process really brings out the best in the green beans and mushrooms. It's a hit at family gatherings and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. Highly recommend trying it out!

Iver Foster

Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

How to mix the sauce: Combine 1 cup of the fried onions, mushroom soup, evaporated milk, flour, black pepper, and garlic salt in a measuring cup, and whisk until well combined.

How to add the green beans and mushrooms: Place the green beans and mushrooms in the slow cooker, then pour the sauce mixture over them and toss well to coat evenly.

How to cook in the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to cook through.

How to add the onions and finish cooking: Sprinkle the remaining fried onions over the top of the casserole, cover the top of the slow cooker insert with a clean cloth kitchen towel, and continue to cook on high for an additional 45 minutes to allow the onions to crisp up and the flavors to meld further.

How to serve: Serve the green bean casserole warm and enjoy the delicious flavors.

How To Make Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

This light and tasty green bean casserole is a hearty side that’s slow cooked to tender perfection in a mix of creamy mushroom and crispy onion on top.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 2 hours 45 minutes

Total: 2 hours 50 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsFrench’s French Fried Onions,divided
10¾ozcream of mushroom soup,(2 cans)
1canevaporated milk
2tbspflour
½tspcoarse ground black pepper
½tspgarlic salt
3lbsgreen beans,cut in half
8ozmushrooms,sliced, chopped, optional

Instructions

Mix 1 cup of the fried onions, mushroom soup, evaporated milk, flour, black pepper, and garlic salt in a measuring cup with a whisk.
Add the green beans and mushrooms to the slow cooker, then add the sauce mixture and toss well.
Cover and cook on High for 2 hours.
Add the onions to the top of the casserole, cover the top of the slow cooker insert with a clean cloth kitchen towel, and cook on High for an additional 45 minutes.
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 252.53kcal
Fat: 12.01g
Saturated Fat: 4.30g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.30g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.51g
Carbohydrates: 31.82g
Fiber: 4.52g
Sugar: 7.27g
Protein: 7.05g
Cholesterol: 8.92mg
Sodium: 355.68mg
Calcium: 152.68mg
Potassium: 520.93mg
Iron: 1.93mg
Vitamin A: 60.21µg
Vitamin C: 17.43mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

When preparing the green beans for this casserole, it's best to trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier eating. Also, using fresh green beans will give the dish a more vibrant color and a crunchier texture. If you're using canned or frozen green beans, make sure to drain or thaw them properly before adding to the slow cooker to prevent excess liquid from diluting the creamy sauce.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and blanch the green beans and mushrooms the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-sliced mushrooms: Opt for pre-sliced mushrooms to cut down on prep time. This will save you the hassle of washing and slicing them yourself.

Double the recipe: If you have a larger slow cooker, consider doubling the recipe to have leftovers for another meal. This will save you time on cooking again in the near future.

Delegate tasks: Enlist the help of family members or friends to assist with the preparation. Assigning tasks can make the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable.

Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent last-minute searches for items.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe

french fried onions - Substitute with crispy fried shallots: Crispy fried shallots provide a similar crunchy texture and savory flavor to the dish.
cream of mushroom soup - Substitute with homemade mushroom sauce: A homemade mushroom sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a creamy base can replace the canned soup, adding a fresher and richer flavor to the casserole.
evaporated milk - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can be used as a substitute for evaporated milk to maintain the creamy texture of the casserole.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of flour to avoid gluten and achieve a similar thick consistency.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with ground white pepper: Ground white pepper can be used as a milder alternative to black pepper, providing a slightly different flavor profile to the casserole.
garlic salt - Substitute with garlic powder and salt: Mixing garlic powder and salt in the right proportions can replicate the flavor of garlic salt while allowing better control over the saltiness.
green beans - Substitute with haricots verts (French green beans): Haricots verts are slender, tender green beans that can be used as a more delicate and flavorful alternative to traditional green beans.
mushrooms - Substitute with sliced zucchini: Sliced zucchini can provide a similar texture and mild flavor to the dish, making it a suitable substitute for mushrooms.

Presentation Tips for a Delicious Slow Cooker Side Dish

Elevate the green beans: Arrange the green beans in a symmetrical and visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish.
Garnish with fried onions: Sprinkle a generous amount of fried onions over the green beans, creating a visually striking contrast and adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
Incorporate mushroom slices: Artfully place thinly sliced mushrooms around the green beans, adding an earthy and elegant touch to the presentation.
Utilize a drizzle of sauce: Carefully drizzle a small amount of the creamy mushroom sauce around the plate, ensuring it complements the dish without overpowering the flavors.
Add a touch of greenery: Garnish the plate with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Green Bean Casserole

Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring ingredients in the right quantities.
Slow cooker: A slow cooker is used to cook the green bean casserole at a low and steady temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Whisk: A whisk is used to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and well-combined sauce.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to mix and pour the sauce mixture into the slow cooker.
Kitchen towel: A clean cloth kitchen towel is used to cover the top of the slow cooker insert during the final cooking stage, helping to absorb excess moisture and prevent condensation from dripping onto the casserole.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Green Bean Casserole

Let the green bean casserole cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
For short-term storage, place the cooled casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the casserole:
- Transfer the cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or dish.
- If using a container, leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- If using a baking dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or dish with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
To reheat the refrigerated casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the fried onions on top.
To reheat the frozen casserole:
- Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the thawed casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to crisp up the fried onions on top.
If the fried onions become too brown or burnt during reheating, remove them and replace them with fresh ones before serving.

How To Reheat Green Bean Casserole Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover green bean casserole to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the fried onions on top.
For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel will help prevent the casserole from drying out.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat smaller portions of the casserole. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a serving of the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
For a stovetop method, transfer the leftover casserole to a saucepan and add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through and the sauce is smooth.
If you want to add a fresh touch to your leftover casserole, sauté some extra mushrooms in a pan with a bit of butter or olive oil. Add the reheated casserole to the pan and stir to combine. This will give your leftovers a burst of fresh flavor.

Interesting Trivia About Green Bean Casserole

This recipe is a great option for a potluck or family gathering. It's a convenient way to prepare a classic green bean casserole without taking up oven space. Plus, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish.

Is Making Green Bean Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?

This slow cooker green bean casserole recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as green beans, mushrooms, and evaporated milk, are affordable and readily available. The use of french fried onions adds a delightful crunch without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, considering its simplicity, flavor, and economical nature.

Is This Green Bean Casserole Recipe Healthy?

The slow cooker green bean casserole recipe, while comforting and delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:

Cream of mushroom soup is often high in sodium and contains processed ingredients
Evaporated milk is high in calories and saturated fat
French fried onions are deep-fried and high in calories and fat

However, the recipe does include nutritious elements like green beans and mushrooms, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Use low-sodium or homemade cream of mushroom soup to reduce the sodium content
Replace evaporated milk with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like unsweetened almond milk to reduce calories and saturated fat
Reduce the amount of french fried onions or replace them with a healthier topping like whole wheat breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese and herbs
Increase the proportion of green beans and mushrooms to boost the nutritional value of the dish
Add other vegetables like diced carrots or red bell peppers for additional nutrients and color

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic casserole without sacrificing too much flavor. Remember, moderation is key, and it's okay to indulge in the original recipe occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

This slow cooker green bean casserole recipe is a classic comfort dish that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions creates a delightful texture and flavor. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and satisfying casserole. It's a convenient and delicious side dish that will surely impress your guests. Enjoy the creamy goodness and the delightful crunch of the fried onions in every bite!

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter.

Roasted Carrots: Tender roasted carrots drizzled with honey and sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon for a sweet and savory flavor.

Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with a blend of Italian herbs for a burst of flavor.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Green Bean Casserole

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and a savory broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Crispy Baked Parmesan Chicken: This crispy baked parmesan chicken is a healthier alternative to fried chicken. It's coated in a flavorful parmesan crust and baked to perfection. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: This refreshing fruit salad is made with a variety of fresh fruits and drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing. It's a light and healthy dessert or side dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Green Bean Casserole

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and cheesy dip using spinach and artichokes, perfect for scooping up with crispy tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices. This warm and comforting appetizer is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey chocolate when you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Treat yourself to a creamy, luscious strawberry cheesecake topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries creates a delightful flavor that will leave you craving for more.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe:

This slow cooker green bean casserole recipe is a trusted classic, using French's French Fried Onions for that familiar crunch and cream of mushroom soup for rich, savory flavor. The addition of evaporated milk creates a creamy texture, while the use of fresh green beans and mushrooms ensures a delicious, homemade taste. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish. Trust in the simplicity and reliability of these ingredients to deliver a crowd-pleasing casserole that's perfect for any occasion.

Share your thoughts on this Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. For a homemade option, you can make a roux with butter and flour, then add in some mushrooms and broth to create a creamy mushroom sauce.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned ones?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply add the fried onions right before reheating to maintain their crispy texture.

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk, but the consistency may be slightly thinner. Evaporated milk adds a creamier texture and richness to the dish.

Can I add cheese to this green bean casserole?

Absolutely! Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking will add a delicious cheesy flavor to the casserole.