Green bean casserole is a beloved classic, often associated with holiday meals, family gatherings, and potlucks. The combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions creates a deliciously comforting side dish that complements almost any main course.

Traditionally baked in the oven, green bean casserole can be just as easily made in a Crockpot, offering a hands-off cooking experience that allows you to focus on other parts of the meal.

The slow cooking process in the Crockpot enhances the flavors, making this version of the casserole a go-to dish for busy families and holiday hosts alike.

Why You Will Love This Recipe?

Convenient and Easy: Using a Crockpot means you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and let it cook while you work on other tasks, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Perfectly Tender Green Beans: The slow cooker helps cook the green beans to a tender consistency, soaking up the flavors of the creamy sauce and making every bite delicious.

Crispy Topping: The casserole retains its signature crunchy topping made of crispy fried onions, which add texture and a burst of flavor to the dish.

Great for Large Gatherings: This recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s for a holiday feast, family dinner, or potluck.

Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit dietary preferences or add extra ingredients, like bacon or cheese, for a unique twist on the classic casserole.

Ingredients

2 cans (14.5 oz) green beans, drained (or 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken for variation)
1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy version)
1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (reserve half for topping)

1/2 cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Green Beans
If you’re using fresh green beans, wash them thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces. For frozen green beans, simply thaw and drain them.

If you’re using canned green beans, make sure to drain the liquid before adding them to the Crockpot. Fresh or frozen green beans will give the dish a firmer texture, while canned beans will absorb the sauce more, resulting in a creamier casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended. The sour cream adds a tangy richness to the sauce, while the garlic and onion powders provide extra flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease the inside of your Crockpot with cooking spray or butter. Add the green beans to the Crockpot, then pour the creamy mixture over the beans. Stir to combine, ensuring the green beans are evenly coated with the sauce. If you’re adding shredded cheddar cheese, stir it into the casserole mixture for a cheesy twist.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Casserole
Cover the Crockpot and cook the casserole on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The green beans should be tender, and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges. The Crockpot’s slow cooking ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, making every bite rich and creamy.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Fried Onion Topping
About 30 minutes before the casserole is done cooking, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole. Stir in half of the onions to mix into the casserole, and save the other half to add as a crispy topping just before serving. The topping will add a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor, making it the signature element of the dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is fully cooked and the topping is golden and crispy, remove the Crockpot from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with extra fried onions for an added crunch. Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite mains like roast chicken, turkey, beef, or even grilled meats.

Variations

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole:
For an extra cheesy version, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce before adding it to the Crockpot. You can also sprinkle additional cheese over the top before adding the fried onions for a golden, cheesy crust.

Bacon Green Bean Casserole:
Add some crispy bacon bits to the casserole for a smoky flavor. Fry the bacon beforehand, crumble it into small pieces, and stir it into the casserole before slow cooking. The bacon enhances the dish with a savory depth.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole:
For a plant-based option, swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a vegan version (or make your own using coconut milk and sautéed mushrooms). Use vegan sour cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative to maintain the creamy and cheesy elements of the dish.
Spicy Green Bean Casserole:
Add a little heat to your casserole by stirring in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also incorporate a diced jalapeño pepper into the casserole mixture for an extra kick of spice.

How to Serve

Crockpot green bean casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here’s how to serve it:

Holiday Meals: This casserole is a holiday staple, especially for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. It complements roasted turkey, ham, or beef beautifully.
Family Dinners: Serve it alongside roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or other comforting sides for a hearty family meal.

Potlucks and Gatherings: This dish is great for large gatherings or potlucks, as it makes a big batch and can be easily transported.
Weeknight Dinners: The Crockpot makes it easy to prepare this dish for a quick, comforting meal on a busy weeknight.