Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 300 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings.

  • 2 (16 ounce) packages frozen cut green beans
  • 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
  • cup milk
  • cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (6 ounce) can French-fried onions, divided

Directions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious casserole:

  1. Gather all the ingredients.
  2. In a slow cooker, combine the green beans, condensed soup, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and half of the French-fried onions.
  3. Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours.
  4. Once cooked, top the casserole with the remaining French-fried onions.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

Cook's Note

This recipe comfortably serves eight adults and three children. Feel free to experiment with spices onion powder and Italian seasoning are great additions. You can also substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken. For the crispiest topping, leave the lid off the slow cooker after serving to keep the French-fried onions crunchy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 219
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbs: 25g
  • Protein: 7g

Servings Per Recipe: 8

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 3g 16%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 859mg 37%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 7g 15%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 143mg 11%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 273mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green bean casserole has become an iconic American side dish, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. While it is often baked in the oven, the slow cooker version offers a convenient and equally delicious alternative. This Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole brings together frozen green beans, cream of chicken soup, Parmesan cheese, and crispy fried onions for a rich and savory dish that frees up your oven space, allowing you to prepare other dishes simultaneously.

History of the Dish

Green bean casserole was created in 1955 by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist at the Campbell Soup Company. The dish was originally featured in a company booklet, and its simplicity and use of readily available ingredients made it an instant hit. The recipe was designed to showcase Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, a product that had been introduced earlier. Over the decades, the casserole has become a staple at family gatherings, particularly during the holiday season in the United States.

Regional Variations

While the classic green bean casserole is beloved throughout the U.S., there are subtle variations across regions. In the South, it's not uncommon to add extra seasonings like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give the dish a bit of heat. Some Southern versions may also incorporate bacon for added flavor. On the West Coast, fresh green beans might be used more frequently than frozen, and the casserole may be topped with other garnishes such as crispy fried shallots or fresh herbs. The slow cooker version, as seen in this recipe, has become popular for its ease and ability to feed a crowd without taking up oven space.

How This Differs from Similar Dishes

Green bean casserole stands out from other green bean dishes due to its creamy, rich texture and the use of French-fried onions for a crunchy topping. It differs from other vegetable casseroles, such as broccoli cheese casserole, because it is much lighter and less cheesy. Traditional baked casseroles often involve layering ingredients and requiring more attention during cooking, but the slow cooker version of green bean casserole offers a hands-off approach, making it easier to prepare without compromising flavor.

Where It's Typically Served

Green bean casserole is a quintessential side dish at holiday meals, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States. It is often served alongside roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. The dish is also a popular choice at potlucks, family reunions, and other large gatherings where food is prepared in advance. Its popularity has spread to other holidays as well, with many families enjoying it year-round as a go-to comfort food.

Interesting Facts About Green Bean Casserole

  • Green bean casserole was originally called "Green Bean Bake" and was first created in the mid-1950s.
  • The casserole became so popular that it was eventually included in the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.
  • While most recipes use French-fried onions as a topping, some variations use crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried shallots for added texture.
  • Green bean casserole was featured in a 2008 poll by Bon Apptit as one of the top ten most iconic American dishes.

Whether made in the slow cooker or oven, green bean casserole is a versatile and beloved dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. Its creamy texture, savory flavor, and crispy topping continue to make it a staple at family gatherings for generations to come.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can use fresh green beans. If using fresh green beans, it is recommended to blanch them before adding to the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their texture.

Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before cooking. When ready to cook, just place it in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup, or even a cream of bacon soup for a different flavor. The dish will still work well with these variations.

If you don’t have French-fried onions, you can use crispy fried onions, or substitute with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. For an extra crunch, you can add some crushed cornflakes.

Yes, you can make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of mushroom or chicken soup, and replacing French-fried onions with gluten-free crispy onions or a suitable gluten-free breadcrumb substitute.

Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. However, the crispy onions may lose their crunch after freezing.

To avoid a watery casserole, make sure to drain the green beans well before adding them to the slow cooker. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of milk slightly, or cook the casserole on high for a shorter time to reduce excess moisture.

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients. If needed, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure everything heats through properly.

This green bean casserole pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as roast turkey, ham, or grilled chicken. It also makes a great side dish for holiday dinners and potlucks.

Yes, you can cook the casserole on high for about 3 hours instead of low for 5-6 hours. Just make sure to check towards the end of cooking to ensure the casserole doesn’t overcook or burn.

Comments

Jackie

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

It was real good! I went with 1 can cream of mushroom and one can of cream of chicken. I wanted to use canned green beans instead. I used three drained cans. If you like them real creamy, this was the right amount but I could have easily added another can into the mix. Very easy! Enjoy!

mwaaggss

11/29/2015 07:49:00 AM

This was great and everyone at thanksgiving agreed (even the picky eaters)! I made some changes based on comments. I used frozen french cut green beans but I THAWED them first and then drained off all the water so the end result wouldn't be too soupy. I used one can cream of mushroom and one can cream of chicken. Went with whole milk - only 1/2 cup and used freshly grated parm. Also added one minced garlic clove. 4 hours on low was plenty of time to heat everything through. It was the absolute perfect consistency and so delicious!

Arlene Margulis

12/27/2015 03:41:01 PM

I've made this a few times for holidays and my guests loved it each time as did I! The first time I made it as is and it was very, very good. I made a few changes and the most recent ones were the best for our taste. I added sautéed Baby Bella mushrooms s(about 1 cup sliced) along with about 1/2 cup of chopped onions. I reduced the milk to 1/2 cup, added 1/2 t onion and 1/2 t garlic powder, 1 t Italian seasoning (as was recommended by others, and omitted the salt. I also added an additional 1/2 cup parmesan cheese at the very end. To be honest, I will probably not add the fried onions next time and add additional sautéed onions. We only had 5 people for dinner and there was very little left over. Great recipe and very easy!!!

Marci Banes

11/24/2017 04:45:06 AM

This was a really good and simple recipe to make for my Thanksgiving Dinner. The only change I made was using fresh green beans trimmed and snapped. I boiled them first until Al Dente and then placed them in the Crock-Pot with diced onions, garlic and the rest of the ingredients listed. Worked perfectly because my oven was being used cooking other dishes for dinner.

Michelle Finley Baker

12/24/2017 02:52:11 AM

I don’t think this tastes as good as the traditional recipe with canned green beans but if you are in need of oven space it is ALMOST just as good. I doubled the recipe for a large gathering and it fit nicely in a 6 quart crockpot. Initially I thought it would be too full, but it cooked down considerably. I think it is necessary to have frozen green beans instead of canned for the crockpot so it doesn’t get mushy or soupy. And mine turned out the perfect consistency with the recipe written as is. There is NOT too much milk and I don’t know how anyone would suggest that unless they altered the recipe by using canned beans. I did use half mushroom soup and half chicken soup. I did add a few teaspoons of soy sauce. I will DEFINITELY make this again any time I want oven space or to prepare a dish well in advance! I also found it better to cook on HIGH for 4 hours instead of low, stirring every now and then, and adding the onions on top at the end when serving.

Diane

11/19/2016 10:07:30 PM

I needed a slow cooker recipe for Thanksgiving and this was perfect. I used 1 can cream chicken and 1 can cream mushroom with 5 cans of French style green beans. Because everyone said it turned out runny I reduced the milk to 1/2 cup and added 2 tsp of soy sauce. Instead of topping with onions I used 2 cups crushed cornflakes with melted butter divided and put 1/2 in with the green beans and 1/2 on top about 20 min before serving. My crockpot tends to be hot so I also reduced the heating time to 2 hours.

Therese Peters Johnson

11/27/2018 02:09:02 PM

Great way to save oven space. This dish is a family tradition, and this version got great reviews. for Thanksgiving. I used 32 oz. frozen cut beans as called for but used 2 cans cream of mushroom soup, plus 7 or 8 fresh mushrooms, sliced and half a fresh onion, chopped. Cooked on low for about 6 hours and left the lid off after adding the French's onion rings, as suggested by some readers. I won't bother using oven again as this was just as good!

Jewels

12/25/2013 06:48:19 AM

I was playing with the quantities because I had already bought four-12 oz. bags of French Cut Frozen Green Beans. I added two cans of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup and approximately two cups of milk. I only had 1/2 a cup of Parm. Cheese total. I did not add the 1/2 cup of Crispy Onions at the beginning of cooking - instead liberally sprinkled Onion Powder and some Granulated Garlic and mixed well! This came out GREAT - but too soupy - or too much liquid, which was my fault. At the end of the 5 hour cook time, I used a slotted spoon to take the green beans out of my "soup" and put the green beans in a 13X9 Pyrex and then added Crispy Onions on top and put the whole thing under the broiler for 1 minute. Next time, I will ease up on my milk and it will be perfect! They tasted amazing and NO ONE noticed that it was Cream of Chicken soup and not Cream of Mushroom. Thanks for the recipe. It really helped with Christmas Eve dinner in that I only have one oven! Adding to my Recipe Box!

Ayriad

04/08/2016 02:11:55 PM

Thank you so much for this recipe! My mom is 76 years old and still lives alone ( for now) she stopped cooking and would only eat cereal and sandwiches. We of course take food to her as well. But I bought her a small crock pot and have been teaching her easy recipes. I downsized the recipe to suit her slow cooker. We added some cubed chicken so she would have a complete meal. She loved it!!!! Thank you bunches for the smile on my mom's face. She cooked it by herelf :)

Jill

11/18/2014 07:00:15 PM

This is a good recipe. I initially made with four cans of drained green beans and 2 soup as listed, and thought it was too soupy. I was making for a big work potluck so added 2 more cans of green beans and 1 more cream of mushroom and this time just a splash of milk. Potluck attendees ate the entire crock pot full and I got a lot of compliments. I used a bit of chopped fresh garlic and worcestershire sauce and would make this again for sure - using less milk than called for. A winner!

erinkmitch

11/20/2018 06:14:46 PM

I made this for a work potluck since I didn't want to fuss with warming up a casserole dish and WOW it was so good! My coworkers scraped the crockpot clean and were raving. I did make some of the recommendations that were mention due to my personal preference. I used cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. I used garlic salt instead of regular salt. And I used three cans of cut green beans, drained. Cooked for 3 hours on high. Topped crispy onions 20 minutes before serving. It was AWESOME. Thank you for the crazy good recipe!

ReneePaj

07/28/2025 08:40:32 PM

I've never been a huge fan of classic green bean casserole, but this simple recipe changed my mind! This is delicious and so easy made in the slow cooker. I will be putting this on my holiday menu this year, because I love that it frees up oven space by being made in the slow cooker.

Diane Allen

11/09/2024 11:32:02 PM

Tastes homemade, but so easy.

LORIF

08/04/2024 03:39:30 PM

Followed the recipe exactly as written and it was so good and easy! Definitely making these again and never in the oven again.

Margie Smith

12/07/2023 07:20:40 PM

I have never liked Greenbean casserole. I made this on Thanksgiving using cream of chicken soup and it was outstanding! Could not believe it. Everyone was going back for seconds!

Polly Weifenbach

11/14/2023 04:02:38 PM

After three Thanksgivings making this, I won't do it any other way. It frees up stove and oven, plus it's delicious. I use cream of mushroom soup and took the tip to add a little onion powder in there. Never much if any left over.

MsPster

12/01/2021 02:56:36 PM

I made it exactly as it is and everyone loved it but most of all me because it was so easy to put it all in the slow cooker and forget it until it was time to eat! I will not make it any other way.

habenaroman

09/11/2021 03:21:15 PM

Super easy. Quite good.

Luchia

11/27/2020 01:09:30 AM

Green bean casserole is a holiday staple in my family so i made it for Thanksgiving today. I am thankful for the ability to gain some much needed oven space. I used cream of mushroom soup & frozen green beans --thawed, drained in a colander and blotted before mixing. The parm cheese was a nice addition. It gave it a creamy richness. It was a big hit and it turned out great. I'm thinking of trying Cream of Bacon soup for Christmas. I cooked it on low for just under 5 hours . Great recipe ! thank you for sharing it.

Sophia Coccio

11/23/2020 04:44:14 PM

I was chosen to make GBC for a Friendsgiving two weeks ago and honestly, I wasn't excited. My family never served it and I really never ate it before. The thought of totally flopping on the beloved dish scared me. I really wanted to use a crock pot so when I found this recipe I felt relieved. It was a HIT! I'm so happy with how it turned out and I even liked it so I'll be making it for Thanksgiving this week. Super easy to throw together highly recommend!