Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is a family favorite classic casserole made easier by cooking in the slow cooker. 

Green Bean casserole is a holiday side dish staple! I made this side dish in the slow cooker because I don’t know about at your house but here at my house oven space is extremely precious on holidays and I am always looking for ways to save on that oven space plus take a little pressure off. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

How can I brown the French fried onions without an oven

If you like really crispy onions on top of your casserole you can crisp them yourself.  Here is how to crisp your fried onions.  Heat a medium sized skillet on medium high heat on your stove top.  Add your fried onions to your skillet, and stir lightly for 2 to 3 minutes to prevent your fried onions from burning.  Then use the browned onions for the top and inside of your casserole. 

Can I use fresh or canned green beans instead of frozen

Yes! You can use canned green beans however you will need to be sure to drain them well first.  I would also suggest cutting down your cook time if you are using canned green beans.  Reduce your cook time to 3 to 4 hours.  If you are using canned green beans you will want to use three or four cans 14.5 ounce cans of green beans. 

You can also use fresh green beans. If you would like to use fresh green beans you will need to wash your beans carefully and then trim and dry your fresh green beans.  You will also need to blanch your green beans prior to placing them in the slow cooker.   If you are using fresh you will need one and half to two pounds of fresh green beans for this recipe.  You can blanch your green beans up to 48 hours in advance of cooking your casserole.  If you are blanching them in advance be sure to keep them chilled completely. .  

To blanch green beans:

• Bring a large stock pot of 6 to 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. 
• Add one tablespoon of salt to your water
• Place your green beans into the boiling salted water in small batches and allow the water to boil for three to four minutes.  Until your beans turn bright green
• Once the time is up, place your green beans directly into a bowl of ice water for one minute.
• Remove from ice water and drain.  Your green beans are ready to use.  

Can I use something other than cream of mushroom soup

If your family hates mushrooms or cream of mushroom soup, don’t worry you have options.  You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.  You could also use alfredo sauce.  Let me tell you alfredo sauce makes for a really delicious sauce to your green bean casserole! 

Can I make this casserole ahead? 

Yes, you can absolutely mix all your ingredients together the night before cooking and have them ready to throw into the slow cooker on the morning that you want to serve your casserole. 

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Yes you can freeze your green bean casserole ingredients.  If you want to assemble ahead, simply place all your ingredients in a freezer bag. When you are ready to cook just dump into your slow cooker and cook for 6 to 8 hours if still frozen.  DO NOT freeze your fried onions as they could get soggy.  Just keep those in their packaging in your pantry until you are cooking your casserole. 

Can I cook this Green Bean Casserole in the oven instead

You could absolutely place this casserole in a large casserole dish and cook at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes.  You will want to bake until the center is bubbly and warm all the way through. 

How long can I store leftover Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

You can store leftover green bean casserole in your fridge for up to five days.  Or you can store in your freezer for up to 3 months. 

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole 

3 (12 ounce) packages frozen cut green beans

2 (10 ¾ ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup

⅔ cup milk

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 (6 ounce) package french fried onions, divided

How To Make 

1. Prepare the slow cooker liner with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place all ingredients into the slow cooker EXCEPT about 1 cup of the french fried onions. Mix together until well combined.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours. Top with remaining french fried onions prior to serving.

Cooking Tips

• If you are using canned green beans be sure to drain them first
• Using fresh green beans? Wash them carefully first.
• Alfredo sauce is a great substitution for cream of mushroom soup if you do not like mushrooms.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Enchilada Soup

Slow Cooker Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Slow Cooker Lemon Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole