ABK’s Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is the ultimate comfort food – warm, creamy, and topped with crispy fried onions. We add sharp cheddar cheese to ramp up the flavor. Crockpot cooking saves precious oven space!

Thanksgiving Trivia: the story behind Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole has been a Thanksgiving staple since the 1950s. A Campbell’s Soup home economist, Dorcus Reilly, created this simple dish to use inexpensive items that were commonly found in American pantries. The recipe gained popularity when it was printed on the labels of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup. Thanks, Dorcus!

What Ingredients are in Green Bean Casserole? 

With a short list of ingredients, this recipe comes together in a snap, and can be cooked immediately or prepared in advance. 

Green beans: The star of the show. We use canned beans for simplicity.

Onion: Sautéing the onion adds a delicious warmth and deeper flavor.

Cream of mushroom soup: So simple and convenient.

Sharp cheddar cheese: A rich flavor that makes this casserole stand out.

French fried onions: We love the crispy, crunchy texture and savory taste. 

Butter, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper: These add the perfect amount of spice and flavor.

Can green Bean Casserole be made Ahead of Time? 

The beauty of this recipe is that it can be made and refrigerated up to three days before cooking and serving. Reserve cheese and French fried onions – these are added the final 5 minutes of cooking. 

Do I rinse the canned green beans? 

Rinsing the beans helps decrease the sodium content. Remember to drain the beans well to avoid a runny casserole. 

Soup options for this casserole

We at ABK use cream of mushroom soup, although you may prefer cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. Give them a try! 

Can fresh green beans be used in this casserole? 

We enjoy the ease and convenience of using canned green beans. If you’d like to use fresh green beans, trim and cut beans into bite-size segments to make 6-7 cups of beans. Blanch and drain well before using in this recipe. 

Side dishes at your Thanksgiving table add variety, color, and an abundance of flavor. Other ABK Side dishes we enjoy are: Scalloped Sweet Potato Stacks, Apple, Sausage, and Herb Stuffing, Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Corn, and Easy Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Casserole.

Scalloped Sweet Potato Stacks

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

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Author: Si Foster
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 15 -20 as a side

Ingredients 

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 (14.5-ounce) cans green beans, drained well
  • 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

Instructions

  • Set aside French fried onions and 1/2 cup cheese for topping.
  • Spray slow cooker with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
  • Sauté onions in skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for one additional minute.
  • Remove from heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce and soup.
  • Pour into crockpot and fold in 1 cup cheese and drained green beans.
  • Cover with lid and cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1½ hours or until warmed through and bubbly.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over casserole. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt. Top with French fried onions, leaving the lid off so the onions stay crispy. Set crockpot on warm until ready to serve.

Notes

To Make Ahead
Crockpot Method: Follow recipe directions until cheese and green beans are added to the crockpot. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until ready to cook. When ready, let casserole sit on the counter to reach room temperature before removing plastic wrap and cooking in crockpot. 
Baking Method: Make recipe as instructed, combining all ingredients in a large bowl, and transfer to a greased casserole dish. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge. When ready, remove from fridge and place on the counter to reach room temperature before cooking. Unwrap and bake in a 350-degree oven for 25 minutes until bubbly. Remove from oven and top with cheese and onions. Return to oven until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. 
We found that store-brand pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. For the best texture and flavor, grate cheese from a block or choose a high-quality brand like Tillamook.

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker OR
  • 1 9×13-inch casserole dish

Did you make this recipe?

Be sure to leave a comment and rate this recipe! I’d love to see a photo, tag @abountifulkitchen on Instagram!