Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

Green Bean Casserole with fresh green beans is made in the crockpot, freeing up your oven on busy holidays. Using fresh green beans makes the dish even more mouthwatering and adds a more crisp bite to the casserole. Gluten-free.

The best part about this recipe is it can be made with fresh, frozen or canned green beans. Check out my Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe made with canned green beans. Keep reading if you are looking to make this recipe with fresh green beans.

Start by gathering the equipment and ingredients then follow the step-by-step instructions to create this creamy and crunchy holiday side dish.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds fresh green beans
• 3 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2.8 ounce container French Fried onions

How To Make

Place the fresh green beans into a colander and rinse well. The flavor of fresh green beans combined with the crunch is why I prefer to use fresh.

PRO TIP: Let your kids help cut the stems off the green beans while you blend together the sauce. They can snap off the ends with their hands or snip off with kitchen scissors.

Once all the stems are removed, cut each green bean in half. This will help make the casserole easier to eat. Place into the slow cooker. 

Time to blend together the sauce! There are many different sauce variations. I kept it simple yet delicious.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl combine:

• cream of mushroom soup
• milk
• onion
• garlic
• salt
• pepper

Stir until combined.

MIX IT UP: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of broccoli, cream of chicken or cream of asparagus for a different flavor variation.

Pour the sauce over the green beans that are in the crockpot and mix well.

Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8 hours.

Once cooked, transfer to a serving dish and then sprinkle with french fried onions- Sprouts Farmers Market is gluten-free.

You could also serve this dish straight from the crockpot. If so, remove the lid and add the French fried onions on top of the casserole. Keep the lid off to prevent onions from becoming soggy.

Expert Tips

• Choose Fresh and Quality Green Beans: Select fresh green beans that are vibrant in color, firm, and without blemishes. This will ensure a delicious and crisp texture in the final dish.
• Properly Clean and Trim: Washing the green beans is essential to remove any dirt or residue. Trim the stem ends, but consider leaving them whole instead of cutting them in half, as this can help retain the beans’ texture and appearance.
• Enhance Flavor with Aromatics: While the recipe suggests using onion and garlic powder, consider using fresh onion and garlic for a more robust flavor. Sauté them briefly in a pan with a bit of butter or oil before adding them to the sauce for added depth.
• Experiment with Seasonings: While salt and pepper are great starting points, you can elevate the dish with additional seasonings like thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of nutmeg. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Balance the Creaminess: The creaminess of the sauce can be adjusted to your preference. If you want a lighter dish, use low-fat milk or a milk alternative. For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half or even a touch of heavy cream.
• Control Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk slightly. If the sauce ends up too thick after cooking, you can stir in a little more milk or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
• Layering Flavors: Instead of just mixing the sauce with the green beans, consider layering them. Place a layer of green beans in the slow cooker, followed by a layer of sauce, then repeat until everything is used. This can help distribute the flavors more evenly.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: As mentioned in the recipe, preparing the dish the day before and cooking it the next day can be a time-saving strategy. This is especially helpful when you’re planning to serve the dish for a gathering or holiday meal.

FAQs:

Storage and Freezing Instructions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the green beans in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain their moisture and prevent drying.

For freezing, ensure the green beans are completely cooled. Portion the dish into meal-sized portions, placing them in freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Before sealing, press out as much air as possible to minimize freezer burn. Label each container with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen green beans with mushroom sauce can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen green beans, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra liquid to prevent them from becoming overly dry. While freezing can slightly alter the texture of the green beans, the flavors will generally remain intact. Remember that freezing may impact the creamy texture of the sauce, so consider adding a bit more liquid or a touch of cream when reheating to restore the desired consistency.

Other Make-Ahead Holiday Recipes:

• Make-Ahead Whipped Cream
• Gluten Free Dinner Rolls
• Butternut Squash Casserole
• Easy Cornbread Stuffing
• Sweet Potato Crunch
• Crockpot Mulled Cider
• Make-Ahead Deep-Dish Apple Pie
• Gluten Free Rolls
• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie