Crockpot Green Bean Casserole (Fresh Green Beans)

Name: Crockpot Green Bean Casserole (Fresh Green Beans)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 240 min
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

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Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is a midwestern staple on holiday tables. Free up your oven with this slow cooker version. Using fresh green beans make the dish even more mouthwatering and adds a more crisp bite to the casserole.

Crockpot green bean cassserole in a white serving bowl with a spoon in the bowl scooping a serving.

Looking back, I do not think I can recall a holiday where there wasn't a creamy green bean casserole. In my family, we can always count on having this dish served at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

While traditionally this casserole is cooked in the oven, did you know you can free up oven space and make it in your crockpot or slow cooker? It frees up space in the oven for other holiday recipes while still meeting your family's expectations for a savory green bean casserole.

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.

Watch this video to learn how-to make fresh Green Bean Casserole.

How to Make Crockpot Green Bean Casserole (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.

Equipment

crockpot
colander
kitchen scissors
measuring spoons
chefs knife
cutting board
medium-sized mixing bowl
stir spoon

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

Fresh green beans in a colander that is on top of a wooden countertop.

1. Prep the green beans.

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.

Ingredients for a green bean casserole recipe in a glass mixing bowl that is on top of a countertop.

2. Blend the sauce ingredients.

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.

An uncooked casserole recipe being shown in a white crock pot that is on top of a wooden countertop.

3. Add the sauce to the green beans.

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

A cooked casserole recipe being shown in a white crock pot that is on top of a wooden countertop.

4. Cook.

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

Green bean casserole topped with French fried onions in a white serving bowl with a spoon in the bowl.

5. Add french fried onions.

Once cooked, I transfer to a serving dish and then sprinkle with french fried onions.

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.

FAQs:

Do I need to blanch the green beans?

Nope! Another reason I love this recipe - it is simple. After washing and trimming, the green beans are ready to be added to the slow cooker.

Can I skip the french fried onions?

Yes! The French fried onions can be swapped for a homemade crumb topping or crumbled crackers.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it is a great make-ahead recipe. Follow steps 1-3 then cover the crockpot with foil and store in the refrigerator. Uncover, place into the crockpot base and cook the next day.

As a Registered Dietitian, I believe moderation is key to living happy and healthy. My hope is you and your family are able to enjoy all your favorite holiday dishes this year!

Other Make-Ahead Holiday Recipes:

If you enjoyed the recipe make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below! Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!