Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

This slow cooker green bean casserole is my answer whenever I want comfort food that warms the whole house and feeds a crowd with ease. No oven required and the creamy cheese sauce soaks into those extra fine green beans for something truly special on any holiday table or weeknight dinner.

What Makes It Special

• Ready in the slow cooker while you do other things
• Double hit of flavor from bacon and fried onions
• Creamy homemade sauce with real Parmesan
• Excellent for potlucks since it stays warm for hours

What You’ll Need

• Frozen extra fine green beans: These hold their shape well and do not turn soggy Look for beans that are bright green without any ice crystals
• Thick cut bacon: for smoky flavor Choose a bacon with more meat and less fat for the best texture
• Shallots: offer sweetness and a gentle bite Smaller and milder than onion I always select ones with tight skin and no green sprouts
• Minced garlic: for aroma and warmth You can use jarred or fresh whichever is on hand
• Flour: for thickening the sauce Unbleached all purpose works best
• Chicken broth: builds a savory backbone Opt for low sodium if you want more control over salt
• Heavy cream: for richness and silkiness Always go for the freshest cream with a nice clean taste
• Salt and herb garlic seasoning: to round out the flavors Italian herb blends work nicely here
• Parmesan cheese: brings deep savory notes Always grate your own from a wedge if possible for better melting and flavor
• French fried onions: add that signature crispy finish Look for ones that are golden and not broken up

Let’s Cook This Together

Spray and Prep:

Spray your slow cooker insert so nothing sticks

Layer the Beans:

Pour all the frozen green beans into the slow cooker in an even layer

Make the Bacon Base:

Heat a skillet over medium heat Add chopped bacon and cook until it is just starting to brown with some fat rendered out This takes about five minutes

Sauté Aromatics:

Add minced shallot to the bacon and continue to cook for two minutes until shallots are fragrant and turning golden

Add Garlic:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute letting it get aromatic but not browned

Build the Roux:

Sprinkle flour into the skillet over the bacon mixture Stir well so flour coats everything evenly and absorbs the fat

Pour in Broth:

Slowly add chicken broth to the pan stirring constantly to avoid lumps Let the sauce become smooth

Simmer and Thicken:

Let the sauce continue to simmer for up to six minutes stirring often until it can coat a spoon and has thickened nicely

Mix in Cream and Season:

Add heavy cream salt and herb garlic seasoning to the sauce Stir everything together and keep cooking for about three minutes more

Combine with Beans:

Take the finished sauce and pour it evenly over the green beans in your slow cooker Gently toss everything so sauce coats the green beans well

Add Cheese and Slow Cook:

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese all over the casserole Cover and cook on high for two and a half to three hours or low for five to six hours until beans are perfectly tender

Finish with Crunch:

Fifteen minutes before serving scatter the French fried onions across the top and let sit with the lid off so they get a little crispy

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Good to Know

• Stays creamy for hours in the slow cooker
• Bacon and shallots give subtle smokiness and sweet notes
• A perfect side or potluck star that holds well
• The crisp onions make every bite fun and addictive

I never get tired of how the Parmesan melds into the sauce When I first made it my kids immediately asked for thirds and fought over the last crunchy onions

Keeping It Fresh

If you have leftovers just store them in an airtight container in the fridge You can reheat right in the slow cooker for a few hours on low or microwave gently Stir in a dash of cream if the mixture looks dry and add a few fresh onions on top for crunch

Easy Ingredient Swaps

No Parmesan Use sharp cheddar or Gruyere instead For a vegetarian version just skip the bacon and swap chicken broth for good vegetable broth You can even use fresh green beans Just trim them and cut into bite sized lengths before adding to the cooker

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How to Serve It Right

Serve the casserole piping hot right out of the slow cooker for group meals Or spoon it into a deep serving dish for the table Garnish with extra fried onions or a little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a finishing touch

Behind the Dish

Green bean casserole has long been a classic American holiday dish but this slow cooker version came out of necessity and now I prefer it I love saving oven space and the hands off cooking time It means I can focus on the main dishes or just enjoy time with family while the casserole cooks itself

Kitchen Wisdom

• Always cook the bacon until just golden not crisp so it stays tender in the casserole
• Toss the sauce and beans right away so the coating is even and no pockets of dryness remain
• Add the onions at the very end so they stay crispy and never soggy

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?

Absolutely, simply trim and cut fresh green beans and add them in place of frozen. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure tenderness.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish vegetarian?

Yes, just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a flavorful meatless version.

→ How do I keep the onions crispy on top?

Sprinkle French-fried onions over the casserole about 15 minutes before serving, then cook uncovered on high so they stay crisp.

→ Can the casserole be assembled ahead of time?

You can assemble the green beans and sauce in advance and refrigerate. Add onions and cook when ready to serve.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before enjoying.