Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! You'll need about 2 pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces. I recommend blanching them first in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, then shocking in ice water before adding to the casserole. This preserves their bright color and gives them a head start on cooking.

What if I can't find cream of bacon soup?

No worries! You can substitute with another can of cream of mushroom soup or try cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. To make up for the bacon flavor, add an extra 1/4 cup of crumbled bacon to the mixture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by using two cans of cream of mushroom soup, omitting the bacon, and adding 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. Use vegetarian-friendly fried onions (most store brands are already vegetarian).

My casserole seems too soupy. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the green beans weren't drained well enough. If you notice excess liquid during cooking, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to allow some moisture to evaporate. You can also stir in 1-2 tablespoons of flour to help thicken the sauce.

Slow Cooker Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Ultimate Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistible comfort food dish. By combining tender green beans, savory bacon, flavorful soups, and crunchy fried onions, this recipe delivers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion – whether it’s the holidays or a casual dinner. The slow cooker simplifies the process, leaving you with an easy-to-make dish that always impresses.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Green Beans
4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
Soup Mixtures
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of bacon soup
Seasonings & Add-ins
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Extras
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups French fried onions

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker
Spray the insert of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of bacon soup, crumbled bacon, onion powder, garlic powder, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Gently fold in the drained green beans until fully coated. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Add to Slow Cooker
Transfer the green bean mixture into the prepared slow cooker. Spread it out evenly to ensure proper cooking. Cover with the slow cooker lid.
Cook the Casserole
Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together while the mixture heats through.
Optional Topping Preparation
For an extra crispy and golden topping, toast the French fried onions under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting when ready to serve. Sprinkle the toasted (or plain) French fried onions on top for crunchy goodness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned, but ensure to cook or blanch them first to achieve a tender texture.
Swap out Monterey Jack with your preferred cheese, such as Cheddar or Colby Jack, to suit your taste.
For added freshness, mix in a handful of chopped parsley before serving.
This dish can be made ahead of time. Prepare the casserole mixture in advance, refrigerate it overnight, and then cook as directed in the slow cooker.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/10 of casserole
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg