The green bean casserole, a classic American dish, has been a staple at holiday meals for decades. Traditionally made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and french-fried onions, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. However, with the rise of slow cooker recipes, many are wondering: can you make green bean casserole in a slow cooker? The answer is a resounding yes, and in this article, we’ll explore the benefits and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious slow cooker green bean casserole.
The Benefits of Making Green Bean Casserole in a Slow Cooker
Making green bean casserole in a slow cooker offers several advantages over traditional oven-baked methods. Here are a few benefits:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy holiday cooks. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a ready-to-eat casserole.
- Space-saving: Slow cookers are ideal for small kitchens or when oven space is limited. They allow you to cook a large casserole without taking up valuable oven space.
- Easy to serve: Slow cookers keep food warm for hours, making it easy to serve a hot, fresh casserole to your guests.
A Brief History of Green Bean Casserole
Before we dive into the slow cooker recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of green bean casserole. This iconic dish was created in the 1950s by Dorcas Reilly, a home economist at Campbell’s Soup Company. Reilly was tasked with creating a recipe using Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup, and the green bean casserole was born. The original recipe consisted of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and french-fried onions. Over the years, the recipe has undergone many variations, but the core ingredients remain the same.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Now that we’ve explored the benefits and history of green bean casserole, it’s time to share our slow cooker recipe. This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups french-fried onions
Instructions:
- Add the green beans, onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir until the soup is well combined.
- Add the butter to the slow cooker and stir until melted.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the french-fried onions over the top of the casserole.
- Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
Tips and Variations
While our slow cooker green bean casserole recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize it to your taste. Here are a few tips and variations:
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your casserole, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the slow cooker.
- Use fresh green beans: While frozen green beans work well in this recipe, fresh green beans add a nice crunch and flavor. Simply trim and cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Add some garlic: Garlic and green beans are a match made in heaven. Simply mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and add them to the slow cooker with the onion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making green bean casserole in a slow cooker is relatively easy, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overcook the green beans: Green beans can quickly become mushy and overcooked. Cook the casserole on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours to ensure the green beans retain their texture.
- Don’t skip the butter: The butter adds a richness and flavor to the casserole that’s hard to replicate with other ingredients. Don’t skip it, even if you’re watching your calories.
Conclusion
Making green bean casserole in a slow cooker is a game-changer for holiday meals. It’s convenient, space-saving, and easy to serve. With our slow cooker recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade green bean casserole without sacrificing flavor or texture. So next time you’re planning a holiday meal, consider making your green bean casserole in a slow cooker. Your guests will thank you.
Additional Resources
If you’re looking for more slow cooker recipes or tips on making the perfect green bean casserole, here are a few additional resources:
- Slow Cooker Recipes: Check out our collection of slow cooker recipes for more ideas on what to make in your slow cooker.
- Green Bean Casserole Variations: Explore our collection of green bean casserole variations for more ideas on how to customize this classic dish.
By following our slow cooker green bean casserole recipe and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious, stress-free holiday meal that your guests will love.
What is a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole?
A Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is a twist on the classic Green Bean Casserole dish, adapted for cooking in a slow cooker. This version is perfect for holiday meals, as it frees up oven space and allows for hands-off cooking. The slow cooker method also helps to retain the flavors and textures of the ingredients, resulting in a delicious and satisfying side dish.
The slow cooker version of the Green Bean Casserole is made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, french-fried onions, and ground black pepper. The ingredients are mixed together and cooked on low for 2-3 hours, or until the casserole is hot and the onions are golden brown. This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday meal.
How do I make a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole?
To make a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole, start by mixing together the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and ground black pepper in the slow cooker. Stir until the soup is well combined with the other ingredients. Next, sprinkle the french-fried onions over the top of the casserole. Cook the casserole on low for 2-3 hours, or until it is hot and the onions are golden brown.
It’s also possible to customize the recipe to suit your tastes. For example, you can add some diced ham or bacon to give the casserole a smoky flavor. You can also use fresh green beans instead of frozen, or add some chopped onions or garlic for extra flavor. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to find the combination that works best for you.
Can I make a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, it is possible to make a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole ahead of time. In fact, this is one of the benefits of using a slow cooker – you can prepare the dish in the morning and let it cook all day while you’re busy with other things. To make the casserole ahead of time, simply mix together the ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours. You can also prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator until morning.
If you’re making the casserole ahead of time, you may want to consider a few things. First, make sure to cook the casserole on low to prevent it from burning or drying out. You should also check the casserole periodically to make sure it’s not too hot or too cold. Finally, consider adding the french-fried onions just before serving, as they can become soggy if they’re cooked for too long.
How do I serve a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole?
A Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. One option is to serve it as a side dish, alongside your favorite holiday main courses. You can also serve it as a main course, accompanied by some crusty bread or a green salad. If you’re looking for a way to use up leftovers, consider serving the casserole as a snack or light meal.
When serving the casserole, consider adding some extra toppings or garnishes to make it more appealing. Some options might include chopped fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. You could also serve the casserole with some crusty bread or crackers on the side, to mop up any remaining sauce.
Can I freeze a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole?
Yes, it is possible to freeze a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole. In fact, this is a great way to make the dish ahead of time and store it for later use. To freeze the casserole, simply cook it as directed and then let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to serve the casserole, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the slow cooker or oven. You can also reheat the casserole from frozen, although this may take a bit longer. Just be sure to check the casserole periodically to make sure it’s not too hot or too cold.
Is a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole healthy?
A Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole can be a relatively healthy dish, depending on the ingredients you use. The green beans and onions provide a good source of fiber and vitamins, while the cream of mushroom soup adds some protein and creaminess. However, the french-fried onions can add a lot of extra calories and fat.
To make the casserole healthier, consider using some lower-fat ingredients. For example, you could use reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup or substitute some of the french-fried onions with chopped fresh onions. You could also add some extra vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or chopped mushrooms, to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
Can I make a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole in a different size slow cooker?
Yes, it is possible to make a Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole in a different size slow cooker. The recipe can be easily scaled up or down to fit your needs. If you’re using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Conversely, if you’re using a larger slow cooker, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure that the casserole is hot and the onions are golden brown.
When scaling the recipe, be sure to keep an eye on the casserole as it cooks. You may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature to prevent the casserole from burning or drying out. It’s also a good idea to check the casserole periodically to make sure it’s cooking evenly and that the onions are not too brown.