What To Know
- Add a can of sliced mushrooms to the casserole for a rich and savory flavor.
- Wrap each green bean in a thin slice of bacon before adding it to the crock pot.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the casserole for a spicy kick.
Green bean casserole is a classic holiday dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. But who wants to spend hours slaving over a hot stove when you could be enjoying the festivities? That’s where the crock pot comes in! With this handy kitchen appliance, you can create a delicious and creamy green bean casserole with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a mouthwatering crock pot green bean casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of green beans, drained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can of cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crock Pot: Grease the inside of a 6-quart crock pot with cooking spray.
2. Combine Green Beans and Soups: Pour the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of celery soup into the crock pot. Stir to combine.
3. Create the Roux: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, onion, melted butter, flour, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour Roux into Crock Pot: Gradually whisk the roux into the green bean mixture. Stir until smooth and thickened.
5. Simmer on Low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the green beans are tender.
6. Add Cheese and Fried Onions: Once the green beans are tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Top with crispy fried onions.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the green bean casserole warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
- Use Fresh Green Beans: If you have access to fresh green beans, trim and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your casserole, such as chopped carrots or celery.
- Adjust Liquid: If the casserole is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, cook it for a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to 2 days ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.
- Top with Your Favorites: In addition to crispy fried onions, you can top the casserole with other ingredients such as sliced almonds, bacon bits, or breadcrumbs.
Variations on the Classic
- Creamy Mushroom Green Bean Casserole: Add a can of sliced mushrooms to the casserole for a rich and savory flavor.
- Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Casserole: Wrap each green bean in a thin slice of bacon before adding it to the crock pot.
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Increase the amount of cheddar cheese to 1 cup for an extra cheesy casserole.
- Spicy Green Bean Casserole: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the casserole for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Green Bean Casserole: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
The Perfect Holiday Side Dish
A crock pot green bean casserole is the perfect side dish for any holiday meal. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you’re looking for a festive and flavorful dish, give this crock pot green bean casserole a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen green beans in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Simply thaw them before adding them to the crock pot.
Q: Can I make the casserole in a smaller crock pot?
A: Yes, you can use a smaller crock pot, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Q: How do I store the leftover casserole?
A: Store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
