Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Traditional Green Bean Casserole made in the slow cooker!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time5 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: casserole, green beans, Thanksgiving
Servings: 8
- 2 lbs fresh green beans or frozen French cut green beans
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground thyme
- 8 oz fresh mushrooms, cleaned, stems removed, sliced
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 ½ cups French's Fried Onions, divided
In a large saucepan melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over low heat. Whisk in 6 tablespoons flour and let cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup chicken broth, then 1 cup milk. Whisk until it begins to thicken. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup half and half, then set aside. In a large non-stick skillet, sauté 8 ounces fresh mushrooms slowly so that they release all of their moisture. Season them with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme. When the mushrooms start to turn golden brown (after about 10 minutes), add them to the sauce from step 1. Stir in 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese.
In a large bowl, toss either fresh or frozen green beans with the mushroom sauce. Stir in bacon. Spray a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the green bean mixture into the slow cooker and sprinkle 1/2 cup French’s French Fried Onions over the top. Fresh beans: cook on low for 4-6 hours Frozen beans: cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Shortly before serving, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add in 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs and cook until lightly toasted. Add in 1 cup French Fried Onions and cook for a minute longer. When the green bean casserole is done cooking, transfer it to a serving dish. Sprinkle the french fried onion/panko bread crumb mixture over the top and serve.