DESCRIPTION
Slow Cooker Amish Green Bean Casserole is a comforting, old-fashioned dish inspired by traditional Amish cooking. Made with tender green beans, a creamy mushroom-based sauce, melted cheese, and a crispy onion topping, this slow cooker version delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. It is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
INTRODUCTION
Amish cooking is known for its simplicity, heartiness, and focus on bringing people together around the table. This Slow Cooker Amish Green Bean Casserole stays true to those values while adding modern convenience. Instead of baking in the oven, the casserole slowly simmers for hours, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully and the green beans to become perfectly tender without drying out.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
The slow cooker does all the work
The texture is creamy, tender, and satisfying
Perfect for holidays and gatherings
Easy to customize with add-ins
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds green beans, fresh or frozen, trimmed and cut in half
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup French-fried onions, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, cubed
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Green Beans
If using fresh green beans, rinse them well, trim the ends, and cut into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen green beans, they can be added directly without thawing.
Optional Sauté for Extra Flavor
In a small skillet, lightly sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little butter or oil over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until fragrant and translucent. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease the slow cooker. Add the green beans, then sprinkle the onions and garlic over them. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the beans. Add half of the French-fried onions and scatter the cubed butter on top. Gently stir to combine without breaking the beans.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the green beans are tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
Add the Crunch
About 15 to 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions over the top. Cover and continue cooking until heated through. For extra crispiness, you may briefly broil the topping in the oven if desired.
VARIATIONS
Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a heartier dish
Swap cheddar for Swiss or Gruyère cheese
Stir in sliced mushrooms for extra texture
Use homemade cream soup for a more traditional touch
TIPS FOR THE BEST RESULTS
Do not over-stir once cooking begins to keep the beans intact
Fresh green beans provide the best texture
Adjust salt depending on the soup used
Add the crispy onions at the end to prevent sogginess
STORAGE TIPS
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or slow cooker until warmed through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken
Pair with mashed potatoes or buttered rolls
Perfect addition to holiday tables and potlucks
FAQS
Can I make this ahead of time
Yes, you can assemble everything except the crispy onion topping a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the topping near the end of cooking.
Can I use canned green beans
Fresh or frozen green beans are recommended, but canned can be used if well-drained. Reduce cooking time slightly.
Is this recipe vegetarian
Yes, as written it is vegetarian. Always check soup ingredients if needed.
CONCLUSION
Slow Cooker Amish Green Bean Casserole is a comforting blend of tradition and convenience. With rich, creamy flavor and a crisp topping, it delivers everything you want from a classic casserole while freeing up oven space and saving time. This is a dependable, crowd-pleasing dish you will return to again and again.