Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is a delicious twist on the traditional holiday favorite, made even easier with the convenience of a slow cooker. This creamy, flavorful casserole is loaded with tender green beans, and a rich mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions for the perfect balance of textures. Ideal for busy holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish any time of year, this slow-cooked version allows you to free up oven space while still delivering all the comforting flavors you love.

What is Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole?

Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is a slow-cooked version of the classic green bean casserole. The green beans are combined with a creamy mushroom sauce, enhanced with seasonings, and topped with crispy fried onions. This recipe is perfect for holiday meals when oven space is limited or when you need a make-ahead side dish that can cook on its own.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your time and oven space.

Classic Flavor: This casserole delivers the same comforting, creamy taste of the traditional dish with minimal effort.
Perfect for Holidays: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any large gathering where you need to serve a crowd.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the ingredients ahead of time and let the slow cooker handle the rest.

Crispy Topping: The crispy fried onions add the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy green beans.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

2 pounds of fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) of cream of mushroom soup

1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of soy sauce

1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

1/4 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 can (6 ounces) of crispy fried onions

Equipment

Slow Cooker (Crockpot): For cooking the casserole.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.
Whisk or Spoon: For mixing the sauce.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
Spatula: For mixing and serving the casserole.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Prepare the Green Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside. If using frozen green beans, you can add them directly to the slow cooker.

Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Add the green beans to the slow cooker. Pour the mushroom sauce over the green beans and stir to combine. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra creaminess.
Cook the Casserole: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the green beans are tender and the sauce is bubbly.

Add the Topping: About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover and continue cooking until the onions are heated through and slightly crisped.
Serve: Once done, serve the green bean casserole hot, straight from the slow cooker. It’s perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or any family dinner.

Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Recipe

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Roast Turkey: A classic pairing for holiday meals.

Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Glazed Ham: This casserole complements the sweet and savory flavors of glazed ham.
Stuffing: Round out your holiday meal with a serving of stuffing on the side.

Dinner Rolls: Serve with warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Blanch Fresh Green Beans: Blanching fresh green beans before adding them to the slow cooker ensures they stay tender without becoming mushy.
Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess: If you want a richer casserole, mix in shredded cheddar cheese.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding it to the slow cooker and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Use High-Quality Crispy Onions: The crispy fried onions are a key component of the dish, so choose a brand you love for the best results.
Serve Immediately: The casserole is best served right after cooking while the topping is still crisp.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Bacon Green Bean Casserole: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the green beans before cooking for a smoky flavor.
Mushroom Lover’s Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms to the green beans for extra mushroom flavor.
Spicy Green Bean Casserole: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole: Mix in more cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a cheesier version.
Low-Sodium Casserole: Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.

Storing Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole: Best Practices

Refrigerate Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat Before Serving: Reheat the casserole in the slow cooker or in the oven until warmed through.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole: Best Practices

Slow Cooker Method: Reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours until warmed through.
Oven Method: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole Healthier?

Use Fresh Green Beans: Opt for fresh green beans instead of canned or frozen for a fresher taste and more nutrients.
Low-Fat Dairy: Substitute sour cream and milk with low-fat versions to reduce the fat content.
Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and soy sauce to lower the sodium content.

Add More Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value.
Skip the Fried Onions: For a lighter version, omit the fried onions or use a smaller amount.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 250

Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 4g

Protein: 6g

FAQs

How do I prevent Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole from becoming too mushy?

To prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy, make sure to blanch fresh green beans before adding them to the slow cooker. Also, keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Alternatively, cook the casserole and reheat it before serving.

Which is better, frozen or canned green beans for green bean casserole?

Both frozen and canned green beans can be used for green bean casserole, but they offer different textures and flavors. Frozen green beans are often preferred because they have a fresher taste and a firmer texture, which can help prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy. Canned green beans are more convenient and have a softer texture, which some people prefer for a more traditional, softer casserole. If you’re looking for a balance between convenience and freshness, consider using frozen green beans.

Why is my green bean casserole soggy?

Green bean casserole can become soggy if the green beans release too much moisture during cooking, especially if they are overcooked or if there is too much liquid in the sauce. To prevent this, make sure to blanch fresh green beans or use well-drained frozen green beans. Additionally, avoid adding too much milk or liquid to the sauce, and ensure that the casserole is cooked until the sauce thickens and the green beans are tender but not overcooked.

Why is green bean casserole so good?

Green bean casserole is beloved for its comforting combination of creamy, savory flavors and a satisfying contrast of textures. The tender green beans and rich, creamy mushroom sauce create a hearty base, while the crispy fried onions on top add a delightful crunch. The dish is simple to prepare, making it a staple at holiday gatherings and family dinners, where it brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to the table.

How long is green bean casserole good for?

Green bean casserole is typically good for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, use the oven or microwave, making sure to warm it thoroughly before serving. If you want to keep the casserole longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the green beans and crispy topping may change slightly after freezing and reheating.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is a comforting and convenient take on a classic side dish, perfect for busy holiday gatherings or family dinners. With its creamy texture and crispy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking and the delicious flavor of this beloved dish, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!

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