Looking for a dish that’s irresistibly creamy, loaded with bacon, and a breeze to make? This easy green bean casserole is your answer.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday celebrations, this bacon-enhanced version of a timeless classic is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s flexible enough to make in the oven or a crock pot, giving you even more options for effortless cooking.
Why This Bacon-Packed Recipe Is a Must-Try
This recipe takes the familiar comfort of green bean casserole and cranks up the flavor with crispy bacon. Its creamy, savory sauce combined with tender green beans and crunchy toppings is pure perfection.
Even better, it’s simple to prepare and works seamlessly with busy schedules.
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- Quick and Easy Prep: Ready for the oven or crock pot in just 15 minutes.
- Smoky Bacon Goodness: Bacon infuses the dish with a rich, savory flavor.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With straightforward ingredients and steps, it’s foolproof.
Using a Crock Pot for Green Bean Casserole
For those who love set-it-and-forget-it cooking, the crock pot is a fantastic option. Here’s how to adapt the recipe for slow cooking:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Blanch the green beans as usual, cook the bacon until crispy, and sauté the onions and garlic.
- Layer in the Crock Pot: Combine the green beans, sauce, and bacon directly in the crock pot. Mix well to ensure even coating.
- Cook on Low or High: Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Toppings: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese and crispy onion toppers. Cover and cook until the cheese melts and the topping is slightly crisp.
Why Choose the Crock Pot?
- Hands-Free Cooking: Ideal for busy holidays or meal prepping.
- Great for Gatherings: Keeps the dish warm and ready to serve for hours.
- One-Pot Cleanup: Less mess means less stress.
Tips for Making It Perfect Every Time
- Choose Your Green Beans: Fresh beans bring vibrant flavor, but canned or frozen can save time. Just drain them well!
- Skip Extra Dishes: Use pre-cooked bacon or cook it directly in the crock pot if you have a sauté setting.
- Customize the Toppings: Mix crispy onions with breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or try crushed crackers or fried shallots.
Variations for Every Diet
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soup and toppings for a dish everyone can enjoy.
- Low-Carb: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a low-carb homemade version, and swap crispy onions for crushed pork rinds.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream and cheese to create a lactose-free alternative.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
This bacon-packed casserole is the perfect partner for roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork chops. Add a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a simple salad to round out the meal.
For holiday spreads, it’s a standout side that complements stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all your festive favorites.
Why This Recipe Is a Bacon-Lover’s Dream
The smoky, savory bacon transforms this classic casserole into something truly special. Its creamy texture, crunchy topping, and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Whether you’re making it in the oven or the crock pot, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
With this simple yet decadent easy recipe, green bean casserole goes from ordinary to extraordinary. Ready to let bacon shine? Grab your ingredients and get cooking—your new favorite side dish awaits!
Recipe
Easy Green Bean Casserole Recipe – Best Quick & Simple Side Dish
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Ice bath setup
- Large bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans
- 6 slices bacon chopped and cooked
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded marble cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy onion toppers (optional)
- Salt (to taste recommended: 1/2 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (to taste recommended: 1/4 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 5 minutes. Transfer the green beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup shredded marble cheese to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans and the cream mixture. Mix until evenly coated.
- Spread the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top the casserole with the cooked bacon, 3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup crispy onion toppers (if using).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.