In skillet over medium high heat saute bacon until lightly browned, around 3-5 minutes
Add shallots and saute for another 1-2 minutes until they just start to brown
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute
Add flour evenly to pan and stir to coat bacon, shallots and garlic
Slowly add chicken broth while stirring until smooth
Let simmer for about 4-6 minutes until sauce thickens enough to stick to spoon
Add cream and seasonings and let continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes until thick and heated through
Pour sauce over green beans in crock and toss lightly to evenly coat
Sprinkle with cheese and cover and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or low for 5-6
About 15 minutes before serving sprinkle with onions and let heat on high until lightly crispy
Notes
sauce should be thick enough to coat spoon. If to thin, simply whisk and additional 1-2 tablespoons flour with water and stir into sauce and let simmer
omit bacon and use veggie broth to make this vegetarian
if using a regular slow cooker use a 6 quart or larger oval (the more surface space the better this will cook
cheese can be omitted if desired
turn off slow cooker and let set for about 15 minutes before serving if you'd like the sauce to thicken a bit more