If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hands-off side dish that’s bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe. I absolutely adore how the bacon’s smoky richness transforms simple green beans into something downright irresistible. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests without the fuss, this recipe is a game-changer—you’ll find it’s as easy as tossing ingredients in the crock pot and letting them work their magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Flavor: The slow cooker lets the bacon infuse the green beans with smoky, savory goodness without any extra work from you.
- Perfect Texture: You’ll get tender green beans that hold their shape, not mushy – I’ve learned timing is everything here.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish, and it’s always the first side to disappear at the table.
- Versatile & Customizable: Whether you want it sweeter, tangier, or with a twist of ham, this recipe adapts easily to your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all simple kitchen staples that come together beautifully. I always choose fresh green beans when I can—they roast up so crisp and vibrant—and bacon with a bit of fat, which adds incredible flavor and moisture.
- Bacon: Using chopped bacon provides smoky flavor and a bit of crunch; I prefer thick-cut so it doesn’t get too crispy.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet base note that complements the bacon.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens the dish without overpowering it.
- Fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces for uniform cooking; fresh truly elevates the flavor.
- Vegetable broth: This keeps the beans moist and carries the flavors well; you can substitute chicken broth if you prefer.
- Butter: Adds richness and smooths out the flavors beautifully.
- Brown sugar (optional): A little sweetness balances the savory bacon and sharp onion.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives an umami punch that really rounds out the taste.
- Salt and pepper: To taste—season carefully since bacon is naturally salty.
Variations
I love making this Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe my own depending on what flavors I’m craving or what’s in my pantry. Don’t be shy about experimenting—you might discover your new favorite twist.
- Add Ham or Sausage: I’ve swapped the bacon for leftover ham cubes or sliced sausage, and it’s just as delicious—perfect for a heartier meal.
- Use Canned Green Beans: When you’re short on time, canned green beans work fine; just drain them and cut cooking time down to 1.5 hours to avoid mushiness.
- Spice It Up: Some crushed red pepper flakes stirred in add a nice subtle heat that wakes up the dish nicely.
- Make It Vegan: Use smoked tempeh or coconut bacon in place of actual bacon, and swap butter for vegan margarine with vegetable broth.
How to Make Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the bacon and sauté onion and garlic
Start by cooking your chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy—this usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the rendered fat is essential for flavor. Once the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Next, using the bacon grease left in the skillet, add your diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking them for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned. This step locks in layers of flavor that your slow cooker can’t develop alone.
Step 2: Combine ingredients in the slow cooker
Transfer that fragrant onion and garlic mixture into your crock pot. Add the trimmed green beans, vegetable broth, butter, brown sugar (if you’re using it), Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed. The broth and butter create a silky sauce that keeps the beans tender and tasty.
Step 3: Slow cook and finish with bacon
Set your slow cooker on high and cook for about 2 ½ hours. This timing is my sweet spot to get tender beans that still have a little bite—not mushy. After that initial cook, stir in the crispy bacon and cook for another 30 minutes. This final step warms the bacon through and lets its smoky flavor infuse the whole dish even more. You’ll want to check gently at the end to make sure the beans are cooked just right for your taste.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe
- Don’t Skip Sautéing: I discovered this trick when I tested skipping the bacon grease step—it really makes the flavor pop fully by softening the onions and mellowing the garlic.
- Watch Your Cooking Time: Slow cookers vary, so I always check my beans at the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans offer the best texture and bright flavor; pre-trimmed bags save time but inspect for freshness.
- Skip Over-Salting: Since bacon is salty, I add salt near the end to avoid making the dish too salty.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt right before serving—it adds a nice crunch and brightens the flavor. Sometimes I add freshly cracked black pepper or a handful of toasted almonds for texture contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese takes it over the top.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or even grilled steaks. For a cozy family meal, I love serving it alongside my favorite baked macaroni and cheese—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these green beans in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table—it keeps them warm and looks inviting. Another fun idea is to wrap them in bacon slices and serve as green bean bundles for a bite-sized appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My go-to method is storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they last up to 5 days. The beans hold up well, and the bacon stays flavorful without getting rubbery when refrigerated properly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a few times with great success—just let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheating is easy: microwave on medium power to avoid drying out, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. You can also use your slow cooker again on high for 20–30 minutes if you want to keep it warm for a crowd.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen green beans for this Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind frozen green beans might release extra water, so reduce the broth slightly, and cook a bit less time—about 2 hours should suffice. Using fresh green beans gives the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch.
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Is it necessary to cook the bacon first?
Cooking the bacon first is a key step for me. It creates a rich bacon fat that flavors the onions and beans beautifully. Plus, it crisps the bacon so it adds a nice texture when mixed back in at the end.
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Can I make this Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. To mimic smoky flavor, you might add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Using vegan butter instead of regular butter helps keep it plant-based while still rich and creamy.
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How do I prevent green beans from turning mushy?
Timing is everything here. Stick to the recommended cook times, and avoid overfilling your slow cooker to promote even cooking. It’s better to check a bit early than to wait too long—green beans hold their firm texture best when not overcooked.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it takes a humble veggie to the next level with minimal effort. I love sharing it with friends, especially when there’s barely time to stand at the stove. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat like my family and I. Trust me, once you taste those tender, bacon-infused green beans, there’s no going back.
Print
Slow Cooker Bacon Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender green beans slow-cooked with crispy bacon, aromatic onions, garlic, and a flavorful blend of vegetable broth, butter, and Worcestershire sauce. This comforting Crock Pot Green Beans recipe is easy to prepare and perfect as a hearty side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Vegetables and Liquids
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Then transfer this mixture to the crockpot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Into the crockpot, add the fresh green beans, vegetable broth, butter, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2 ½ hours, allowing the green beans to become tender and soak up the flavors.
- Incorporate Bacon: After 2 ½ hours, add the reserved crispy bacon back into the crockpot. Stir and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high to meld the flavors together.
- Serve: Once finished, give the green beans a final stir and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. Alternatively, reheat in the crockpot on high for 30 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months.
- Trimming Green Beans: Remove tough ends and stems before cooking, or use pre-trimmed fresh green beans to save time.
- Canned Green Beans: Substitute four cans of drained green beans and omit vegetable broth. Cook for 1.5 hours as the beans are already cooked, noting the texture will be slightly different.
- Meat Alternatives: This recipe also works well using ham or sliced link sausage instead of bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
