Introduction
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a pot of slow-cooked crockpot green beans simmering with smoky bacon and a hint of Southern charm. This Southern green beans recipe is incredibly easy, thanks to the slow cooker. The bacon adds depth and flavor to the fresh green beans, creating a dish that’s perfect as a side for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
These green beans with bacon are full of flavor, cooked slowly to absorb all the rich seasonings while keeping the beans tender yet firm. If you’ve been searching for a hands-off, delicious side dish, look no further.
Want more Southern-inspired recipes? Try this Smoked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe for a smoky main course to pair with your green beans.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Green Beans
- Effortless Preparation: With the crockpot doing all the work, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time.
- Full of Flavor: The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the green beans, elevating this humble vegetable into something special.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is ideal for potlucks, holidays, or family dinners, as you can set it and forget it in the slow cooker, leaving your hands free to prepare other dishes.
- Southern Comfort Food: This recipe has all the traditional elements of a Southern green beans dish, making it a comforting and classic side that pairs well with a variety of meals.
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Green Beans
To make this Southern-style slow cooker green beans recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Tip: Using fresh green beans will give the best texture, but you can also use frozen or canned green beans if needed. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crockpot Green Beans
Making green beans with bacon in the crockpot is simple, and the slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Preparing the Ingredients
- Trim the green beans: Snap off the ends of the fresh green beans and give them a rinse. If you prefer, you can cut them into smaller pieces, but they can also be left whole for a more rustic look.
Cooking the Bacon
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Add the green beans: Place the prepared green beans in the crockpot.
- Add the sautéed ingredients: Add the sautéed onions, garlic, and crispy bacon to the crockpot.
- Pour in the broth: Add the chicken broth, which will provide moisture and flavor to the beans.
- Season: Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the ingredients.
Slow Cooking
- Cook on low: Set the crockpot to low and cook the green beans for 4-5 hours, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. If you prefer firmer beans, check them after about 3 hours.
- Stir and taste: After the cooking time is up, stir the green beans and taste for seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, let the green beans sit in the crockpot on the “warm” setting for another 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Green Beans
- Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans hold up better during the slow cooking process and won’t turn mushy. If using frozen or canned green beans, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Bacon Adds Flavor: The crispy bacon and rendered fat give the dish its smoky, savory base. If you want to keep the dish lighter, you can reduce the amount of bacon used.
- Adjust the Cooking Time: If you like your green beans on the firmer side, check them after about 3 hours of cooking. For softer beans, you can let them cook for up to 5 hours.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste the green beans at the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
This Southern green beans recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Ham Hock Green Beans: Instead of bacon, use a smoked ham hock for a traditional Southern flavor. Simply add the ham hock to the crockpot with the beans and remove it before serving.
- Spicy Green Beans: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe.
- Sweet and Tangy: For a sweet and tangy twist, add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar to the broth before cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a dash of smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness of the bacon.
Serving Idea: For a complete Southern meal, serve these green beans alongside fried chicken or a hearty meatloaf.
Serving Suggestions
These crockpot green beans are the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. Here are some serving ideas:
- With BBQ: Serve these green beans as a side for BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or smoked chicken.
- Holiday Gatherings: These green beans make a great addition to any holiday spread, especially alongside ham or turkey.
- Simple Weeknight Dinner: Pair the green beans with roasted chicken and mashed potatoes for a comforting, easy weeknight meal.
For more inspiration, check out this Easy and Delicious Layered Taco Bake Recipe to serve alongside your green beans for a hearty and filling meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned green beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned green beans, but since they are already cooked, you’ll need to reduce the cooking time to about 1-2 hours on low.
2. How do I store leftover green beans?
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
3. Can I freeze crockpot green beans?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked green beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
4. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used for a leaner version of this dish. However, it won’t provide the same level of smokiness as regular bacon.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a bit of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
6. How long should I cook the green beans in the crockpot?
For tender green beans, cook on low for 4-5 hours. If you prefer firmer green beans, check them after 3 hours.
7. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand, but the cooking time may need to be reduced slightly.
8. What can I serve with these crockpot green beans?
These green beans are great with BBQ dishes, fried chicken, roasted turkey, or mashed potatoes for a classic Southern meal.
These Southern-style crockpot green beans with bacon are sure to be a hit at your next family gathering or weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a fan of green beans with bacon or just looking for a simple, flavorful side dish, this recipe offers the perfect blend of smoky, savory goodness.
For another delicious Southern side dish, check out this Easy Cheesy French Onion Chicken Recipe, which pairs wonderfully with green beans!