Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic Recipe
This Crock Pot Green Beans recipe features tender green beans simmered with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot with chicken broth and butter, this dish is a comforting Southern-inspired side perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 42 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 58 ounces canned cut green beans (4 – 14.5-ounce cans) undrained or 2 pounds fresh green beans
Bacon and Aromatics
- 5–6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped (5 slices recommended)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2–3 cloves minced garlic
Seasonings and Broth
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup chicken stock or broth (2 cups if using fresh green beans)
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into slices (salted recommended)
Instructions
- Cook bacon: In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, taking care not to burn. This crispy bacon adds rich flavor and texture to the dish.
- Sauté onion and garlic: When the bacon is nearly fully cooked, add the diced onion and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add green beans to slow cooker: Pour the canned undrained green beans or fresh green beans into the crock pot.
- Season green beans: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and brown sugar over the green beans for balanced flavor.
- Add bacon and aromatics: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon, onion, and garlic mixture into the slow cooker. Add about 1 tablespoon of the flavorful bacon grease as well.
- Add broth and stir: Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add butter slices: Place the butter slices on top of the green beans to add richness as they melt during cooking.
- Slow cook: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Stir the mixture once or twice during cooking if possible to help distribute flavors.
- Serve: After cooking, serve the green beans warm. They pair wonderfully with southern fried pork chops and mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy: Relax and enjoy this hearty, flavorful side dish with family and friends.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Green Beans: Use gluten-free chicken broth and verify that the bacon, seasoned salt, and seasonings are gluten-free by checking labels.
- Storage: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat well on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Pro Tips:
- Cook the bacon until crisp for the best texture and flavor retention in the slow cooker.
- Sauté the onion and garlic before adding them to enhance the dish’s flavor, though you may add them raw if desired.
- If using fresh green beans, increase the broth to 2 cups to ensure sufficient liquid during cooking.
- Incorporate optional garlic powder and onion powder along with fresh aromatics for deeper flavor.
- Stir once or twice during cooking to evenly distribute flavors.
Keywords: crock pot green beans, slow cooker green beans, green beans with bacon, southern green beans recipe, easy green beans side dish, gluten free green beans