Southern Crockpot Green Beans

I’ve often found myself reaching for fresh green beans, especially when I’m in the mood for a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with almost anything. One of my favorite go-to recipes is the Southern Crockpot Green Beans, where the combination of tender beans, crispy bacon, and savory broth creates a dish that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even holiday feasts, this recipe allows the slow cooker to do all the work while you enjoy time with your loved ones.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Southern Crockpot Green Beans recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a one-pot wonder that beautifully melds flavors over hours of slow cooking, allowing the ingredients to infuse and marry together seamlessly. It’s budget-friendly, allowing you to serve a delicious side without breaking the bank, and the simplicity of the method means you don’t need to be a cooking pro to nail it. Not to mention, the dish is a great way to sneak in some greens, making it kid-approved and adult-friendly alike!

"These green beans are the ultimate comfort food! They remind me of my grandma’s kitchen, and everyone at my family gathering loved them. The bacon adds just the right amount of flavor!" — Sarah, satisfied home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Southern Crockpot Green Beans is straightforward and rewarding. Start by preparing your ingredients and gather everything you need. It flows seamlessly from prepping all the vegetables to layering in the crockpot. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Trim and wash the green beans.
2. Cook the bacon until crispy.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic in the same pan.
4. Layer the ingredients in your crockpot and let it cook low and slow.

This method ensures you end up with tender, flavorful green beans that are perfect as a side dish any time of the year.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these flavorful, slow-cooked green beans:

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• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Substitutions you might consider include using low-sodium broth for a healthier take or swapping bacon for turkey bacon for a lower-fat option.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Begin by washing and trimming the green beans. Set them aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. In the same skillet, using the bacon grease, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the onions, sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Transfer the onions and garlic to your crockpot. Place the green beans on top.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the beans are almost fully submerged.
7. Add in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it a gentle stir to combine.
8. Set the crockpot on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the green beans are tender.
9. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar along with the crispy bacon bits to meld the flavors.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Tips for Serving

These Southern Crockpot Green Beans deserve a place on your plate next to a variety of dishes. They pair perfectly with:

• Roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef
• Homemade cornbread for a true Southern feast
• Macaroni and cheese for a comforting meal
• A light salad for a refreshing contrast

Elevate your serving style by adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a splash of lemon juice right before serving.

Best Way to Store Southern Crockpot Green Beans

If you happen to have leftovers, they can be stored easily. Allow the green beans to cool down to room temperature before transferring them into an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the green beans. Simply pack them in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible, and they’ll keep for about 3 months. When reheating, ensure you heat thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are some useful hacks to enhance this recipe:

• Use fresh, seasonal green beans for the best flavor and texture.
• If you’re short on time, you can opt for pre-chopped onion and garlic.
• Feel free to adjust the level of spice by playing with the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
• For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a savory twist.

Creative Twists

Looking to mix things up? Here are some variations you can try:

• Add other vegetables like diced potatoes or carrots to the mix for extra nutrients.
• For a smoky flavor, consider substituting the bacon with smoked turkey or adding liquid smoke.
• Experiment with different vinegars such as balsamic or red wine vinegar for a unique taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prep time for Southern Crockpot Green Beans?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, mainly for washing and trimming the green beans and chopping the onions and garlic.

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can substitute fresh green beans with frozen ones. Just be aware they may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I know when the green beans are done?
The green beans are done when they are tender but still have a slight bite to them. You can test a bean with a fork for doneness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Enjoy your Southern Crockpot Green Beans as a hearty, flavorful side that’s sure to impress!

Southern Crockpot Green Beans

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• Total Time: 375 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A comforting side dish of tender green beans slow-cooked with crispy bacon and savory broth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Wash and trim the green beans. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. In the same skillet, using the bacon grease, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the onions, sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Transfer the onions and garlic to your crockpot. Place the green beans on top.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the beans are almost fully submerged.
7. Add in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it a gentle stir to combine.
8. Set the crockpot on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the green beans are tender.
9. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar along with the crispy bacon bits to meld the flavors.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Notes

These green beans pair perfectly with roasted meats, cornbread, or salads. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: crockpot, green beans, southern recipe, side dish, comfort food