Best Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe

Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but there are recipes that make the entire experience enjoyable. One such recipe is the Southern Crockpot Green Beans. This dish combines the delightful crunch of fresh green beans with the rich, smoky flavor of bacon, creating an unforgettable side that pairs beautifully with all types of meals. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or planning a festive gathering, these green beans are the perfect addition to your table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s something undeniably comforting about Southern cooking, and this recipe captures that essence perfectly. It’s not just about flavor; it’s about memories. Imagine the aroma of bacon sizzling in your kitchen, mingling with garlic and onions. This recipe stands out for its simplicity and richness—it’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Serving this dish means sharing a tradition that’s been loved and cherished for generations.

"These green beans are the star of every meal! They are bursting with flavor and have become a must-have at family dinners." – Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Understanding how to prepare this recipe is essential for success. Here’s a brief overview: you’ll start with cooking crispy bacon, followed by sautéing onions and garlic. From there, simply combine everything in your crockpot and let the magic happen. It’s as easy as that! This recipe takes minimal prep time and rewards you with flavor that feels gourmet.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving in, ensure you have the following ingredients ready:

• 5 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans (washed with the ends trimmed)
• 1 tablespoon butter

Pro tip: If you’re looking to make this vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of bacon.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by cutting the bacon into 1/4 inch pieces. Cook them in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the grease in the pan.
2. Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic into your crockpot. Discard the remaining bacon grease.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix to combine and add half of the cooked bacon.
5. Place the fresh green beans into the crockpot, laying them in the same direction for even cooking. If necessary, pour in more chicken broth until they are about 90% covered.
6. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 4 hours. Check for tenderness after 6 hours if cooking on low; continue cooking until you reach your desired softness.
7. Once cooked, drain excess broth and toss the beans with butter and the remaining bacon. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve

These Southern Crockpot Green Beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty vegetarian stew. They also make a fantastic complement to cornbread or biscuits.

For a delightful twist, try topping them with slivered almonds or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.

Storage Tips

Storing leftovers doesn’t get any easier than this. Allow the green beans to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you find yourself with extra cooked green beans, you can freeze them too! Just ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Always remember to reheat thoroughly before serving again.

Expert Advice

To elevate your dish further, consider incorporating a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving. It adds a lovely tang that complements the bacon beautifully. Additionally, for a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika—a small change can make a big difference!

Recipe Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch things up. Here are a few creative variations:

• Add a kick: Spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Go nutty: Toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Herbal twists: Add fresh herbs like dill or basil to change the flavor profile.
• Cheesy addition: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving can add richness.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this recipe?

Prep time is quick! Expect to spend about 15 minutes prepping ingredients.

Can I make this without bacon?

Yes! You can easily make this a vegetarian dish by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are sealed properly.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh green beans yield the best results, but if using frozen, reduce the cooking time since they are already blanched.

Embrace the ease and flavors of this Best Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe, and make it a staple at your gatherings. Your family and friends will surely appreciate this delicious and heartwarming addition!

Southern Crockpot Green Beans

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• Total Time: 255 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A comforting side dish combining fresh green beans and smoky bacon, perfect for any meal or gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans (washed with the ends trimmed)
• 1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

1. Cut the bacon into 1/4 inch pieces and cook in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the grease in the pan.
2. Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic into your crockpot and discard the remaining bacon grease.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix to combine and add half of the cooked bacon.
5. Place the fresh green beans into the crockpot, laying them in the same direction for even cooking. Pour in more chicken broth until they are about 90% covered if necessary.
6. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours. Check for tenderness after 6 hours if cooking on low; continue cooking until you reach your desired softness.
7. Once cooked, drain excess broth and toss the beans with butter and the remaining bacon. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of bacon.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: green beans, crockpot, southern cooking, side dish, easy recipes