Southern Crockpot Green Beans

Introduction

Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that will complement any meal? Look no further than this Southern Crockpot Green Beans recipe! Packed with savory flavors from bacon, garlic, and seasonings, these green beans are slow-cooked to perfection in the crockpot, making them incredibly tender and flavorful.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, a family dinner, or simply looking for a no-fuss side dish, these Southern green beans are sure to be a hit at the dinner table. With minimal prep time and the convenience of the crockpot, they’re perfect for busy cooks. Let’s dive into how to make this classic Southern dish! 🌱🥓

Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Green Beans:

900g fresh green beans, trimmed and cut (or 2 cans of green beans, drained)
120g bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped (about 150g)
2 cloves garlic, minced
240ml chicken broth (1 cup)
1 tablespoon (15g) butter
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

If using fresh green beans, wash and trim the ends, then cut them into bite-sized pieces if desired.
Chop the bacon into small pieces and set it aside.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic for the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onion

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and browned (about 5-7 minutes).
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion in the rendered bacon fat until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Transfer to the Crockpot

Transfer the cooked bacon, onion, and garlic mixture to the crockpot.
Add the green beans, chicken broth, butter, black pepper, salt, and sugar to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Green Beans

Cover the crockpot with the lid.
Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the green beans are tender and flavorful. For a softer texture, cook closer to 6 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the beans cook evenly.
If desired, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the green beans are cooked to perfection, serve hot as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Garnish with extra bacon bits or fresh herbs for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 9g
Sodium: 600mg

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Tips and Tricks

1. Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen green beans tend to cook a bit faster.

2. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the green beans and sauce a day ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and cook it in the crockpot when you’re ready. It also makes great leftovers!

3. Can I Use Ham Instead of Bacon?

If you don’t have bacon, you can use diced ham or even smoked sausage to get that rich, smoky flavor in your green beans.

4. Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a heartier dish. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot at the same time as the green beans.

5. How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply replace the bacon with vegetarian bacon or smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Why You’ll Love These Southern Crockpot Green Beans

✅ Comforting and flavorful – packed with savory bacon, garlic, and onion
✅ Minimal prep – just chop and cook in the crockpot
✅ Tender and juicy – slow-cooked to perfection
✅ Perfect side dish – pairs wonderfully with chicken, pork, or beef