Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

If you’re looking to add a cozy, flavorful side dish to your weeknight dinner lineup, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon Recipe is a total game-changer — tender green beans infused with smoky bacon, savory broth, and just a touch of sweetness. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I know you will too once you try it. Keep reading to get all my tips for nailing this simple yet delicious crock pot classic!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient brings something special to this slow cooker green beans with bacon recipe. From smoky bacon to buttery richness and a hint of sweetness, they all blend perfectly to create that crave-worthy flavor.

• Bacon: Choose good-quality thick-cut bacon for extra flavor; it crisps up beautifully and adds smoky depth.
• Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and layers of flavor when cooked in bacon fat.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that aromatic kick — don’t skip it!
• Fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking; you want them tender but still with a little bite.
• Vegetable broth: Provides a flavorful cooking liquid — you can swap for chicken broth if you prefer.
• Butter: Adds luscious richness and helps marry all the flavors together.
• Brown sugar: Optional but I promise it’s worth it for a touch of caramelized sweetness.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth and complexity to the dish.
• Salt and pepper: To taste — seasoning makes all the difference here!

Variations

I love how this slow cooker green beans with bacon recipe is a blank canvas for whatever flavors you’re craving. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or different dietary needs.

• Meat Swap: I’ve made it with ham chunks or sliced sausage before, and it adds a nice twist if you don’t have bacon or want a different smoky note.
• Green Bean Choice: If you’re short on fresh green beans, canned works well — just reduce cooking time so they don’t get mushy.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika can bring a bit of heat and extra smoky flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Skip the bacon and butter, use olive oil and smoked paprika for that savory, smoky vibe — and vegetable broth of course.

How to Make Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Your Bacon and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. I like to do this first to render all those flavorful drippings that will later cook the onions and garlic. Once crisp, scoop out the bacon and set it aside, but don’t clean the skillet — keep the bacon grease. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic right into that bacon grease and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your slow cooker green beans with bacon recipe.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Into your slow cooker, add the sautéed onions and garlic, fresh trimmed green beans, vegetable broth, butter, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Pro tip: I like to cut my green beans into 1-inch pieces for perfect bite-sized tenderness.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Finish with Bacon

Set your slow cooker to high and let it run for about 2½ hours. You’ll want your green beans tender but not mushy — the slow cooker works its magic here. After that time, stir in the crispy bacon you set aside and let everything cook for another 30 minutes on high to meld those smoky flavors into the beans. That last step is when this slow cooker green beans with bacon recipe really shines, I promise!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish these green beans with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a little grated Parmesan for a subtle nutty touch. Sometimes, adding a bit of crispy shallots or even chopped fresh parsley brightens things up beautifully. These garnishes add some color and texture without overpowering the star flavors.

Side Dishes

This slow cooker green beans with bacon recipe pairs perfectly with classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or even a simple grilled steak. I also love serving it alongside hearty casseroles or holiday roasts — it brings a fresh, savory balance to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or special dinners, I like to serve these green beans in a rustic cast iron skillet straight from the slow cooker. It keeps them warm and adds a charming, homey vibe to the table. Another idea is to plate them on a beautiful ceramic dish with a few extra bacon bits on top — simple, pretty, and oh-so-inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer the green beans with bacon into airtight containers and refrigerate them. They stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days — a total lifesaver for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.

Freezing

Believe it or not, this dish freezes really well! After the green beans cool completely, I portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags. They keep for about 3 months, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy later when you need a side without the fuss.

Reheating

To reheat, I use either a quick zap in the microwave or warm them gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If you prefer, tossing leftovers back in the slow cooker on high for 30 minutes also works great to revive that fresh-from-the-pot taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon Recipe has become one of my go-to sides whenever I want something simple but seriously comforting. It’s easy to throw together, makes your kitchen smell amazing, and everyone always wants seconds — especially bacon lovers! Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a regular at your table too. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!

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