Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s rich in flavor and comforting, this Southern Crockpot Green Beans recipe is a must-try! These slow-cooked green beans are tender, smoky, and savory, with flavors that bring a bit of Southern charm to your dinner table. Using bacon, onions, and simple seasonings, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy classic Southern green beans with minimal effort. Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a cozy family meal.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Trim the Green Beans: Rinse and trim the ends of your fresh green beans. If using frozen beans, no need to trim, but make sure they’re thawed.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Cook the Onions: In the same skillet with the leftover bacon grease, add the diced onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Crockpot

1. Add the Green Beans: Place the trimmed green beans into the base of the crockpot.
2. Add Bacon and Onions: Sprinkle the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic over the green beans.
3. Season the Beans: Add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the crockpot. Stir everything together to ensure the beans are evenly coated in seasoning.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Green Beans

1. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the green beans to become tender and fully absorb the smoky flavors from the bacon and broth.
2. Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the beans a stir every couple of hours to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

1. Add Apple Cider Vinegar: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors.
2. Optional Butter: For an extra layer of richness, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
3. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the green beans and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Southern Flavor: These green beans are slow-cooked to perfection with bacon, onions, and garlic, giving them a delicious smoky and savory taste.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The crockpot does all the work, making this recipe ideal for busy days or when you want to free up oven space during big holiday meals.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for the Best Southern Green Beans

1. Use Fresh Green Beans:

• Fresh green beans work best in this recipe, as they hold up to the long cooking time and absorb the flavors more effectively than canned or frozen beans.

2. Add Ham Hock for Extra Flavor:

• For an authentic Southern twist, add a ham hock or smoked turkey leg to the crockpot along with the green beans. This will add even more smoky flavor.

3. Adjust the Cooking Time for Softer Beans:

• If you prefer softer green beans, let them cook for the full 8 hours. If you like them with a bit of bite, check them at the 6-hour mark.

4. Sweeten to Taste:

• The sugar in this recipe balances out the smoky flavors, but you can adjust the amount depending on your taste. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a less sweet version.

5. Customize the Heat:

• The red pepper flakes are optional and add just a hint of heat. If you like your green beans spicy, you can increase the amount or add a splash of hot sauce before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans?

• Yes, frozen green beans can be used, but make sure to thaw them first. They may also cook faster than fresh beans, so check for tenderness around the 5-6 hour mark.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke.

3. How long will these green beans last in the fridge?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

4. Can I freeze Southern green beans?

• Yes, you can freeze these green beans for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5. What can I serve with Southern green beans?

• These green beans pair perfectly with fried chicken, cornbread, mashed potatoes, or any Southern comfort food. They’re also a great side dish for Thanksgiving or other holiday meals.

Conclusion

This Southern Crockpot Green Beans recipe brings together the best of slow cooking and Southern flavors. With smoky bacon, tender green beans, and a hint of sweetness, this dish is sure to become a favorite at family dinners and special occasions. Plus, with the convenience of the crockpot, you can enjoy a flavorful, comforting side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Yield: 8

Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe

Print

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s rich in flavor and comforting, this Southern Crockpot Green Beans recipe is a must-try! These slow-cooked green beans are tender, smoky, and savory, with flavors that bring a bit of Southern charm to your dinner table. Using bacon, onions, and simple seasonings, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy classic Southern green beans with minimal effort. Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a cozy family meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh green beans (trimmed)
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Green Beans:
   Trim and rinse the green beans, then set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Onions:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Assemble in the Crockpot:
   Add the trimmed green beans to the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the bacon and cooked onions with garlic over the green beans. Sprinkle in the sugar (if using), black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add Liquid and Cook:
   Pour in the chicken broth (or water) to just about cover the beans. Stir everything together, cover the crockpot, and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the green beans are tender.
5. Finish with Butter (Optional):
   Once the green beans are done, stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness and season with salt to taste.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and serve warm.

Notes

Broth Choice: Chicken broth adds extra flavor, but water works fine if you don’t have broth on hand.

Flavor Boosters: You can add a ham hock or smoked turkey leg to the crockpot for more traditional Southern flavor.

Cooking Time: If you want the green beans to have more texture, check for doneness at around 4 hours; for softer beans, let them cook closer to 6 hours.