These Southern Crockpot Green Beans are slow-cooked to perfection with smoky bacon, onions, and the perfect blend of seasonings. The result? A tender, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, holiday feast, or Sunday supper, these green beans are easy, delicious, and practically effortless thanks to the slow cooker!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor – Bacon and seasonings infuse the green beans with a smoky, savory taste.
- Slow-cooked to perfection – The crockpot makes them extra tender.
- Easy & hands-off – Just set it and forget it!
- Perfect for holidays & gatherings – A great make-ahead dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
- Keto & low-carb-friendly – No added sugars or high-carb ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh green beans (trimmed)
- Bacon (chopped)
- Onion (chopped)
- Chicken broth
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Apple cider vinegar (for a touch of tang)
- Salt & black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon & Onions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
- Remove bacon and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pan.
- Sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon grease until softened (about 3 minutes).
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
- Add green beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth, add butter, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until green beans are tender.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite Southern dishes!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Ham hock or smoked turkey – Use instead of bacon for a different smoky flavor.
- Extra savory – Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
- Sweet & savory – Stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar (or keto-friendly brown sweetener).
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second increments.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen green beans?
Yes! Reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours on LOW for canned and 4-5 hours on LOW for frozen.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What’s the best way to make this dish ahead of time?
Cook the green beans as directed, store in the fridge, and reheat before serving.
Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
Yes! Add diced baby potatoes for a heartier dish.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Simmer everything in a pot for 45-60 minutes until green beans are tender.
What main dishes pair well with Southern green beans?
They’re great with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, cornbread, or roasted turkey.
Can I add a smoky flavor without bacon?
Yes! Add a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar effect.
Do I need to pre-cook the bacon?
Pre-cooking the bacon ensures the best texture and flavor in the dish.
How do I keep the green beans from getting too soft?
Check them at the 5-hour mark to prevent overcooking.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to handle the extra volume.
Conclusion
These Southern Crockpot Green Beans are the perfect side dish—slow-cooked, full of smoky flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether you’re making them for a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and enjoy some classic Southern comfort food!
Print
Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These slow-cooked green beans are tender, flavorful, and packed with smoky Southern goodness. Made with bacon, onion, and a touch of seasoning, they’re the perfect side dish for any meal. Just set it and forget it in your crockpot!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Transfer the cooked bacon, onion, and garlic to your crockpot.
- Add the green beans, chicken broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the green beans are tender.
- Stir in butter before serving for extra richness. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use frozen or canned green beans, but fresh gives the best texture.
- For extra smokiness, add a ham hock or smoked turkey leg instead of bacon.
- If using canned green beans, reduce the cooking time to 2–3 hours on low or 1 hour on high.
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