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Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Avatar photoByMia
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 573 reviews

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort side dish that’s bursting with flavor and really simple to make, this Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe is a total game changer. I absolutely love how the smoky bacon and tender green beans come together with a touch of sweetness and savory goodness. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it all year round because it’s that good — and hands-off to boot!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: Toss ingredients in and let the Crock Pot do all the work—perfect for busy days.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort: Bacon, butter, and brown sugar create a savory-sweet combo that’s downright addictive.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this and keeps asking me to make it again and again.
A white bowl with a pattern holds cooked green beans layered at the bottom, soft and shiny with a slightly wrinkled texture. On top, small chunky pieces of browned bacon with a reddish-brown tone and a bit of translucent cooked onion are mixed in. A fork lifts some green beans and bacon from the bowl, showing the layers clearly, with the vegetables still moist and the bacon crispy in places. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon, easy green beans with bacon, slow cooker green beans, savory green bean side dish, bacon green beans recipe this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that using fresh green beans really makes the dish pop, but you can customize with canned if that’s what’s on hand. The other ingredients all balance out so beautifully—the bacon adds smoky richness, and the brown sugar brings just the right hint of sweetness.

Flat lay of chopped crispy bacon slices, diced yellow onion in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of minced garlic, fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces spread neatly, a small white bowl filled with golden butter, a small white bowl of dark brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl with light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl with clear vegetable broth, scattered salt crystals and whole black peppercorns, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon, easy green beans with bacon, slow cooker green beans, savory green bean side dish, bacon green beans recipe
  • Bacon: Chopped bacon crisps up to lend that smoky, salty flavor that’s essential here.
  • Yellow Onion: The onion softens as it cooks and adds subtle sweetness.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic brings a lovely fragrant punch without overpowering.
  • Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces for tender-crisp goodness.
  • Vegetable Broth: Keeps the green beans moist and adds flavor depth.
  • Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the beans.
  • Brown Sugar (optional): Just a touch gives a delicate sweetness that balances savory notes.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: For umami depth and a subtle tang.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste—season just right for your palate.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe to suit different occasions or what I have in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — you’ll find the flavors still hold up beautifully.

  • Use Ham Instead of Bacon: Once, I swapped in ham chunks for the bacon at a holiday meal and it was still a huge hit—especially if you want a milder meat flavor.
  • Canned Green Beans: When in a pinch, canned green beans work fine; just adjust cooking time since they’re pre-cooked.
  • Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes right before serving.
  • Make It Vegan: Skip bacon and use smoked paprika and a vegan butter alternative to mimic some of that savory richness.

How to Make Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crispy Bacon First for That Smoky Goodness

Start by cooking your chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy but not burnt. This is my favorite part because you get that perfect bacon flavor plus the delicious bacon grease to cook the onions and garlic. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, but don’t toss that bacon grease — we’ll use it in the next step.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic in Bacon Grease

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This little step amps up the flavor beautifully and ensures you get those savory layers in every bite.

Step 3: Layer it All in the Crock Pot

Next, add the sautéed onions and garlic to the Crock Pot along with your trimmed green beans, vegetable broth, butter, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, but don’t stir too much—you want those beans to cook gently and keep their texture.

Step 4: Slow Cook and Add Bacon Last

Cook the green beans on high for about 2 and a half hours. Then stir in the crispy bacon and let everything cook together for an additional 30 minutes. Adding the bacon towards the end keeps it from getting soggy and preserves that satisfying crunch you’ll love.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

  • Use Fresh Green Beans When Possible: They hold their texture better in the slow cooker, giving you that wonderful tender-crisp bite.
  • Don’t Skip Sautéing the Onions and Garlic: This step adds a rich flavor foundation that elevates the whole dish.
  • Add Bacon at the End: Keeps it nice and crispy rather than soft and limp.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your crock pot timing; overcooking can make green beans mushy.

How to Serve Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a little brightness to cut through the richness. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works wonders too, especially if the dish feels a bit heavy.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with classic comfort mains like roasted chicken, meatloaf, or even grilled steak. It’s also fantastic alongside mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to round out a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve the green beans in a rustic bowl lined with crispy bacon strips on top for a stunning effect. You can also transfer them to a decorative casserole dish, sprinkle a bit more brown sugar, and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the top—my guests love this little twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 5 days. When I reheat, I find the flavor intensifies as the beans soak up the bacon and broth juices overnight—just heat gently to keep them delicious.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works really well, too! After cooling completely, I portion it into freezer-safe bags and it lasts for about 3 months. When you thaw, some texture softening is normal, but the flavors stay spot on.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently either on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. If you want to bring back a bit of that fresh-cooked magic, I like to pop it back into the Crock Pot on high for 30 minutes—it heats evenly and melds the flavors nicely.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen green beans in this Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe?

    Yes! Frozen green beans can be used, but since they tend to release more water, I recommend reducing the vegetable broth by 1/4 cup to avoid a watery dish. Also, cooking time might be slightly shorter, so check for doneness around 2 hours.

  2. How do I make this Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe vegetarian?

    Skip the bacon and substitute with smoked paprika and a little extra butter or olive oil for richness. You can add sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu to impart some umami depth as well.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe without a Crock Pot?

    Definitely! You can simmer the ingredients on the stove in a covered pot over low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally until the green beans are tender and flavors melded.

  4. Why add the bacon at the end of cooking?

    Adding bacon too early can make it soggy in the slow cooker. Adding it near the end keeps it crisp and adds texture contrast, which really elevates the dish.

  5. Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use canned green beans; just drain them well and reduce cooking time to about 1.5 hours since they’re already cooked. Also, omit the broth to avoid excess liquid.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes that I’m always excited to bring to the table. The flavor hits all the right notes, and it’s so easy to prepare that I can focus on other things while it cooks. If you want a side dish that feels like a warm hug and has that irresistible smoky bacon goodness, this recipe is for you. Give it a try—I promise your family and friends will thank you!

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Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 573 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and easy crock pot recipe for tender green beans cooked with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic in a savory broth, perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the bacon grease in the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, then transfer this mixture to the crock pot.
  3. Add remaining ingredients: Add the trimmed green beans, vegetable broth, butter, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker along with the onion and garlic mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 ½ hours, allowing the green beans to become tender and absorb the flavors.
  5. Add bacon and continue cooking: Stir in the reserved crispy bacon, then cook for an additional 30 minutes on high to meld the flavors together.
  6. Serve: Once done, give the green beans a final stir and serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

  • Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the crock pot on high for 30 minutes.
  • Freezing: Cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
  • Trimming Green Beans: Pre-trimmed fresh green beans save time, but make sure ends and stems are removed.
  • Canned Green Beans: Use four cans of drained green beans instead of fresh and omit broth. Cook for 1.5 hours since beans are already cooked.
  • Meat Alternatives: Ham or sliced link sausage can also be used instead of bacon for variation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
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Hey there, I’m Mia Miller, the foodie behind MealsByMia.com! I’m on a mission to make cooking COOOL and GOOOOD for everyone, sharing easy, fun, and totally scrumptious recipes, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

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