These Crockpot Green Beans are simple to prepare and full of flavor. Made with fresh green beans, crispy bacon, aromatics, and a touch of umami seasoning, this slow cooker side is perfect for weeknights, holiday meals, or any dinner when you want a hands-off vegetable that doesn’t crowd the oven.
Crockpot green beans are a versatile side that pairs well with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or simple grain bowls. This recipe uses fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor, and the bacon lends a savory richness that even vegetable-averse eaters enjoy.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How to Make Green Beans in the Crockpot
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- Additions & Variations
- Recipe FAQs
- More Side Dish Recipes
- Easy Crockpot Green Beans Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh green beans: This recipe uses fresh beans for a tender but not mushy texture.
- Hands-off cooking: Minimal prep and long slow-cooker time make this ideal for busy days and holiday prep.
- No added oil needed: Bacon renders enough fat to coat and flavor the beans, eliminating the need for extra butter or oil.
- Bold garlic flavor: Fresh garlic gives this side a richer, more aromatic profile than powdered seasonings.
- Family-friendly: Crispy bacon and balanced seasoning make these green beans appealing to picky eaters.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Kosher salt: The recipe is tested with Morton kosher salt. If you use fine table salt, reduce the amount to avoid over-salting.
- Balsamic glaze: Adds sweet-tart depth. If you prefer, substitute with a drizzle of maple syrup, a pinch of brown sugar, or a little honey for sweetness.
Complete ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Make Green Beans in the Crockpot
Quick Overview
- Sauté diced bacon until browned and crisp.
- Sauté onions and garlic in reserved bacon grease.
- Combine everything in the slow cooker and cook until tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, sauté the diced bacon for about 10 minutes, until browned and the fat has rendered. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
Step 2: Pour off most of the bacon grease, leaving just enough to coat the skillet bottom.
Step 3: Increase heat to medium and sauté the diced onion for 10–12 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook 2–3 minutes more, then remove from heat.
Step 5: In the slow cooker, combine the fresh green beans, salt, cracked black pepper, chicken broth (or water), soy sauce, balsamic glaze, cooked bacon, sautéed onion, and garlic. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or on LOW for 6–8 hours, adjusting the time for your preferred tenderness: shorter for al dente, longer for very tender beans.
Serving Suggestions
Finish the green beans with a sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon, chopped fresh parsley, and a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. These slow cooker green beans pair well with traditional holiday mains and everyday dinners. Suggested accompaniments include:
- Garlic-parsley roasted potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted chicken
- Roasted or braised turkey breast with vegetables
Expert Tips
- Use kitchen shears for the bacon: Shears make quick work of slippery bacon and create evenly sized pieces.
- Prefer fresh beans: Fresh green beans hold their texture better than canned or frozen for slow cooker preparations.
- Remove excess grease: Keep a small amount of bacon fat for flavor, but remove most so the dish isn’t greasy.
- Adjust cook time: For al dente beans, aim for about 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. For softer beans, increase to 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
- Make-ahead option: Complete steps through combining ingredients in the slow cooker, refrigerate up to one day, then cook adding 30–60 minutes on high (or 1–2 hours on low) because the crockpot contents will be cold.
Additions & Variations
- Swap the protein: Use ham pieces, a ham hock, or smoked sausage instead of bacon. Brown the protein first and reserve a little fat for flavor.
- Smoky kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky note.
- Spice it up: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1/8 teaspoon cayenne for heat.
- Vegetarian/vegan: Omit the bacon, sauté the aromatics in olive oil, and use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth.
Recipe FAQs
Cook them with savory proteins such as bacon, ham, or sausage and add aromatics like onions, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce to build umami.
If fresh green beans are brown, slimy, or smell off, discard them. Fresh beans should be bright green and crisp.
Undercooking causes a rubbery texture. Follow the recommended slow-cooker times and check for doneness before serving.
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If you try this recipe, please leave a rating or comment in the recipe card below — feedback is appreciated.
Easy Crockpot Green Beans
Fresh green beans cooked slowly with bacon, onions, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of balsamic glaze for a savory, slightly sweet side dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on HIGH or 6–8 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 3 hours 40 minutes (varies by slow cooker setting)
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bacon, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 12–14 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds fresh French green beans, washed & dried
- 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt*
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic glaze*
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, sauté the diced bacon about 10 minutes until browned and fat has rendered. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and set aside.
- Remove most of the bacon grease, leaving a thin coating in the skillet.
- Increase heat to medium and sauté the diced onion 10–12 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook 2–3 minutes more, then remove from heat.
- Place the green beans in the slow cooker. Add salt, pepper, chicken broth (or water), soy sauce, balsamic glaze, cooked bacon, onion, and garlic. Toss to combine.
- Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours, until beans reach your preferred tenderness.
Notes
- Kosher Salt: Recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt. Reduce quantity if using table salt.
- Balsamic Glaze: Adds sweet-tart flavor. Maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey can be used instead.
- Kitchen shears: Make dicing bacon easier and more even.
- Fresh beans: Fresh green beans give the best texture; frozen can be used but may become softer.
- Adjust grease: Keep a little bacon fat for flavor but remove excess so the dish isn’t greasy.
- Make ahead: Combine ingredients in slow cooker, refrigerate up to one day, then cook. Add extra cook time if starting from cold.
- Protein swaps: Ham or sausage work well; brown first and reserve some fat.
- Seasoning variations: Try 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for smoky or spicy notes.
- Vegetarian option: Omit bacon, sauté aromatics in olive oil, and use vegetable broth.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guideline.
Calories: 335 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Protein: 23 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Sodium: 1567 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 6 g