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–+ servings
A rectangular white dish filled with cooked green beans mixed with crispy bacon pieces. The beans and bacon are evenly distributed, creating a rustic and appetizing appearance. A plaid cloth is partially visible in the background.

Southern-Style Crock Pot Green Beans

Print Recipe
These Crock Pot Green Beans are made with delicious green beans, crispy bacon, aromatics, and spices for the perfect easy side dish. Everything slow cooks in the crockpot for a low-effort side the whole family will love. 
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Diet Halal, Kosher
Keyword buttery, comfort food, family-friendly, slow cooker
Prep Time 15 minutes
6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10 servings
Author Gina Dickson

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 5 slices bacon
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 pounds green beans frozen
  • 2 tablespoon butter or more if you like them really buttery

Instructions

Cook Bacon and Onions

  • Cut bacon into 1/4-inch pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
    5 slices bacon
    A top view of crispy fried bacon pieces in a black skillet with a red handle, set against a white background. The skillet contains some bacon grease surrounding the cooked pieces.
  • Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
  • Add diced onion to the skillet and cook in the bacon grease until translucent, about 5 minutes.
    1/2 cup yellow onion
    Diced onions cooking in a cast iron skillet with a red handle on a white background. The onions are starting to brown, suggesting they are being sautéed.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
    2 cloves garlic
  • Transfer onion and garlic to a 6-quart crockpot and discard excess bacon grease.

Assemble In Crock Pot

  • Add chicken broth, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
    2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    A black slow cooker with various ingredients inside, including crushed red pepper, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and liquid seasonings. The image is taken from above, showing the distinct separation of the spices and liquids.
  • Mix in half of the cooked bacon and place the other half in the refrigerator for topping when beans are cooked.
  • Add the green beans into the crockpot, stir slightly, pushing them down into the liquid.
    1 1/2 pounds green beans
    A black slow cooker filled with cooked green beans mixed with chopped onions, garlic, and seasonings. A white serving spoon is placed in the cooker, ready for serving.

Cook the Green Beans

  • On Low: Cook for 5-6 hours, checking for tenderness after 5 hours or on High: Cook for 4 hours.

Serving

  • Drain the green beans from the broth. (optional)
  • Toss with butter and the remaining cooked bacon.
    2 tablespoon butter
    A slow cooker filled with cooked green beans, topped with crispy bacon pieces and a square of butter. The dish appears ready to serve.
  • Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Notes

Make It A Meal
This green bean recipe is the perfect side dish for holiday dishes like Crockpot Turkey Breast, ending with the classic dessert of Pecan Pie. These green beans also double as a simple side dish during the year paired with comforting main dishes like French Onion Soup Chicken or Chicken and Rice Casserole. And for dessert, you can keep things light with Banana Pudding Brownies or No Bake Cheesecake Cups!
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
You can make the bacon and onion mixture up to 4 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also prep the entire recipe ahead of time, minus the chicken broth, and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just add the chicken broth and cook on low for 5-6 hours!
Storage
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
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