Slow cooker green beans are the perfect side dish for any meal, offering a delicious blend of tender green beans, savory flavors, and minimal effort. This easy recipe transforms fresh green beans into a comforting dish with the help of a slow cooker, making it ideal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Packed with flavor from ingredients like bacon, garlic, and onions, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Green Beans Recipe
Using a slow cooker for green beans is a game-changer. The low-and-slow cooking process infuses the beans with rich flavors while keeping them tender yet slightly crisp. This recipe is:
Easy to prepare: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Versatile: Pairs perfectly with roasted meats, casseroles, or holiday feasts.
Customizable: Adjust the seasonings or add-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients :
1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
4 slices bacon, chopped (optional for vegetarian, substitute with 2 tbsp olive oil)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a slight kick
Method :
To prepare the green beans, wash them and cut off their ends. Set aside.
Cook the Bacon (Optional): In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Leaving approximately 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet, remove with a slotted spoon and put aside. (For vegetarian, skip this step and use olive oil.)
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion in bacon grease (or olive oil) until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Cook the minced garlic for a further 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic.
Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the green beans, cooked bacon (if using), sautéed onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the butter on top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the green beans are tender but still have a slight bite. Stir gently halfway through to ensure even seasoning.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite main course.