Easy Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe to Try

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make side dish that captures the heart and soul of Southern cooking, look no further than this Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe. It’s packed with rich, savory flavors and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Best of all, it’s slow-cooked to perfection in the crockpot, making it a hassle-free addition to any meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe brings the warmth of Southern hospitality right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off Cooking: Let your crockpot do all the work for tender, flavorful green beans without constant attention.
• Deep Southern Flavor: A blend of smoky bacon, garlic, and seasoning makes this a true taste of the South.
• Simple Ingredients: No complicated or hard-to-find items, just pantry staples that come together effortlessly.
• Versatile Side: Perfect with everything from barbecues to holiday dinners, making it a staple you’ll return to often.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead and reheat without losing any of its deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building that classic Southern flavor, from the smokiness of bacon to the freshness of green beans.

• Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and washed for a crisp bite that holds up well to slow cooking.
• Bacon: Adds smoky richness and depth to the dish, balancing the natural sweetness of the beans.
• Onion: Chopped to provide a subtle sweetness and aroma throughout the cook time.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the savory foundation of the recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Gives the beans moisture and infuses them with more flavor than water alone.
• Brown Sugar: Just a touch to counterbalance the saltiness and add a hint of caramelized sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat if you want a little extra zing.

Variations for Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe

Feel free to customize this Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe to fit your taste buds or dietary needs. It’s incredibly flexible and forgiving, so you can make it uniquely yours.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that signature smoky flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
• With Potatoes: Toss in halved baby potatoes to make it a heartier side dish.
• Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for an intensely fragrant and bold profile.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt to keep it heart-healthy.

How to Make Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by trimming the ends off the green beans and giving them a quick rinse. Dice the onion and mince the garlic so they’re ready to go.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon bits and reserve the rendered fat—this adds delicious flavor to the green beans.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Crockpot

Place the green beans, cooked bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, brown sugar, salt, and pepper directly into the crockpot. Stir it all together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The green beans should be tender and infused with all the savory flavors.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like. Serve warm as a perfect Southern side.

Pro Tips for Making Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe

• Fresh is Best: Use fresh green beans instead of canned for better texture and flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Bacon Fat: The rendered fat enhances flavor—use it to sauté onions before adding to the crockpot if possible.
• Keep an Eye on Liquid: Depending on your crockpot, you may need to adjust chicken broth amounts to avoid too much liquid.
• Layer Flavors: Adding a little more sugar or spices towards the end can refresh the dish before serving.
• Use Low Crockpot Settings: Slow cooking preserves the beans’ color and prevents them from becoming mushy.

How to Serve Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe

Garnishes

Top your green beans with freshly chopped parsley or scallions to add a pop of vibrant color and fresh flavor right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Southern staples like cornbread, mashed potatoes, or smoked meats like pulled pork or brisket.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the beans in a rustic cast iron skillet or a pretty serving bowl garnished with crispy bacon bits and red pepper flakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days, ensuring the flavors continue to meld beautifully.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Cool completely before placing in freezer-safe containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the texture, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

While you can use canned, fresh green beans yield a firmer texture and better flavor, especially when slow cooked in a crockpot.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on processed items.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan-friendly version.

How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to keep them fresh and tasty.

What can I use instead of bacon?

Try smoked sausage, pancetta, or for a vegetarian option, smoked tempeh or mushrooms add a nice umami flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe is one of those treasures that feels like a warm hug with every bite. It’s simple enough for everyday meals yet special enough for gatherings. If you want a delicious side dish that takes minimal effort and delivers big on flavor, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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