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Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe

Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe
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This Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make side dish that combines tender green beans with smoky bacon, savory onions, and garlic, slow cooked to perfection. Ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, it offers rich Southern flavors and a perfectly tender texture with minimal effort thanks to your crockpot.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
  • 6 slices smoked bacon
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Green Beans: Start by washing your green beans thoroughly and trimming off the ends. Cutting them into uniform sizes helps with even cooking and ensures every bite is tender.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the smoked bacon until crispy. Once done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, then chop it roughly. Leave a little bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Using the bacon fat, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they’re fragrant and soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step unlocks those wonderful savory aromas that form the base of the dish.
  4. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the prepared green beans into the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, chopped bacon pieces, chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to mix all ingredients.
  5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. The green beans will turn tender while absorbing all those delicious flavors. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to keep the cooking temperature steady.
  6. Final Taste and Adjustments: Before serving, taste the green beans and add more salt, pepper, or seasonings if needed. Stir gently and serve warm.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, firm green beans for the best texture and vibrant color after slow cooking.
  • Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic in bacon fat as it deepens the flavor profile significantly.
  • Monitor liquid levels carefully; too much broth can make the dish soupy.
  • Adjust salt and pepper near the end of cooking since bacon and broth add saltiness.
  • Use the low setting on your crockpot for tender, non-mushy beans.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern green beans, crockpot green beans, slow cooker side dish, smoky green beans, Southern cooking, easy green beans recipe

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/southern-crockpot-green-beans-recipe/