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Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans is a simple dish that requires a handful of ingredients and takes comfort food to a whole new level, perfect for feeding a crowd.

A wooden spoon scooping up some green beans.


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There is just something about adding the smoky flavor of bacon to vegetables, it creates the best southern-style side dish with so much flavor. Plus the addition of the diced potato soaks up the juices and tastes delicious.

Why this recipe works

These crock pot green beans are so good the whole family will love them, cooked slowly with onions, garlic, and bacon. I've never been a huge fan of green beans but this is my favorite way. Served as an easy side dish recipe during the holidays like with my Slow Cooker Honey Ham or during the warm summer barbecue months like with my Oven Baked Ribs. This crockpot green bean casserole recipe can also be served as a main course with some of my Southern Hoe Cakes on the side.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Green Beans

All the ingredients needed for this recipe.
  • Green Beans: Fresh, frozen, or even canned works.
  • Chicken broth: I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth but vegetable broth can also be used.
  • Onions: I use a sweet yellow onion
  • Garlic: Fresh is best here.
  • Potato: I use russet, but red potatoes are also delicious.
  • Bacon: I like to use smoky bacon.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Don't leave this out it adds a ton of flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes: These are optional but highly recommended.

How to make this recipe

Bacon cooked in a skillet then onions and garlic.
  • Step 1: In a skillet or if you have a saute option in your crock pot add the chopped slices of bacon and cook until crispy. Remove using a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel.
  • Step 2: Next add the diced onions to the bacon grease and saute, then add in the garlic.
Bacon, onions and garlic added to the slow cooker with green beans, then diced potatoes added on top.
  • Step 3: Add the green beans, garlic and onions, bacon drippings, and diced potatoes into the slow cooker.
  • Step 4: Cook until desired tenderness, and add crispy bacon topped with salt and black pepper to taste.

Slow cooker southern green beans in a white bowl.

Recipe tips

  • I use fresh green beans, not canned.
  • After rinsing, trim off the ends of the green beans. I usually get the beans that are already prepped and ready in the bags.
  • I also prefer to cut my beans in half, but you can leave them longer if you want it doesn't change anything.
  • The best part of the diced potatoes is that it soaks up the cooking juices and it is so good. 
  • You can toss the cooked bacon in with the beans while it cooks but I like to sprinkle the bacon on top at the end.
Southern green beans on a white plate.

Recipe FAQ's

Will canned beans get mushy in a slow cooker?

Yes, they will but you can add them half way through the cooking time so they don't get too mushy. You'll need 29-32 ounces and cook for about 3-4 hours on low.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Of course frozen works great, no need to thaw first.

How do you prep fresh green beans?

Rinse the green beans, cut the ends of the beans off, and then cut the beans to whatever length you prefer.

Can I add a ham hock?

Absolutely, a ham hock is a great addition to this green beans recipe and a perfect way to add a delicious meaty flavor. Toss it in with your green beans or even some diced-up ham.

How to store this recipe

Place leftover slow-cooker green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or freeze for 3 months.

Southern green beans on a white plate.

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

4.49 from 337 votes
Written By: Wendie
Southern green beans are packed full of flavor and the perfect side dish to you Holiday meal or family gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 113

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans rinsed and trimmed
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 russet potato peeled and diced
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add the trimmed green beans to the slow cooker. (I like to cut mine in half)
  • Cut bacon into small pieces and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  • Add the onions into the bacon grease and saute until soft about 3 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant about 30 seconds.
  • Add sauteed onions and garlic and bacon grease to the green beans. Followed by the diced potatoes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes if desired. Give the green beans a toss. Cover.
  • Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours or until desired tenderness.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle cooked bacon on top and serve.

Video

Notes

  • I use this 7qt slow cooker.
  • You can toss the cooked bacon in with the beans while it cooks but I like to sprinkle the bacon on top at the end.
  • Frozen green beans will also work, no need to do thaw first.
  • I like to use Russet potatoes, but if you prefer creamer potatoes that will work also.
  • Add a ham hock for another layer of flavor.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 7gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 376mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
    Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
    Course Slow Cooker
    Cuisine Southern

    4.49 from 337 votes (335 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




    7 Comments

    1. 5 stars
      I tried this great recipe today and it was amazing, So easy and delicious and all of the ingredients are importantly to make the recipe perfect.