Crockpot Green Beans Recipe – Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Side Dish

Green beans have long been a favorite side dish for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and weeknight meals.

When cooked in a crockpot, these tender vegetables absorb flavors beautifully, creating a rich and comforting dish that complements a wide variety of mains. The slow cooking method allows green beans to maintain a perfect balance between crispness and tenderness, unlike traditional stovetop cooking that can leave them overcooked or bland.

Ingredients Needed

Preparing crockpot green beans is simple and requires just a few fresh ingredients. The table below lists common ingredients along with their approximate calorie counts.

Ingredient	Amount	Calories per Serving
Fresh green beans	1 pound	140
Bacon	4 slices	180
Onion	1 medium	45
Garlic	2 cloves	10
Butter	2 tablespoons	200
Chicken broth	1/2 cup	10
Salt	1 teaspoon	0
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon	0
Soy sauce	1 tablespoon	10
Slivered almonds (optional)	2 tablespoons	70

These ingredients are easy to find and can be adjusted based on taste or dietary preferences. Using fresh green beans ensures crisp texture, but frozen beans work well too, especially when pressed for time.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the green beans: Rinse the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. If desired, cut them into smaller pieces for easier serving.
2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Crumble the bacon once cooled.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté diced onions and minced garlic for two to three minutes until fragrant and soft. This step enhances the flavor of the beans and bacon.
4. Combine ingredients in the crockpot: Place the green beans in the crockpot. Add the sautéed onions and garlic, crumbled bacon, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce. Stir gently to mix all ingredients.
5. Cook on low heat: Set the crockpot to low and cook for four to five hours. Cooking on low allows the green beans to become tender without turning mushy.
6. Optional finishing touches: Fifteen minutes before serving, sprinkle slivered almonds over the green beans for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
7. Serve and enjoy: Gently stir the beans and transfer them to a serving dish. The dish pairs well with roasted meats, casseroles, or even as a light, standalone side.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Crockpot green beans are incredibly flexible, allowing endless variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

• Add spices: Incorporate paprika, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika for a savory depth.
• Increase creaminess: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream near the end of cooking.
• Make it zesty: Add a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for tanginess.
• Experiment with toppings: Toasted breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese can add a gourmet touch.

These small adjustments allow the dish to be tailored for family dinners, holiday feasts, or even meal prep lunches.

Nutritional Information

Crockpot green beans provide a healthy mix of nutrients while remaining relatively low in calories. One serving contains a balanced combination of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

This dish fits well into balanced diets and supports healthy digestion thanks to its fiber content. Adjusting the fat sources or skipping optional ingredients can make it even lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot green beans pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or pork for a hearty dinner. They also complement vegetarian entrees like stuffed mushrooms or baked tofu. For a festive presentation, top with slivered almonds or crispy shallots.

These beans can also be incorporated into larger casseroles, mixed vegetable medleys, or grain bowls. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to three days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave, making them convenient for busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans work well in the crockpot. They may release more water, so reduce the broth slightly.

How long can I keep crockpot green beans in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to maintain texture.

Is it necessary to cook the bacon beforehand?
Pre-cooking the bacon ensures it is crispy and adds flavor without leaving the beans greasy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to maintain flavor while keeping the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What is the best way to keep the beans tender but not mushy?
Cook on low heat and avoid overcooking. Check for doneness around four hours for the perfect balance of tenderness and bite.

Conclusion

Crockpot green beans are a timeless side dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and nutrition with minimal effort. The slow cooking method enhances the natural sweetness of the beans while allowing them to soak up the rich flavors of bacon, garlic, and butter. Customizing the recipe is easy, and the dish can suit a variety of dietary needs and taste preferences.