Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

 

Tender green beans, smoky bacon, and hearty potatoes simmered low and slow in a savory broth for a classic, comforting side dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (High) or 5-6 hours (Low)
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed (ends snapped off)

• 8 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  

  Instructions

  1. Prepare the Green Beans: After rinsing and trimming the green beans, cut them in half if desired. This makes them easier to serve and eat. Place them into the bowl of your slow cooker.

  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered bacon grease in the skillet.

  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the hot bacon grease in the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  4. Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the entire contents of the skillet (onions, garlic, and bacon grease) over the green beans. This adds incredible flavor. Add the diced potatoes and the crispy bacon pieces you set aside (reserve a small handful for garnish).

  5. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Gently toss everything to combine, ensuring the green beans and potatoes are evenly coated.

  6. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the green beans and potatoes are very tender.

  7. Season and Serve: Before serving, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. The amount of salt needed will depend on the saltiness of your bacon and broth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the reserved crispy bacon. Serve warm.

  Chef’s Notes

  • For a Lighter Version: You can reduce the bacon to 4-5 slices and use a tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the onions if needed.

  • Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions and garlic in the bacon fat is a crucial step for building a deep, savory flavor base.

  • Desired Tenderness: Southern-style green beans are typically cooked until very soft and not crisp-tender. Cook them to your personal preference.