Southern Crockpot Green Beans are a comforting and flavorful side dish that brings the heart of Southern cooking to your table. Slow-cooked with smoky bacon, onions, and simple seasonings, these tender green beans absorb rich flavors as they simmer, making them the perfect accompaniment to any classic Southern meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, hands-off slow cooker preparation
- Packed with traditional Southern flavors
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or Sunday dinners
- Great for feeding a crowd with minimal effort
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
- Bacon, chopped
- Yellow onion, diced
- Chicken broth
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Butter (optional, for richness)
Directions
- In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Add diced onions and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Place the green beans in the crockpot and add the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth until the green beans are just covered.
- Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the green beans are tender.
- Add butter before serving for extra richness, and stir well.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low)
Variations
- Ham Hock Green Beans: Replace bacon with a smoked ham hock for deeper, smokier flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Southern Green Beans: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Green Beans: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese before serving for a creamy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans for this recipe?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time since canned beans are already tender. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
What type of bacon is best for Southern green beans?
Thick-cut bacon provides a meatier texture, but regular bacon works just as well.
Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer everything in a large pot on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Are frozen green beans okay to use?
Yes, frozen green beans work well and don’t need to be thawed before adding them to the crockpot.
How do I make the green beans more flavorful?
Use homemade chicken broth and let the bacon cook until crispy for extra depth of flavor.
Can I add potatoes to the recipe?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added for a heartier side dish—just add an extra 30-60 minutes of cook time.
How do I prevent the green beans from overcooking?
Cook on low and check for tenderness after 6 hours to avoid mushy beans.
Can I add sausage to this dish?
Yes, sliced smoked sausage makes a delicious addition to the green beans.
What should I serve with Southern green beans?
They pair well with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, or BBQ ribs.
How do I make this dish less salty?
Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the added salt to taste.
Conclusion
Southern Crockpot Green Beans are a classic side dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With tender green beans infused with smoky bacon and savory broth, this slow-cooked favorite brings the warmth of Southern comfort food to any meal. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or potlucks, this recipe is sure to become a staple on your table!
PrintSouthern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe
These Southern Crockpot Green Beans are slow-cooked to perfection with smoky bacon, onions, and savory seasonings. Tender and packed with rich, comforting flavors, this classic Southern side dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any hearty family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (on low) / 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
- 900 g (2 lbs) fresh green beans, trimmed (or frozen if needed)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for brightness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the bacon and aromatics:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy.
- Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
- Sauté the chopped onion and garlic in the reserved bacon grease until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Load the crockpot:
- Add the green beans to the crockpot.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir to combine all the ingredients.
3. Slow cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the green beans are tender and flavorful.
4. Finish and serve:
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar if desired for a slight tangy kick.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra bacon bits or freshly cracked pepper.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a smoked ham hock or turkey leg to the slow cooker with the beans.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead.
- Add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy Southern twist.