Looking for an easy side dish that practically cooks itself? These Slow Cooker Buttery Bacon Green Beans are a simple combination of tender green beans, smoky bacon, rich butter, and savory seasonings.
They’re especially convenient for family dinners, holiday meals, and busy weeknights when you want a flavorful vegetable side without spending much time at the stove.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes
How to Make Slow Cooker Buttery Bacon Green Beans
1. Prepare the Green Beans
Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. If they’re particularly long, you can cut them into smaller pieces.
2. Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and allow it to cool slightly before chopping.
Reserve a small amount of the bacon drippings if you’d like an extra layer of smoky flavor.
3. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the green beans in the slow cooker. Add the chopped bacon, onion, garlic, butter, chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Give everything a gentle toss so the seasonings are distributed throughout the beans.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for about 4–5 hours, or until the green beans reach your preferred tenderness.
For firmer green beans, begin checking them around the 3½-hour mark.
5. Taste and Serve
Taste the green beans and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a little extra butter or black pepper before serving.
Serve warm alongside roasted chicken, turkey, steak, pork, or your favorite comfort-food dinner.
Helpful Tips
Use fresh green beans: Fresh beans give the dish a pleasant texture, although frozen green beans can work when fresh ones aren’t available.
Don’t add too much liquid: Green beans release moisture as they cook, so you only need a modest amount of broth.
Want crispier bacon? Add some of the cooked bacon during the final 20–30 minutes instead of putting all of it in at the beginning.
Adjust the seasoning: Bacon and broth can already contain quite a bit of salt, so taste before adding additional salt.
Can You Make These Ahead?
Yes. The green beans can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Reheat leftovers thoroughly before serving.
For the best texture, avoid cooking the green beans for significantly longer than necessary, as they can become very soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned green beans?
Yes. Canned green beans can be used, but they are already cooked and generally require less slow-cooking time. Drain them well and adjust the cooking time to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely. Turkey bacon can be substituted for regular bacon, although the finished dish will have a somewhat different flavor and may contain less rendered fat.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Leave out the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms, smoked paprika, or a small amount of liquid smoke for extra savory flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Buttery Bacon Green Beans are proof that a simple vegetable side can still feel special. The combination of buttery richness, smoky bacon, garlic, and tender green beans makes them an easy companion for everything from a casual family dinner to a holiday feast.
Set the slow cooker, let the flavors come together, and enjoy a comforting side dish with minimal effort.