why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon is a fantastic dish that combines two beloved ingredients: fresh green beans and crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, savory side dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make with minimal prep time!
how to make Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 pounds of fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook over medium heat until it is crispy.
- Add the onions and sauté with the bacon until they are transparent.
- Lightly spray a slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the fresh green beans and some pepper, stirring to mix in the bacon drippings well.
- Add the bacon and onion mixture to the green beans, followed by the diced potatoes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the beans are tender.
- Serve immediately.
how to serve Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon
Serve Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite meats, like roasted chicken or grilled steak. It pairs well with any main course and adds a hearty, flavorful touch to your meal. You can also sprinkle some extra crispy bacon bits on top for an added crunch.
how to store Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon
To store any leftovers, let the green beans cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them until warmed through or heat them gently on the stovetop.
tips to make Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon
- For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic when sautéing the onion and bacon.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier taste and more texture.
- If you prefer a slightly smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more variety.
variation
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a flavorful base. You can also enhance the dish by adding nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just note that they may cook a little faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just combine everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
3. How do I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices slices of bacon Use thick-cut for more texture.
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, diced For flavor.
- 1 potato, diced
- 1.5 cups chicken broth or stock For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook over medium heat until crispy.
- Add the diced onions and sauté with the bacon until transparent.
- Lightly spray a slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Add fresh green beans and some pepper, stirring to mix with bacon drippings.
- Add the bacon and onion mixture to the green beans, followed by the diced potatoes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the beans are tender.
Serving
- Serve immediately as a side dish alongside your favorite meats like roasted chicken or grilled steak.
- For added crunch, sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits on top.