Crock Pot Green Beans are the perfect comfort food side dish that combines ease and deliciousness. Whether you’re planning a big family dinner or just want something simple to accompany your meal, these green beans fit the bill. Picture this: you throw everything into your crock pot in the morning and by dinner time, you have a mouthwatering dish filled with savory flavors and aromas. It’s a great way to bring everyone to the table, all while making your life easier in the kitchen! The tender green beans soak up the essence of bacon, garlic, and spices, making them a total crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep time, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner. Ready to start cooking? Let’s get down to how to make these fantastic Crock Pot Green Beans!

Why This Recipe Works

Crock Pot Green Beans are a culinary delight that marries simplicity with rich, savory flavors. The slow-cooking process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a side dish that’s both comforting and robust. The combination of bacon and ham adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist, making these green beans a hit for any table setting.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Green Beans

Enjoying a bowl of Crock Pot Green Beans means indulging in a dish that speaks to both tradition and taste. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking approach, this recipe perfectly embodies the ease of comfort food. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, these green beans will elevate your meal, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

4 strips bacon, diced
½ cup yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 – 6 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken stock (or chicken broth, or bone broth)
8 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried minced onion
½ teaspoon dried minced garlic
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (use ¼ tsp for more heat)
1 cup leftover ham, diced
1 ham hock (optional)

Preparing the Bacon for Flavor

Cook the Bacon Until Crispy

Begin by cooking the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy. This step not only infuses flavor into the dish but also provides the essential bacon grease that will enhance the vegetables’ taste.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Sauté Onions and Peppers

Once the bacon is crispy, remove it using a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the pan. Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the grease and sauté until the onions are translucent. The melting of this mixture creates a beautiful base for your dish.

Add Garlic for Fragrance

Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for just a minute until it becomes fragrant. This quick step ensures the garlic infuses just the right amount of flavor into the dish, elevating every bite.

Combining Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Mix Green Beans and Ham

In your slow cooker, combine the snapped green beans with the diced ham for a hearty addition. Then, toss in the sautéed vegetables, including the bacon and all the tasty grease. This mix truly brings everything together.

Season the Mixture

Sprinkle the mixture with kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried minced onion, and garlic. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, don’t forget the cayenne pepper!

Add the Broth and Optional Ingredients

Pour in the chicken stock so it covers about 75% of the green beans. You can also add optional ingredients like red potatoes or a ham hock for extra flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.

Cooking Time

Slow Cook the Dish

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 – 7 hours or on high for about 4 hours. The extended cooking time allows all the flavors to meld perfectly, making every bite as rich as possible.

Tips for Success

Choosing Beans: Always choose fresh green beans for the best texture.
Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the red pepper flakes and cayenne to suit your heat preference.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to mix in other vegetables or proteins for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Crock Pot Green Beans pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a robust holiday turkey. Serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience. Not only do they look great on the table, but they also bring a lot of flavor to your meal.

Variations

Southern Style: Incorporate smoked turkey necks for an authentic Southern flavor.
Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the bacon and ham with smoked spices and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegan variant. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Pairing Ideas

These Crock Pot Green Beans go well with cornbread, a refreshing green salad, or classic biscuits. A light white wine will perfectly complement the flavors, making your meal feel even more special.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but fresh is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Substitute the bacon and ham with smoked spices and vegetable broth to make a tasty vegan dish.

How can I thicken the broth?
To thicken, adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking is a great idea.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before, making it super easy to assemble in the morning for a hassle-free meal.

How do I know when the green beans are done?
They should be tender but still have a slight crisp. The slow cooking time will ensure they are cooked perfectly.

Crock Pot Green Beans not only make for an easy, flavorful side dish but also embody the spirit of home-cooked comfort. The blend of savory bacon, pungent garlic, and fresh green beans creates a delightful culinary experience that’s sure to please any crowd. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, these beans are a fantastic way to show off the simplicity in cooking while never sacrificing taste. Enjoy every nourishing bite!