Name: Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon, chopped; ½ cup diced yellow onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 ½ cups vegetable broth; ¼ cup butter; 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste

If you’re hunting for an easy, flavorful side dish that practically cooks itself while you focus on other things, you’re in for a treat. This Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe has been one of my absolute favorites for years—it’s a total game changer when you want green beans that are juicy, smoky, and utterly comforting. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and you end up with tender green beans infused with bacon and just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Keep reading because once you try this, I swear your family will beg for it at every holiday and weeknight dinner!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the crock pot and walk away—no standing over the stove!
Perfectly Tender Beans: Slow cooking brings out a great texture that’s neither mushy nor crunchy.
Bacon Flavor Boost: Crispy bacon adds smoky goodness, while its grease flavors the onions and garlic beautifully.
Versatile and Crowd-pleasing: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s great for both casual dinners and holidays alike.

A white bowl with a pattern holds cooked green beans layered at the bottom, soft and shiny with a slightly wrinkled texture. On top, small chunky pieces of browned bacon with a reddish-brown tone and a bit of translucent cooked onion are mixed in. A fork lifts some green beans and bacon from the bowl, showing the layers clearly, with the vegetables still moist and the bacon crispy in places. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon, slow cooker green beans, bacon green bean side dish, easy green beans recipe, savory green beans with bacon

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how this recipe blends simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The bacon is the star, but the onions, garlic, and broth all work together to create this rich, savory background that makes the green beans pop. When you shop, just make sure the green beans are fresh and firm for the best texture.

Flat lay of chopped crispy bacon slices, diced yellow onion in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of minced garlic, fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces spread neatly, a small white bowl filled with golden butter, a small white bowl of dark brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl with light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl with clear vegetable broth, scattered salt crystals and whole black peppercorns, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon, slow cooker green beans, bacon green bean side dish, easy green beans recipe, savory green beans with bacon

Bacon: Choose thick-cut if you want more substantial bites; the bacon fat adds incredible flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and depth; dice finely so it blends well during cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a nice aromatic punch—skip the pre-minced jar stuff if you can!
Fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut into manageable pieces; snap fresh beans ensure crisp-tender results.
Vegetable broth: Adds savory moisture without overpowering the other flavors.
Butter: For richness and that velvety finish that makes these green beans feel indulgent.
Brown sugar (optional): Just a touch to balance the smoky and savory notes.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient that amps up the umami flavor spectacularly.
Salt and pepper: To taste, but don’t underestimate their role—they brighten and round out the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to play around with this Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. You might love adding your own flair, too—don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Swap the Bacon for Ham: Once I tried swapping bacon for diced ham, and it gave a slightly sweeter, meaty flavor that my family adored.
Use Canned Green Beans: Life saver for busy weeks! Just drain them well and skip the broth since canned beans are already cooked—reduce crock pot time accordingly.
Add a Kick: Tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds a subtle heat and smoky depth I swear elevates the dish.
Make it Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter, veggie broth, and smoked tempeh or mushrooms to replace bacon’s smokiness.

How to Make Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Your Bacon Just Right

Start by frying the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This step adds that essential smoky flavor and creates delicious bacon bits you’ll toss in later. Don’t rush it; getting the bacon crispy but not burned really sets the tone for the dish. Once crisp, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a paper towel—reserve the bacon grease!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic in Bacon Grease

Use the bacon grease left in the pan to cook your diced onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes. This softens the onions and mellows their sharpness, while the garlic gets fragrant and toasty. This little step brings so much flavor to your Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Crock Pot

Next, add the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker along with the trimmed green beans, vegetable broth, butter, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine, then set your crock pot on high and let it do its magic for 2 ½ hours. The slow cooking infuses those beans with smoky, buttery flavor and transforms their texture wonderfully.

Step 4: Add the Bacon and Finish Cooking

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the crispy bacon bits you saved earlier. Let the dish cook for a little longer so the bacon aroma can mingle with the beans without losing its crispiness entirely. This final step guarantees mouthwatering bacon flavor in every bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning the Bacon: Frying bacon separately allows the fat to render properly and keeps the bacon crispy when added late.
Use Fresh Green Beans if Possible: Frozen or canned can work, but fresh green beans give the best texture and flavor.
Adjust Cooking Times Based on Your Slow Cooker: Some crock pots run hotter or cooler, so check the texture around the 2-hour mark the first time you make this.
Avoid Overcooking: The green beans should be tender but not mushy—pull them when they’re vibrant and yield slightly to pressure.

How to Serve Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually finish these green beans with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and, if I’m feeling fancy, a few shavings of Parmesan cheese—it adds a subtle savory contrast that’s hard to beat. A dash of chopped fresh parsley also adds color and freshness that brightens the dish.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic comfort plates like roasted chicken, meatloaf, or even holiday ham. I’ve also served it alongside mashed potatoes or creamy mac and cheese for a family dinner that feels complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these in a rustic cast-iron skillet right on the table—people love digging in straight from the pot! You can also plate them over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or topped with crispy fried onions if you want a bit of crunch and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the feast, I like to store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. They keep great for up to five days. Honestly, these green beans taste even better the next day because the flavors have a chance to meld even more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by cooling it completely and storing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It thaws nicely in the fridge overnight and stays good in the freezer for up to three months without losing that delicious bacon flavor.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, I like warming leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also toss them back in the crock pot to warm on high for about 30 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, just cover and heat in short bursts to keep the beans from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available. Just keep in mind that frozen green beans may release more water during cooking, so you might want to reduce the broth slightly. The texture will be softer but still tasty.
How do I prevent the green beans from becoming mushy in the crock pot?

The key is not to overcook them. I recommend checking the green beans around 2 hours to test the texture. They should be tender but still have a slight bite. Using fresh green beans also helps maintain a pleasant firmness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the green beans and bacon mixture a day before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just heat it up in the crock pot or the oven. This makes it a great recipe for busy days or holiday dinners.
Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or a mix of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar can mimic its umami profile. Just adjust quantities to taste as they can be saltier or tangier.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon Recipe holds a special place on my table because it’s as comforting as it is simple. I love how the crock pot turns humble green beans into something that tastes like it took hours of effort and attention, but without the fuss. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight side or a festive holiday spread, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe you reach for again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it your own tradition too.