This Crock Pot Green Beans recipe is an effortless way to enjoy a delicious side dish that perfectly complements any meal. The combination of smoky Turkey Bacon, fresh green beans, and sweet onions creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love. Ideal for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or weeknight meals, this slow cooker dish is both simple and satisfying. Let your Crock Pot do the work while you enjoy more time with your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic.
- Rich Flavor: The smoky Turkey Bacon enhances the taste of fresh green beans, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays, barbecues, or everyday dinners; it pairs well with various main courses.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from green beans and lower in calories thanks to Turkey Bacon.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead of time and enjoy the convenience of a ready-to-serve side.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to get started on your Crock Pot Green Beans.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! It evenly cooks your ingredients while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Skillet: Perfect for cooking the Turkey Bacon until crispy, adding depth to the overall flavor.
- Cutting Board: Ensures safe chopping of vegetables without damaging counters.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results every time.
Ingredients
This Crock Pot Green Beans recipe combines the smoky flavor of Turkey Bacon with the freshness of green beans and the sweetness of onions, all cooked to savory perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 8 slices Turkey Bacon (chopped)
– 1/2 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
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make Crock Pot Green Beans
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon
Cook the Turkey Bacon until crispy in a skillet. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside. This step ensures you extract all the smoky flavor for your dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, cook the diced onion and minced garlic in the rendered Turkey Bacon grease for about 3 minutes. This process adds richness to your green beans.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Add all remaining ingredients (except for Turkey Bacon) into your slow cooker:
1. Place trimmed green beans in first.
2. Pour in vegetable broth.
3. Add butter, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar if using, salt, and pepper.
Cook on high for 2 ½ hours until tender.
Step 4: Add Turkey Bacon
After 2 ½ hours, add the crispy Turkey Bacon back into the slow cooker. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes before serving warm!
Now you have a delightful side dish ready to impress at any occasion!
How to Serve Crock Pot Green Beans
Crock Pot Green Beans are a versatile side dish that can complement many meals. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with Grilled Meats
- Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the smoky flavor of the green beans.
- Steak: A hearty steak complements the savory elements of the dish, making for a filling meal.
Add to a Salad
- Mixed Greens: Toss warm green beans into a salad for added texture and flavor.
- Pasta Salad: Incorporate them into a pasta salad for a delightful twist on traditional recipes.
Serve with Breads
- Garlic Bread: The rich flavors in garlic bread balance well with the green beans.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the beans.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Green Beans
To truly enjoy your Crock Pot Green Beans, follow these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans will provide better flavor and texture compared to canned alternatives.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.
- Cook Longer for Depth: If you prefer richer flavors, consider cooking them longer than 2.5 hours on high.
- Experiment with Aromatics: Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the taste even further.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Green Beans
Crock Pot Green Beans make an excellent addition to many meals. Here are some great side dish ideas that pair well with them.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and balance alongside your green beans.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a lovely contrast to the savory beans.
- Roasted Carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the smoky flavor of the beans perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings freshness and crunch to your plate.
- Macaroni and Cheese: The cheesy goodness offers a creamy counterpoint to the beans’ texture.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can soak up any extra broth from your slow cooker, enhancing every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Crock Pot Green Beans, it’s easy to overlook certain steps that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness is key when it comes to green beans. Always choose fresh beans for the best taste.
- Skipping the bacon step: Cooking Turkey Bacon first adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall dish.
- Overcooking the beans: Slow cooking is great, but too long can make your beans mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking times for perfect results.
- Neglecting seasoning: Adding salt and pepper at the end can make a difference. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Not letting it sit: Allow the Crock Pot Green Beans to rest after cooking. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the beans have cooled completely before sealing.
Freezing Crock Pot Green Beans
- Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Crock Pot Green Beans
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water in a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Crock Pot Green Beans, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing.
How can I spice up my Crock Pot Green Beans?
Consider adding spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Green Beans?
These green beans pair well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a larger holiday spread.
Are there variations of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize it by adding mushrooms or almonds for different textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Green Beans are a delightful side dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Their smoky flavor from Turkey Bacon combined with fresh green beans makes them a winner at any gathering. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours!
Crock Pot Green Beans
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crock Pot Green Beans are a delightful and effortless side dish that elevates any meal with their rich flavors. Featuring tender green beans combined with smoky Turkey Bacon and sweet onions, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or simple weeknight meals. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you enjoy quality time with loved ones. The result is a savory, nutrient-packed side that will impress your guests and satisfy your family.
Ingredients
- 8 slices Turkey Bacon (chopped)
- 1/2 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
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey Bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in the bacon grease for about 3 minutes.
- In the slow cooker, combine trimmed green beans, vegetable broth, butter, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cook on high for 2 ½ hours until the green beans are tender.
- Add the crispy Turkey Bacon back into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. Use fresh green beans for the best texture; frozen can be substituted if necessary. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
