Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon, Tomato, and Onion: A Flavorful Southern Side
Minimal prep yields a crowd-pleasing dish bursting in smoky, tangy warmth.
Slow Cooker Green Beans with Bacon, Tomato, and Onion
Transform fresh green beans into a deeply flavored Southern side dish with this slow cooker green beans recipe. The combination of smoky bacon, aromatic onions, and a tangy tomato base creates a mouthwatering medley that is both comforting and vibrant. Perfect for holidays or everyday dinner, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious, allowing for convenient, make-ahead preparation with minimal hands-on time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking thanks to the slow cooker — perfect for busy kitchens and holiday gatherings.
- Southern flavors with bacon, onions, and a classic tomato base.
- Make-ahead friendly: Can be cooked in advance and reheated without losing flavor or texture.
- Great for a crowd or weekday meal prep.
- Versatile: Easy to adapt with different seasonings or additional vegetables.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Thick-cut bacon, sliced 1/2-inch thick | 8 slices |
| Medium yellow onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, finely chopped | 3 |
| Chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 1 (15-oz.) can |
| Tomato sauce | 1 (8-oz.) can |
| Kosher salt | 2 1/2 teaspoons, plus more to taste |
| Paprika | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh green beans, trimmed | 2 pounds |
| Red wine vinegar | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the bacon:
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sliced bacon pieces until crispy, about 7–9 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, reserving the bacon drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the aromatics:
Add chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the onion softens and turns lightly golden, roughly 3 minutes. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits in the pan, then pour the mixture into your slow cooker insert.
- Combine the ingredients in the slow cooker:
To the slow cooker, add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, salt, paprika, oregano, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and half of the cooked bacon. Stir well to blend the flavors. Add in the green beans and gently mix to distribute the tomatoes and seasonings.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the green beans are tender but not mushy.
- Finish with vinegar:
Stir the red wine vinegar into the hot beans. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Cover again and cook for an additional hour, or until desired tenderness is reached.
- Serve:
Hold warm for up to 4 hours in the slow cooker. Just before serving, add the remaining reserved crispy bacon on top for texture and added savory flavor.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Green Beans
- Prep in advance: You can make this dish up to two days ahead. Cook completely, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in the slow cooker on high for 1–2 hours before serving.
- Hold on warm: The slow cooker can keep the green beans warm for up to 4 hours, making it ideal for potlucks or large gatherings.
- Bacon texture: If you prefer especially crisp bacon, re-crisp the reserved bacon pieces in a skillet just before garnishing.
- For smoky depth: Try using smoked paprika or a few dashes of smoked hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use olive oil instead; add a bit of smoked paprika for depth.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker green beans are a classic side for holiday meals such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. They also complement cookouts, Sunday suppers, and weeknight dinners alike. Pair them with:
- Roast or baked turkey
- Honey-glazed ham or pork roast
- Barbecue chicken or ribs
- Cornbread, mashed potatoes, or gravy
Ingredient Spotlight
- Fresh green beans: Use crisp, tender beans and trim the ends. Refrigerated beans remain firm after hours in the slow cooker.
- Bacon: Thick-cut works best, adding smokiness and richness.
- Tomatoes: Diced canned tomatoes and tomato sauce create a tangy broth that infuses the beans with deep flavor.
- Onions and garlic: These aromatics break down, adding a subtle natural sweetness.
- Red wine vinegar: A splash at the end brightens all the rich flavors, creating balance.
Make-Ahead, Reheating, and Storage Tips
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dish entirely up to two days before serving. Let the beans cool, then cover and refrigerate in the slow cooker insert or a large container.
- Reheat: To serve, return the beans to the slow cooker and heat on high for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally until heated through. Hold on warm until ready to serve.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Add the crispy bacon garnish just before serving for best texture.
What others are reading
Variations and Add-Ons
- Extra heat: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for spicy green beans.
- Add potatoes: For a heartier side, stir in peeled, cubed potatoes during the initial mixing step.
- Southern twist: Use ham hocks or smoked turkey leg instead of bacon for another classic smoky flavor.
- Vegetable add-ins: Add chopped red bell pepper, carrots, or celery for variety.
- Broth swap: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish or beef broth for extra depth.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 670mg |
(Nutrition varies by ingredients. Bacon, broth, and tomato brands affect sodium and fat.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen green beans. For best results, add them directly to the slow cooker (do not thaw first) and reduce cooking time slightly, as they tend to soften faster than fresh beans.
Can I double (or halve) the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just ensure your slow cooker is not more than two-thirds full to allow even cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste.
How can I make the dish vegetarian or vegan?
Omit the bacon and use extra virgin olive oil to sauté the aromatics. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. For added smoky flavor, sprinkle in a half teaspoon of smoked paprika.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe to the stovetop. Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot; follow the same browning steps, then simmer covered on low for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beans reach desired tenderness.
Can I use other types of beans?
While this recipe shines with green beans, you can experiment with Romano beans or yellow wax beans. Cooking times may vary slightly due to thickness.
What other proteins work in this dish?
Try diced ham, smoked turkey neck, or rendered sausage for flavor variations. These provide different savory profiles while preserving the hearty, Southern character.
Pro Tips for Busy Cooks
- Chop onion, garlic, and green beans the night before to save time.
- Assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply start the slow cooker.
- For parties, keep a ladle nearby for easy serving directly from the slow cooker.
Related Recipes and Ideas
- Southern-Style Green Beans and Potatoes: Skip the tomatoes and add potatoes for a classic regional favorite.
- Garlic Butter Roasted Green Beans: Quick oven version with lots of garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
- Green Beans Almondine: Sauté green beans in butter with toasted almonds for a simple, elegant side.
- Sweet and Tangy Green Bean Salad: Toss steamed green beans in a vinaigrette with red onions and grape tomatoes for a refreshing cold side.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker green beans recipe delivers a craveable balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors with effortless preparation. It’s destined to become a repeat request at your table—holiday or everyday. Try it once, and it’s sure to earn a place in your comfort food repertoire.
References
- https://keytomylime.com/crockpot-green-beans-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a44272253/slow-cooker-green-beans-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gvy6ShXh3_0
- http://threeforksintheroad.com/recipe/green-beans-ala-pioneer-woman/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g33586119/green-bean-recipes/
- https://www.deepsouthdish.com/2023/04/slow-cooker-fresh-green-beans.html
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