This Southern Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe is hands down one of my favorite ways to prepare haricots verts. The bacon brings a deep, savory umami richness, and the brown sugar rounds it out with a subtle touch of sweetness. The beans turn out tender and flavorful, making this one of the most perfect sides I can pair with just about anything.
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Easy southern slow cooker green bean Recipe
Southern-style green beans have always been a favorite of mine since I was a child, and over the years, they have become something of a signature dish. A version of my slow-cooked beans even appeared on the menu at a restaurant in Nashville. This recipe always brings me back to my Southern roots and is so comforting. It is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even a weeknight dinner at home.
This slow cooker version is hands down one of my favorite ways to make these beans. The bacon adds a savory depth, and the brown sugar rounds everything out with a touch of sweetness. The beans stay tender but not mushy, making this one of the most perfect sides in my humble opinion. Try it at your next gathering and see why it has become such a hit at my table!
Southern Slow Cooker Green Beans
Cost $9.08 Recipe / $1.13 Serving
Ingredients
- 4 oz. bacon (cubed, $1.41)
- 2 cups yellow onion (230g, diced, $0.78)
- 1 Tbsp garlic (minced, $0.24)
- 2 lbs whole haricot verts (fresh or frozen, trimmed and stringed but left whole, $6.18*)
- 2 cups chicken broth ($0.24**)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.06)
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar (divided, $0.02)
- ½ tsp salt ($0.04)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, $0.04)
- 1 Tbsp butter ($0.11)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until the fat renders and the pieces start to crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the bacon and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Move the bacon, onions, garlic, and drippings to the slow cooker. Layer the whole haricot verts on top. Pour in the chicken broth, brown sugar, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Slow cook for:Fresh whole haricot verts: HIGH 2.5–3 hours or LOW 4–5 hours.Frozen whole haricot verts: HIGH 2 hours or LOW 3–4 hours.
- Stir gently halfway through. Beans should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir in butter and the remaining 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for brightness. Serve with the bacon and onion mixture spooned over the beans.
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Equipment
- Medium Skillet
- Slow Cooker
Notes
Nutrition
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Gather the ingredients.
Cook the bacon: Cook 4 oz. bacon in a skillet over medium heat until the fat renders and the pieces start to crisp. This usually takes me about 5 minutes.
Add the onion and garlic: Stir in 2 cups diced onions and 1 Tbsp minced garlic and cook until soft, golden, and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the green beans and cook: Transfer the bacon, onions, garlic, and drippings to the slow cooker. Layer 2 lbs. of whole green beans on top. Pour 2 cups chicken broth over the beans and add 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss gently to coat the beans well.
Cook fresh whole haricot verts: HIGH 2.5–3 hours or LOW 4–5 hours. Cook frozen whole haricot verts: HIGH 2 hours or LOW 3–4 hours.
Stir gently halfway through the cooking time. The beans should be tender but still hold their shape.
Taste and adjust: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir in 1 Tbsp butter and the remaining 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Serve: Serve with the bacon and onion mixture spooned over the beans.
How to store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the beans from drying out.
These beans can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stovetop.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Green Beans
I love serving these green beans, hot with the bacon and onion mixture spooned over the top for maximum flavor. For a true Southern-inspired meal, I find they pair well with roasted chicken legs, our easy homemade cornbread, and some buttery Instant Pot mashed potatoes. However, I’ve been known to serve these green beans with anything from sweet and savory apple butter pork chops to grilled sirloin tenders.
