Crock Pot Green Beans

This Crock Pot Green Beans recipe is a delightful way to enjoy fresh vegetables with a twist. Combining the smoky flavor of Turkey Bacon and the sweetness of onions, these green beans are perfect for any meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish stands out with its rich flavors and simple preparation. Plus, cooking in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of Turkey Bacon, garlic, and onions creates a savory dish that everyone will love.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, these green beans complement any main course.
• Healthy Ingredients: Fresh green beans provide essential vitamins while Turkey Bacon keeps it lighter.
• Customizable Options: Adjust sweetness with brown sugar or add your favorite spices for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Crock Pot Green Beans, you’ll need just a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crockpot
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Crockpot: The star of this recipe! It allows for slow cooking, which enhances flavors while freeing up your time.
• Skillet: Ideal for rendering the Turkey Bacon crispy, adding depth to the dish when combined with the other ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and trimming green beans quick and easy.

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 over medium heat.
1. Remove the bacon from the pan once cooked and set it aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet with Turkey Bacon grease:
1. Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic.
2. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
3. Transfer this mixture to your crockpot.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

In your crockpot, add all remaining ingredients:
1. Add fresh green beans, vegetable broth, butter, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Cook in Slow Cooker

Set your crockpot to high heat:
1. Cook for about 2 ½ hours.
2. After that time has passed, stir in the cooked Turkey Bacon.
3. Allow cooking for an additional 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful Crock Pot Green Beans as a perfect side dish!

How to Serve Crock Pot Green Beans

Crock Pot Green Beans are a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Their smoky flavor and tender texture make them a great addition to any dinner table. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Grilled Meats

• Steak: The rich flavors of steak complement the savory green beans perfectly.
• Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken adds a nice protein balance to the meal.
• Pork Chops: The sweetness of pork chops works well with the smoky flavor of the beans.

Serve as Part of a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Add cold, crisp greens to create a refreshing contrast.
• Potato Salad: A hearty potato salad can balance the lightness of the green beans.

Use as a Topping

• Over Rice: Spoon the green beans over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting dish.
• On Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with green beans for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Green Beans

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Green Beans, consider these helpful tips.

• Choice of Bacon: Using Turkey Bacon adds flavor without excessive fat. You can also try regular bacon for more richness.
• Seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; they elevate all the flavors in this recipe.
• Vegetable Broth: Choose a high-quality vegetable broth for deeper flavor. Homemade broth is even better!
• Cooking Time: Allow enough cooking time for the beans to become tender. Adjust based on your slow cooker’s settings.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Green Beans

Crock Pot Green Beans make an excellent side dish. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic pair wonderfully.
2. Cornbread: A slice of cornbread complements the savory notes beautifully.
3. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots add color and balance to your plate.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm beans.
5. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, quinoa salad offers a healthy option.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can be filling while matching well with green beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Crock Pot Green Beans from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the bacon: Not cooking Turkey Bacon first can result in a lack of flavor. Always start by crisping the bacon to infuse the dish with its smoky essence.
• Ignoring the broth: Using too little vegetable broth can leave the beans dry. Ensure you add enough liquid to keep everything moist and tasty.
• Overcooking the beans: Cooking the green beans for too long can lead to mushiness. Stick to the recommended cooking times for perfect texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper will dull the flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Using old beans: Stale or overcooked green beans won’t have the right crunch. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality beans for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the green beans cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Crock Pot Green Beans

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Portion out servings for easier thawing later.

Reheating Crock Pot Green Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Green Beans:

What types of green beans are best for this recipe?

Fresh green beans work best, but you can also use frozen ones if necessary. Just be aware that frozen may need a bit longer cooking time.

Can I make Crock Pot Green Beans vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the Turkey Bacon and add more vegetables or smoked paprika for flavor.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Crock Pot Green Beans?

Consider adding spices like garlic powder or herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra depth of flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate all ingredients without overflowing.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Green Beans are not just delicious; they are incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste. This comforting side dish is perfect for any meal, making it a must-try!