How long do you cook green beans in a crockpot?

Green beans typically need 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat in a crockpot. Fresh green beans should be tender but still have a slight crunch when done. To check for doneness, insert a fork into a bean - it should go in easily but the bean shouldn't be mushy. Cooking time may vary depending on your specific slow cooker model and the quantity of beans, so start checking for tenderness at the lower end of the time range.

Can you use frozen green beans in a crockpot?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans in a crockpot. For best results, use frozen extra fine whole green beans rather than cut varieties. You'll need to cook them longer than fresh beans, typically adding 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Keep the lid on your crockpot to maintain consistent temperature, as opening it releases heat and extends cooking time. Check for doneness by tasting a few beans to ensure they've reached your preferred texture before serving.

How do you make crockpot green beans vegetarian?

To make crockpot green beans vegetarian, simply replace animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Omit any bacon, ham, or meat seasonings from the original recipe. Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of bacon grease for sautéing onions and garlic. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth or mushroom broth to maintain depth of flavor. You can add umami with ingredients like soy sauce, tamari, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Smoked paprika can provide a smoky flavor that's missing without meat, while mushrooms can add meaty texture and richness to the dish.

Why are my crockpot green beans mushy?

Mushy green beans usually result from overcooking or using the wrong type of beans. Canned green beans often become too soft since they're already cooked before going into the crockpot. If using fresh beans, check for doneness at the minimum cooking time rather than assuming they need the full time. Cutting beans into larger pieces (about 2-inch lengths) helps them maintain structure better. Also, avoid adding too much liquid - the beans should be partially steamed rather than boiled. Adding acidic ingredients like a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking can help firm up the beans.

Can you make crockpot green beans ahead of time?

Yes, crockpot green beans are excellent for making ahead. After cooking, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the microwave, stovetop, or place them back in the crockpot on warm setting for 1-2 hours. The flavors often meld and improve overnight, making them taste even better the next day. If you're meal prepping, consider undercooking them slightly as they'll continue to soften when reheated, preventing them from becoming too soft when served.

Easy Crockpot Green Beans: Southern Style Family Recipe

Name: Crockpot Green Beans
Prep time: PT-490672H37M29S
Cook time: PT-490672H27M29S
Total time: PT-490672H27M29S
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: – 5 slices thick cut bacon Adds a smoky, rich flavor that infuses the beans with depth and makes the dish more satisfying.; – 1 medium yellow onion, diced Provides a sweet base that enhances the overall taste and helps balance the spices.; – 2 medium cloves garlic, minced Brings a pungent aroma and flavor that elevates the dish with its essential savory notes.; – 2 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed) Serves as the cooking liquid that keeps the beans tender and absorbs the seasonings.; – 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt Boosts the garlic flavor while adding a bit of saltiness for better seasoning.; – 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Offers a mild heat and sharp taste that complements the other spices.; – 1/4 teaspoon paprika Gives a subtle smokiness and color, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor profile.; – 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness to round out the taste.; – 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adds a gentle spice that can be adjusted for those who like a bit of kick.; – 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, washed and trimmed The star of the show, providing crisp texture and nutritional benefits like fiber and vitamins.; – 1 tablespoon butter Used at the end to add creaminess and richness, making the beans even more irresistible.

Description

🥬 This Southern Green Beans Crockpot recipe offers an easy way to make flavorful, tender green beans infused with savory bacon and aromatic spices.
🍲 Perfect as a comforting side dish, it is ideal for busy days when slow cooking brings out deep, rich flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

– 5 slices thick cut bacon Adds a smoky, rich flavor that infuses the beans with depth and makes the dish more satisfying.

– 1 medium yellow onion, diced Provides a sweet base that enhances the overall taste and helps balance the spices.

– 2 medium cloves garlic, minced Brings a pungent aroma and flavor that elevates the dish with its essential savory notes.

– 2 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed) Serves as the cooking liquid that keeps the beans tender and absorbs the seasonings.

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt Boosts the garlic flavor while adding a bit of saltiness for better seasoning.

– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Offers a mild heat and sharp taste that complements the other spices.

– 1/4 teaspoon paprika Gives a subtle smokiness and color, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor profile.

– 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness to round out the taste.

– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adds a gentle spice that can be adjusted for those who like a bit of kick.

– 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, washed and trimmed The star of the show, providing crisp texture and nutritional benefits like fiber and vitamins.

– 1 tablespoon butter Used at the end to add creaminess and richness, making the beans even more irresistible.

Instructions

First Step: Prepare the Ingredients Start by cutting the 5 slices of thick cut bacon into 1/4 inch pieces and cook them in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crispy, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep that bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor. Next, add the 1 medium diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, then toss in the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until aromatic. This step builds a strong base for your crockpot green beans. For a vegetarian twist, sauté in olive oil instead of bacon grease as mentioned in the tips.

Second Step: Set Up the Slow Cooker Transfer the cooked onions and garlic to your 6-quart slow cooker. Now, pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and add the seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to mix, then add half of the cooked bacon for that smoky touch. If you’re making this for a larger group, remember the recipe doubles easily, as noted in the preparation tips. This sets the stage for evenly flavored crockpot green beans.

Third Step: Add and Arrange the Green Beans Take your 1 1/2 pounds of washed and trimmed fresh green beans and arrange them in the slow cooker so they’re all facing the same direction and packed tightly. This helps them cook evenly and absorb flavors better. Add more chicken broth if needed to cover the beans about 90%, ensuring they’re not fully submerged for the best texture. If using frozen green beans, increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours as per the advice in the FAQs. For those adding extras like potatoes, include them now to let everything meld together in your crockpot green beans.

Fourth Step: Cook the Dish Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 4 hours, depending on your schedule. Check the tenderness after 6 hours on low by poking a bean with a fork; it should be soft but not mushy, as overcooking can lead to issues like those in the FAQs. The total prep time is just 10 minutes, with cook time ranging from 4 to 7 hours, making this ideal for busy parents. Remember to keep the lid on to maintain even heat, and adjust for dietary needs like using vegetable broth if going vegetarian.

Fifth Step: Finish and Serve Once the cooking time is up, drain the green beans from the broth carefully. Then, toss them with the 1 tablespoon of butter and the remaining bacon pieces, and season with salt and pepper to taste for that final burst of flavor. Serve them hot as a side dish, perhaps alongside our slow cooker pepper steak recipe for a complete meal. This step ensures your crockpot green beans are irresistibly tasty and ready to enjoy, with options to customize based on what you have on hand.

Notes

🥓 Sauté bacon, onions, and garlic before slow cooking to enhance flavor.
🧂 Arrange green beans tightly and in the same direction to ensure even cooking.
❄️ Frozen green beans can be used but may require longer cooking time to reach desired tenderness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4 to 7 hours
Cook Time: 4 hours (high) to 7 hours (low)
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 131
Sugar: 5.3 grams
Sodium: 400 milligrams
Fat: 7.1 grams
Saturated Fat: 2 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 10.8 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 6.8 grams
Cholesterol: 15 milligrams

Keywords: Southern Green Beans, Crockpot Side Dish, Slow Cooker Green Beans, Bacon Green Beans