Savory Slow-Cooked Barbecue Green Beans with Crispy Bacon
This delectable dish of Southern-style barbecue green beans takes the classic green bean side to a whole new level. Infused with the smoky goodness of crispy bacon and the sweet tang of barbecue sauce, each bite bursts with flavor. Perfect for holiday feasts or family gatherings, this slow cooker recipe allows you to enjoy tender, glazed green beans without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it! Ideal for any gathering, this side dish pairs wonderfully with meats and will impress your guests with its savory profile.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork bacon
2 slices (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
Yellow onion
1 small (chopped)
Fresh green beans
1 lb (stem ends snapped off)
Barbecue sauce
3/4 cup (of your choice)
Instructions
1
In a small skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.
2
Grease the inside of the slow cooker with some of the remaining bacon drippings to enhance the flavor.
3
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
In the slow cooker, combine the trimmed green beans, crumbled bacon, and sautéed onion.
5
Pour the barbecue sauce over the mixture and stir to evenly coat all the ingredients.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the green beans are tender and well-glazed.
7
Serve the barbecue green beans hot as a gorgeous side dish for any meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Barbecue Green Beans with Crispy Bacon?
It is a Southern-style side dish featuring fresh green beans slow-cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce and topped with crispy bacon.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients are pork bacon, a small yellow onion, fresh green beans, and your choice of barbecue sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How long do the green beans need to cook in the slow cooker?
The green beans should be cooked on the Low setting for 6 to 7 hours until they are tender and glazed.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used, though fresh beans are recommended for the best texture.
Should I use canned green beans for this slow cooker recipe?
Canned green beans are not recommended as they are already soft and may become mushy during the long cooking process.
How should the fresh green beans be prepared?
The stem ends should be snapped off before adding the beans to the slow cooker.
Do I need to cook the bacon before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, you should cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it before combining it with the other ingredients.
What is the benefit of greasing the slow cooker with bacon drippings?
Greasing the slow cooker with bacon drippings enhances the overall smoky and savory flavor profile of the dish.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
A small yellow onion is recommended because it becomes sweet and translucent when sautéed.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until it is softened and translucent.
Which barbecue sauce works best with these green beans?
You can use any barbecue sauce of your choice, whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or smoky flavors.
Is this dish suitable for holiday meals?
Absolutely, it is an ideal side dish for holiday feasts, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
Can I cook this recipe on the High setting?
While Low is best for glazing, you can cook it on High for about 3 to 4 hours, though you should monitor for tenderness.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly barbecue sauce; you can add a touch of liquid smoke for that classic flavor.
What main courses pair well with these barbecue green beans?
These beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, holiday ham, or pork chops.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the bacon and onions in advance or cook the entire dish and reheat it when needed.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked barbecue green beans?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months, though the texture of the beans may be slightly softer after thawing.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat the beans in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until they are warmed through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is gluten-free as long as you use a barbecue sauce that is certified gluten-free.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted, though it has less fat for greasing the slow cooker.
Do I need to add any water to the slow cooker?
No additional water is needed as the barbecue sauce and moisture from the vegetables provide enough liquid.
Can I add more bacon than the recipe calls for?
Certainly, you can increase the amount of bacon if you prefer a heartier and smokier dish.
What if I don't have a yellow onion?
A white onion or even shallots can be used as a substitute for the yellow onion.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate them.
Is this considered a comfort food dish?
Yes, its rich glaze and savory bacon components make it a classic comfort food vegetable side.
How do I know when the green beans are finished cooking?
The beans are ready when they are fork-tender and the barbecue sauce has thickened into a glaze.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding minced garlic during the onion sautéing step would be a flavorful addition.
What is the overall flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is a savory blend of smoky bacon, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, and tender vegetables.