Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Crock Pot Bacon Green Bean Cabbage recipe! Imagine tender vegetables slow-cooked to perfection, infused with the irresistible smoky flavor of crispy bacon, creating a dish that will have your family begging for seconds. This one-pot wonder is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines simplicity, nutrition, and pure comfort in every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and chopping green beans into 1-inch pieces, chopping cabbage into rough chunks, and dicing the onion finely.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp and releases its fat, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the bacon grease in the pan.
- Using the same skillet with bacon grease, sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer sautéed onions to the crock pot, then add trimmed green beans, chopped cabbage, and cooked bacon pieces.
- Pour chicken broth over the vegetables, ensuring they are partially submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 5 hours, allowing vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- After cooking, stir the mixture gently to distribute bacon and seasonings evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot as a hearty side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness. The bacon's fat will help enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Vegetable Preparation: Cut green beans and cabbage into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This helps all vegetables cook at the same rate and prevents some pieces from becoming mushy.
- Bacon Crispness: For extra crispy bacon, cook it separately and add it back in the last hour of cooking to maintain its texture.
- Liquid Ratio: Don't over-saturate your vegetables. The chicken broth should just partially cover the ingredients to prevent a watery result.
- Seasoning Hack: Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor dimension.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheated, with flavors often improving after sitting overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside roasted meats or as a standalone light meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a nice fresh touch before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
