Prepare to transform your ordinary green beans into a mouthwatering sensation that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds! This Slow Cooker Buttery Bacon Green Beans recipe is not just a side dish - it's a flavor-packed experience that turns humble vegetables into a culinary masterpiece. Imagine tender green beans swimming in rich, melted butter, studded with crispy bacon bits, and infused with savory onions and garlic. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply elevate your family meal, this recipe promises to be a game-changer that proves vegetables can be absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the fresh green beans, removing any tough ends or blemishes. Pat the green beans dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure they cook properly.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it starts to crisp and release its fat. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer the trimmed green beans into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the cooked bacon pieces and sautéed onions evenly over the green beans.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and distribute them across the top of the green beans. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the entire mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the green beans to become tender and absorb the rich, buttery bacon flavor.
- After cooking, gently stir the green beans to ensure they are evenly coated with butter and bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, making sure to scoop up some of the crispy bacon pieces with each serving.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beans: Always select fresh, crisp green beans for the best texture and flavor. Look for beans that are bright green and free from blemishes.
- Bacon Matters: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness. The more rendered fat, the more delicious your green beans will be!
- Don't Overcrowd: Layer your green beans loosely in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and proper heat distribution.
- Drain Bacon Properly: Let bacon drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, preventing the dish from becoming too oily.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Cooking on low heat for 4 hours allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures tender, flavorful green beans.
- Season Carefully: Go easy on salt since bacon is already quite salty. You can always add more at the end if needed.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 334kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
