Crock Pot Green Beans: 10 Delicious Family Favorites

If you’re craving a cozy veggie side that practically cooks itself, these Crock Pot Green Beans are about to become your new best friend. Whether your week feels like a whirlwind of errands, Zoom calls, and “what’s-for-dinner” sighs, this recipe steps in like a warm hug—bacon-scented, of course.

I’m Mounia, and if you’ve been around SlowCookersRecipes.com for a while, you already know I’m all about meals that feel homey without hijacking your entire day. And these slow-cooked green beans? They’re the perfect example of how simple ingredients can still deliver big, bold, down-home comfort.

Let’s dig in, friend.

Why You’ll Love These Crock Pot Green Beans

There’s something magical about letting a slow cooker gently transform simple ingredients into something downright soulful. Crock Pot Green Beans check every box for a busy home cook:

  • Set it and forget it. The crock pot does all the heavy lifting while you boss your day.
  • Kid-friendly, grown-up approved. Somehow bacon convinces everyone to eat their veggies—mysterious, but appreciated.
  • Perfect for holidays or weeknights. They’re just as great on a Thanksgiving table as they are next to a Tuesday night rotisserie chicken.
  • Flexible ingredients. Use fresh or frozen green beans. Even canned works with the right tweaks.

As a mom and full-time flavor chaser, I live for recipes like this—comfort food you don’t have to babysit. Because we all have better things to do than hover over a stovetop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe has that old-fashioned, Southern-potluck charm. It’s simple, savory, and just indulgent enough to feel special.

  • Bacon: Use whatever you love—thick-cut, center cut, smoky. Bacon is the real MVP here.
  • Onion: A sweet yellow onion adds depth, but white works too.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives you the biggest flavor payoff.
  • Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces. Frozen is totally fine too.
  • Vegetable Broth (or chicken broth): Adds moisture and a slow-simmered richness.
  • Butter: Because everything’s better with a little butter.
  • Brown Sugar: Optional, but that pinch adds a subtle caramel note.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Bold, savory, and powerful—measure it like it’s perfume.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper really shines in this dish.

SCROLL DOWN to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements.

How to Make Green Beans in the Crock Pot

This dish comes together with just a few easy steps. No fuss, no fancy tricks—just simple flavors and a little slow-cooker magic.

1. Cook the Bacon

Start by frying your bacon in a skillet until it’s perfectly crispy. Remove the pieces and set them aside. Try not to snack on too many—this is a judgment-free zone.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the leftover bacon grease. Cook for about 3 minutes, just until they soften and smell like the beginning of a delicious southern feast. Transfer them to your crock pot.

3. Load Up the Crock Pot

Add the fresh green beans, broth, butter, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a quick stir. The colors alone will make you feel like you’re winning at dinner.

4. Slow Cook

Cook on HIGH for 2 ½ hours. The green beans will soak up all those smoky, savory flavors while staying tender but not mushy.

5. Finish with Bacon

Add the cooked bacon pieces back into the crock pot. Let it cook for another 30 minutes to blend all the flavors.

Serve warm, preferably with something that’ll soak up the juices—mashed potatoes, cornbread, roasted chicken… the possibilities are endless.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Green Beans

  • Make them extra savory: Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for deeper flavor.
  • Prefer softer beans? Add 30–45 extra minutes to the initial cook time.
  • Too much Worcestershire? Start small—you can always add a splash at the end.
  • Frozen beans: No need to thaw—just toss them straight in.
  • Canned beans version: Check the printable card if you need a faster, shortcut option.

And if your sauce thickens more than expected, don’t panic. Think of it as concentrated comfort. A splash of broth will loosen things up in seconds.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

I first made these Crock Pot Green Beans during a week when everything felt like a blur—school drop-offs, a house project, and a mountain of emails that deserved their own zip code. I needed a veggie side that didn’t require babysitting, supervision, or even eye contact. I tossed everything into my slow cooker and hoped for the best.

By dinnertime, my house smelled like a cozy hug from my grandma. And those green beans? They tasted like I’d spent hours simmering them, even though I’d really just let my crock pot do its thing while I tackled life.

It reminded me—good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be comforting.

Crock Pot Green Beans topped with crispy bacon served in a white bowl on a table.
These Crock Pot Green Beans are slow-cooked with bacon for a rich, comforting flavor everyone loves.

FAQs About Crock Pot Green Beans

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes! Frozen green beans work perfectly and don’t require thawing.

Can I make this without bacon?

Absolutely. You can use turkey bacon, smoked sausage, or leave it out completely. Add a bit more butter or broth for richness.

How do I store leftovers?

Place cooled leftover green beans in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes—just make sure your crock pot is large enough. You may need an extra 20–30 minutes of cook time.

Can I use canned green beans?

Yes, but reduce the broth and cooking time. Check the recipe card for the exact directions.

Bring It All Together

Nothing beats a simple, cozy veggie dish that tastes like it belonged on your grandmother’s Sunday table. These Crock Pot Green Beans bring together bacon, garlic, tender beans, and slow-cooked comfort in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for a holiday crowd, your picky eaters, or just craving something warm and soul soothing, this recipe is a keeper. Make it once, and it’ll find a regular spot on your menu rotation.

Ready to let your crock pot work its magic? These Crock Pot Green Beans are waiting to make your day a whole lot easier—and a whole lot tastier. Let’s cook, friend.

Keep the Deliciousness Going

If these cozy Crock Pot Green Beans made your kitchen smell like pure comfort, you’re going to love these other recipes that pair beautifully with them. I pulled together a few warm, homey favorites that your family will devour just as fast—because once you’ve got that slow-cooked goodness going, why stop there?

  • Craving a hearty main dish to go with your green beans? These fall-apart tender Slow Cooker Short Ribs will make your dinner table feel like a special occasion—even on a Tuesday.
  • Want another veggie side that hits that same comforting note? My sweet and savory Honey-Glazed Carrots & Green Beans is a crowd-pleaser every single time.
  • In the mood for something warm and cozy in a bowl? This ultra-creamy Baked Potato Soup is the kind of recipe that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a spoon.
  • And if you’re ending the night with something sweet (as you absolutely should), these buttery Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies bring the perfect pop of citrusy joy.

Save this little collection for the next time you need a meal that feels like comfort from start to finish. Happy cooking, friend!

Print
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Crock Pot Green Beans with tender slow-cooked green beans and crispy bacon in a white serving dish.

Crock Pot Green Beans


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

These Crock Pot Green Beans are slow-cooked with bacon, garlic, onions, and savory broth for a comforting, Southern-style side dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, and cozy weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon

  • 1 sweet yellow onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or use frozen)

  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.

  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon grease. Sauté for 3 minutes.

  3. Transfer onion and garlic to the crock pot.

  4. Add green beans, broth, butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.

  5. Cook on HIGH for 2 ½ hours.

  6. Add the crispy bacon pieces back into the slow cooker.

  7. Continue cooking for 30 more minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

Frozen green beans work just as well—no need to thaw.

For softer, more Southern-style beans, cook for an extra 30–45 minutes.

Start with a small amount of Worcestershire; you can always add more.

For canned green beans, reduce broth to ½ cup and cook 1 hour total.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: side dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 165 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 510 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg