Introduction

These Crockpot Green Beans are the ultimate hands-off side dish. They cook low and slow, absorbing incredible flavor while you focus on the main course. They are the perfect complement to a comforting meal like Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Pot Roast or a simple weeknight dinner. This easy recipe delivers tender, savory green beans every time.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Green Beans recipe creates a wonderfully creamy and savory side dish with minimal effort. You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to get started.

• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans cut green beans, drained
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	4 hours on LOW
Total Time	4 hours 10 minutes

Context: This Crockpot Green Beans recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes that require longer stovetop simmering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Green Beans

Start by washing one pound of fresh green beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends off the beans. For a more uniform look, you can also snap them in half.

Tip: Using fresh green beans instead of canned will give your Crockpot Green Beans a firmer texture and fresher flavor.

Step 2 — Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the trimmed green beans into your crockpot. Add one cup of chicken or vegetable broth, two tablespoons of butter, and seasonings like minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Tip: For a richer flavor, you can substitute the broth with bacon grease or add chopped bacon directly to the pot.

Step 3 — Stir to Coat

Gently stir all the ingredients in the crockpot to ensure the green beans are evenly coated with the butter and seasonings. This helps the flavors distribute evenly as they cook.

Step 4 — Set the Cooking Time and Temperature

Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook the green beans on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. Cooking on low heat allows the beans to become tender without becoming mushy.

Tip: If you are short on time, you can cook the beans on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Check for doneness a bit earlier to prevent overcooking.

Step 5 — Check for Doneness

After the minimum cooking time, carefully open the lid and test a green bean. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). The liquid in the pot should be slightly reduced.

Doneness Cue: The beans are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork but are not falling apart.

Step 6 — Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Once the Crockpot Green Beans are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning. You may want to add more salt or pepper. For a bright finish, stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories	80
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	7g
Fat	5g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	300mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use Fresh or Frozen Green Beans — Opt for fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned to significantly reduce sodium content and improve texture.
• Swap Pork for Turkey Bacon — Use lean turkey bacon or smoked turkey legs as a lower-fat protein alternative that still provides a smoky flavor.
• Try a Low-Sodium Broth — Replace regular chicken broth with a low-sodium or no-salt-added version to better control the saltiness of your Crockpot Green Beans.
• Add a Smoky Kick with Liquid Smoke — For a vegetarian or lower-fat option, omit the meat and add a few drops of liquid smoke to achieve that classic, deep flavor.
• Incorporate Mushrooms for Umami — Sautéed mushrooms can be added to provide a rich, savory, meaty flavor, making the dish heartier without extra meat.
• Use Olive Oil Instead of Bacon Fat — For a healthier fat profile, sauté your aromatics in olive oil or avocado oil instead of rendered bacon fat.
• Add a Splash of Vinegar — A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar added at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors, reducing the need for extra salt.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these savory Crockpot Green Beans alongside a classic holiday roast, like glazed ham or roasted turkey, for a comforting and traditional meal.
• For a hearty weeknight dinner, pair them with juicy slow cooker pork chops and creamy mashed potatoes.
• Create a beautiful Southern-style plate by serving the green beans next to buttermilk fried chicken and fluffy cornbread.
• These beans are the perfect potluck dish; transport them easily in the slow cooker insert to keep them warm for any gathering.
• Elevate a simple grilled meal by adding these Crockpot Green Beans as a flavorful side to burgers, steaks, or barbecue ribs.
• For a lighter option, serve them over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious, savory cooking liquid.

No matter how you serve them, these Crockpot Green Beans are a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish that complements a wide variety of main courses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned green beans without draining, leading to a watery, bland dish. Fix: Always drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to concentrate flavor.
• Mistake: Overcooking the beans until they turn mushy and lose their vibrant color. Fix: Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, checking for a tender-crisp texture.
• Mistake: Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar too early, which can toughen the beans. Fix: Stir in acidic components during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to render fat from bacon or salt pork, resulting in greasy beans. Fix: Sauté chopped bacon in the crockpot insert (if stovetop-safe) or a skillet first to crisp it.
• Mistake: Not seasoning in layers, so the final dish tastes flat. Fix: Season with salt, pepper, and aromatics like onion and garlic at the beginning and taste again before serving.
• Mistake: Filling the crockpot too full, which prevents even cooking and can be a safety hazard. Fix: Ensure the crockpot is no more than two-thirds full for best results.
• Mistake: Using frozen green beans without thawing, which releases excess water and dilutes the broth. Fix: Thaw frozen beans completely and pat them dry before adding to the slow cooker.
• Mistake: Lifting the lid frequently to check, which significantly increases cooking time. Fix: Trust the process; each peek can add 15-20 minutes to the total cook time.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Crockpot Green Beans completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled green beans in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat your Crockpot Green Beans gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until they are steaming hot, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Always ensure your green beans are stored properly to maintain their flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Crockpot Green Beans are an incredibly simple and flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. For more easy slow cooker recipes, try this Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs or a comforting Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. There is no need to thaw them first; just add them directly to your slow cooker. The cooking time for these Crockpot Green Beans may be slightly shorter, so check for tenderness a bit earlier.

How long do I cook Crockpot Green Beans?

Cook the green beans on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours. They are done when they are tender but still have a slight bite. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop fully.

Can I add other ingredients to the Crockpot Green Beans?

Absolutely. Adding ingredients like chopped bacon, sliced onions, or minced garlic enhances the flavor. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your Crockpot Green Beans for more depth.