1-First Step: Prepare the Bacon and Aromatics Cut the 5 slices of thick cut bacon into 1/4-inch pieces and cook them in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until they turn crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep the grease in the skillet for added flavor. Next, add the diced medium yellow onion to the skillet and cook until it’s translucent, which takes about 5 minutes, then stir in the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a solid base for your Crockpot Green Beans, ensuring every bite is full of savory goodness.

2-Second Step: Transfer to the Crockpot Move the cooked onions and garlic to your 6-quart crockpot, discarding any excess grease from the skillet to keep things light. Now, pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth along with the seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and mix in half of the cooked bacon for that extra smoky touch. For adaptations, if you’re making it vegetarian, use olive oil instead and switch to vegetable broth here.

3-Third Step: Add and Arrange the Green Beans Take your 1 1/2 pounds of washed and trimmed fresh green beans and arrange them uniformly in the crockpot, packing them tightly and facing the same direction for even cooking. If needed, add a bit more chicken broth to cover the beans about 90% of the way, which helps them absorb flavors without becoming too watery. This is a great spot to consider dietary tweaks, like using frozen green beans if that’s what you have, though they might need a longer cook time. Remember, this step is key for that tender yet crisp texture in your Crockpot Green Beans.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the Mixture Set your crockpot to LOW and let it cook for 6 to 7 hours, or switch to HIGH for about 4 hours, depending on your schedule. Check the tenderness after 6 hours on LOW by poking a bean with a fork if it’s not quite ready, extend the time a bit. During this slow-cooking process, the Crockpot Green Beans will soak up all the seasonings, making them incredibly flavorful. If you’re adapting for canned beans, add them later since they cook faster and won’t absorb as much.

5-Fifth Step: Finish and Serve Once the cooking time is up, drain the beans from the broth to remove excess liquid. Toss them with the 1 Tablespoon of butter, the reserved bacon, and a dash of salt and pepper to taste for a final flavor boost. Serve your Crockpot Green Beans hot as a side to grilled dishes, like the ones on our site. For instance, pair it with a savory slow-cooked beef noodles recipe for a complete meal that highlights slow-cooking techniques.