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Slow Cooker Green Beans

Tender, flavorful slow cooker green beans with bacon and aromatics that transform simple ingredients into a comforting side dish perfect for family meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 95
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Method
 

  1. Place chopped bacon in your slow cooker and cook on high for 30 minutes until it starts releasing fat.
  2. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and let it soften for another 15 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Pour in chicken broth.
  4. Nestle trimmed green beans into the aromatic base, stirring gently to coat them with the seasoned mixture.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until beans reach your preferred tenderness. Check after 3 hours - they should be vibrant green and easily pierced with a fork.
  6. Stir in butter during the final 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Budget-friendly swaps: Frozen green beans work beautifully when fresh aren't available. Turkey bacon substitutes nicely for regular bacon, and vegetable broth replaces chicken broth for vegetarian families. Don't skip trimming the bean ends - tough stems ruin the eating experience. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, which releases steam and extends cooking time. Check for doneness at 3 hours to prevent overcooking. Don't forget the butter finish - it transforms good beans into memorable ones. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of broth to restore moisture.