Print

Lightened-Up Crockpot Green Beans with Bacon and Onion: Easy 4-Ingredient Side

lightened-up crockpot green beans with bacon and onion - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, savory side dish made with fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This lightened-up version delivers indulgent flavor without heavy cream or butter, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 slices center-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash green beans under cold water. Snap or trim off the stem ends. Pat dry and set aside.
  2. Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (8-10 minutes). Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add thinly sliced yellow onion to the same skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until soft and starting to turn golden (5-7 minutes). Add a splash of chicken broth if onions start to stick.
  4. Place trimmed green beans into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle cooked onions over the top. Add cooked bacon pieces. Pour 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth over everything. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous crack of black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until beans are tender but still have a slight bite.
  6. Gently stir with tongs or a large spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.

Notes

Pre-cook the bacon for best texture; do not add raw bacon. Check beans at 4-hour mark on LOW to avoid mushiness. For a thicker sauce, remove beans with a slotted spoon and simmer remaining liquid in a small saucepan to reduce. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Fresh green beans are essential; frozen beans become mushy.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot green beans, bacon green beans, slow cooker green beans, lightened up green beans, easy side dish, holiday side dish, healthy green beans

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/lightened-up-crockpot-green-beans-with-bacon-and-onion-easy-4-ingredient-side/