Slow Cooker Green Beans (with Bacon)

These slow cooker green beans simmer fresh green beans with smoky bacon, onion, and brown sugar for a tender vegetable side.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Keyword bacon, comfort food, Crockpot, green beans, onion, Slow Cooker, smoky, thanksgiving

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 9

Servings

Calories 144

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet.
To the same skillet, add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and paprika, then cook until fragrant, about 1 more minute.
Add the salt, brown sugar, stock and vinegar to a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring to combine. Add the cooked onion mixture, 2 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled and the green beans, tossing to coat.
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours on high, or low for 6-7.
Uncover and drain all but ¼ cup of cooking liquid. Add the butter and remaining 2 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled, to the green beans, stirring to combine.
Taste and season with additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve warm.

I recommend thick-cut bacon over thin since I find it holds its texture better through the long cook and gives you crispier pieces to stir in at the end without disappearing into the broth!