Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Green Beans: A Savory and Flavorful Side Dish

A Comforting Side Dish with Bold BBQ Flavor

Imagine the rich, smoky aroma of Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Green Beans filling your kitchen. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and tender green beans creates a side dish that will steal the spotlight at any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a backyard BBQ, this recipe delivers a burst of Southern-inspired flavor with minimal effort.

Cooking green beans in a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop deeply and evenly, making each bite savory, smoky, and slightly sweet with a hint of spice. With simple ingredients and an easy prep process, this dish is a must-try for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to prepare – The slow cooker does most of the work!
✔ Packed with flavor – A balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes.
✔ Perfect for gatherings – A great side dish for holidays, potlucks, or BBQs.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the spice level, use fresh or canned green beans, or try different BBQ sauces.
✔ Meal prep-friendly – Make ahead and reheat beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a bold and flavorful dish.

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Thick-Cut Bacon	8 slices
Onion (Chopped)	½ cup
Ketchup	½ cup
Light Brown Sugar (Packed)	⅓ cup
BBQ Sauce	¼ cup
Worcestershire Sauce	1 tablespoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Black Pepper	¼ teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper	¼ teaspoon
Green Beans (Drained)	4 cans (14.5 oz each)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
• Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess grease.
• Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

2. Sauté the Onion

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion to the bacon drippings.
• Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• In a bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is fully combined.

4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker

• Add the drained green beans, sautéed onions, and crumbled bacon to the slow cooker.
• Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans.
• Stir gently to ensure even coating.

5. Cook the Green Beans

• Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the green beans are tender and the flavors meld together.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Stir the green beans before serving to distribute the sauce evenly.
• Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy hot.

Tips for the Best BBQ Bacon Green Beans

✔ Use thick-cut bacon – Adds a richer, smokier flavor.
✔ Adjust the sweetness – Add more or less brown sugar depending on your taste.
✔ Make it spicier – Increase the cayenne or add hot sauce for extra heat.
✔ For extra smokiness – Use a hickory-smoked or mesquite BBQ sauce.
✔ Try fresh green beans – Use 1.5 pounds of fresh green beans instead of canned.

Health Benefits of Green Beans

While Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Green Beans are indulgent, they still offer nutritional benefits:

1. Rich in Fiber

Green beans contain fiber, which helps digestion and promotes gut health.

2. Packed with Vitamins

They are high in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function and bone health.

3. Low in Calories

Green beans are naturally low in calories while being nutrient-dense.

4. Good Source of Antioxidants

They contain antioxidants like flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with BBQ Bacon Green Beans

This dish pairs well with many main courses, making it a versatile side:

• Grilled Chicken or Ribs – A smoky BBQ main pairs perfectly with these beans.
• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes balance the bold flavors.
• Cornbread – A slightly sweet cornbread complements the BBQ sauce.
• Rice or Quinoa – Great for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Burgers or Hot Dogs – A classic pairing for backyard BBQs.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1-2 hours if making a large batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes! Turkey bacon is a great leaner option, though it won’t be as crispy.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the bacon and use a smoky BBQ sauce for flavor.

3. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

It depends on your preference! Sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauces all work well.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! Prepare and store in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the slow cooker.

5. How do I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or use a low-sugar BBQ sauce.

6. Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them before adding to the slow cooker.

Final Thoughts: Try This Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Green Beans Today!

If you love bold flavors, smoky bacon, and easy slow cooker recipes, then these Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Green Beans are a must-try. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal, a backyard cookout, or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and incredible taste to your table.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a sweet, smoky, and savory side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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