Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky richness of bacon, the hearty goodness of potatoes, and the fresh crunch of green beans - all slow-cooked to perfection! This incredible one-pot wonder is about to become your new favorite family meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Bacon Crock Pot Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is the ultimate solution for busy home cooks who want a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing and trimming the green beans. Cut them into 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Dice the potatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform size to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
- Chop the onion into medium-sized pieces, creating a uniform distribution throughout the dish.
- Cut the bacon into small pieces, roughly 1/2-inch wide, which will help distribute flavor evenly and crisp up nicely in the slow cooker.
- Grease the inside of the crock pot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
- Layer the ingredients in the crock pot: start with chopped bacon at the bottom, then add diced potatoes and chopped onions.
- Place the trimmed green beans on top of the potato and bacon layer.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute evenly across the top of the green beans.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning.
- Pour the chicken broth over the entire mixture, which will help create moisture and enhance the overall flavor.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat for 5 hours, allowing the ingredients to slowly cook and develop rich, deep flavors.
- Occasionally stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
- Check the tenderness of potatoes and green beans during the last hour of cooking. If needed, adjust seasoning.
- Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, making sure to scoop up the bacon pieces and distribute them evenly among servings.
Tips
- Cut ingredients uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Layer ingredients strategically - bacon on the bottom helps infuse flavor into the entire meal.
- Use fresh, high-quality bacon for the most robust flavor profile.
- Don't skip the chicken broth - it adds moisture and deepens the overall taste.
- Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.
- For extra crispiness, consider crisping the bacon separately and sprinkling it on top before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch in the last hour of cooking.
- Fresh green beans work best, but frozen can be substituted in a pinch.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
