Get ready to transform ordinary green beans into a mouthwatering sensation that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These Slow Cooker Barbecued Green Beans are not just a side dish—they're a flavor explosion that combines the smoky richness of barbecue sauce, the crunch of crispy bacon, and the tender perfection of slow-cooked green beans. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a seriously delicious vegetable side, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) green beans, drained
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Drain the green beans completely, ensuring no excess liquid remains. Pat the beans dry with paper towels to prevent watering down the sauce.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, diced onion, and brown sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly blended and smooth.
- Lightly grease the interior of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the drained green beans into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the green beans, gently stirring to ensure all beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the green beans, distributing it evenly across the surface.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
- Occasionally stir the green beans halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and sauce coverage.
- After 4 hours, check the beans for desired tenderness and sauce consistency. If needed, cook for an additional 15-30 minutes uncovered to reduce sauce.
- Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the green beans rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional crumbled bacon if desired.
Tips
- Drain and Dry: Thoroughly drain and pat your green beans dry to prevent watery sauce and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Choose Your Barbecue Sauce: Select a high-quality barbecue sauce that complements your taste preferences—whether you like sweet, spicy, or tangy.
- Bacon Matters: Use crispy, freshly cooked bacon for the best texture and flavor. Consider using thick-cut bacon for extra crunch.
- Low and Slow: Stick to the low heat setting to allow flavors to develop and beans to become perfectly tender without burning.
- Stir Occasionally: Gently stir halfway through cooking to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent sticking.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Customize: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of liquid smoke for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 465kcal
Carbohydrates: 86g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
