This slow cooker side dish combines the sweetness of BBQ sauce with the salty crunch of smoked turkey bacon. It is a simple, set-and-forget recipe that brings bold flavors to any family dinner or holiday spread.
List of ingredients
- 24 oz green beans (freshly trimmed or 4 cans, drained) – the primary vegetable base.
- 8 slices smoked turkey bacon (cooked) – provides a savory, smoky element.
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped) – adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar – balances the acidity with sweetness.
- 1/2 cup ketchup – creates the thick, tangy base of the BBQ glaze.
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce – enhances the smoky and savory profile.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – adds a layer of umami flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt – enhances all the existing flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – provides a subtle hint of spice.
step-by-step instructions
- Cook the bacon: Fry the turkey bacon until crisp, then remove from the pan and set aside on paper towels.
- Sauté the onions: Keep 1 tablespoon of the turkey bacon drippings in the pan and cook the chopped onions until they become translucent.
- Combine ingredients: Place the green beans, sautéed onions, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
- Mix well: Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Slow cook: Set the slow cooker to the low heat setting and cook for 4 hours.
- Final touch: Once the cooking time is complete, stir in the crumbled cooked turkey bacon and serve.
Selecting the Best Green Beans
Using Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans offer the best texture and a vibrant snap. Be sure to trim the stem ends and snap off any tough ends before adding them to the slow cooker. These beans hold up well during the long cooking process and absorb the sauce effectively.
Using Frozen Green Beans
Frozen green beans are a convenient alternative that requires no prep work. You can add them directly to the pot, although they may release slightly more moisture than fresh ones. Keep an eye on the consistency to ensure the sauce remains thick.
Using Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans are the softest option and cook the fastest. Always drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium from the canning liquid. Since they are already processed, they may become very soft, so check them an hour before the timer ends.
Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
Swapping Brown Sugar for Honey
If you do not have brown sugar, honey is an excellent alternative that provides a floral sweetness. Use an equal amount of honey, but be aware that the sauce may become slightly stickier. This substitution adds a different dimension of flavor while maintaining the sweet-and-savory balance.
Replacing Ketchup with Tomato Paste
For a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor, you can use tomato paste diluted with a bit of water. Use about 1/3 cup of tomato paste mixed with 2-3 tablespoons of water to mimic the consistency of ketchup. This option often reduces the overall sugar content of the dish.
Choosing Different BBQ Sauces
Depending on your preference, you can use a spicy, honey-based, or hickory-flavored BBQ sauce. A spicy version will add heat to the beans, while a hickory sauce will amplify the smokiness. Always check the label to ensure the sauce fits your dietary preferences.
Alternatives to Turkey Bacon
If you prefer a different savory element, smoked tofu cubes or beef bacon are suitable replacements. Smoked tofu provides a similar aroma and chew when browned in a pan. Beef bacon offers a richer, saltier taste that complements the BBQ sauce well.
Using Shallots instead of Onions
Shallots offer a more delicate and slightly sweeter flavor than standard yellow onions. Finely dice the shallots and sauté them in the bacon fat as directed in the recipe. This small change adds a sophisticated touch to the overall aromatic profile.
Flavor Variations to Explore
Adding a Spicy Kick
To increase the heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper during the mixing stage. Sliced jalapeños can also be added for both heat and a bit of crunch. This variation pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats.
Enhancing the Smoky Aroma
If you want an even more intense BBQ flavor, add a drop of liquid smoke or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. These ingredients reinforce the charred, outdoor grill taste even when using a slow cooker. Use these sparingly to avoid overpowering the beans.
Creating a Tangier Profile
For those who prefer more acidity, stir in one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking. The acidity cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar and ketchup. This makes the dish feel lighter and more balanced on the palate.
Incorporating Garlic for Depth
Adding three cloves of minced garlic to the sautéed onions adds a pungent and savory depth. You can also use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste. Garlic blends seamlessly into the BBQ sauce and enhances the overall richness.
Adding Colorful Bell Peppers
Diced red or yellow bell peppers add a pop of color and a mild sweetness to the dish. Sauté them along with the onions before adding them to the slow cooker. This turns the side dish into a more hearty vegetable medley.
Recommended Serving Ideas
Pairing with Grilled Proteins
These BBQ green beans are a natural companion for grilled chicken breasts or a juicy steak. The sweet and tangy glaze complements the charred flavor of grilled meats. Serve them on the side to provide a vegetable balance to the meal.
Serving as a Holiday Side
This recipe is an excellent addition to a holiday table alongside a roasted turkey or a beef roast. Its bold flavors stand out among traditional sides like mashed potatoes. The slow cooker allows you to keep the beans warm throughout the gathering.
Garnish Options for Presentation
To make the dish look professional, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also add a subtle crunch and visual interest. Present the beans in a ceramic bowl to retain heat.
Storage and Preservation
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store leftover BBQ green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often meld and improve after a day of sitting. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the beans from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezer Suitability
While these beans can be frozen, the texture of the green beans may soften significantly upon thawing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. They will stay fresh in the freezer for about two to three months.
Best Reheating Method on Stove
The best way to reheat these beans is in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until heated through to avoid burning the sugars.
Quick Microwave Reheating
For a faster option, place a portion of beans in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Be careful as the sugar in the sauce can create hot spots.
Make-Ahead Strategies
Prepping the Sauce Base
You can mix the ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a jar 24 hours in advance. Store the mixture in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. This saves time on the day of cooking and allows the flavors to integrate.
Advanced Vegetable Prep
Trim and chop your green beans and onions the night before. Store the chopped onions in a small container and the beans in a sealed bag with a damp paper towel. This reduces the active prep time to just a few minutes.
Managing Cook Times for Parties
If you are preparing this for a party, you can cook the beans a few hours early. Switch the slow cooker to the ‘warm’ setting once the cooking time is complete. This keeps the beans at a safe temperature without overcooking them.
Common Troubleshooting Fixes
Fixing Mushy Green Beans
If your beans are too soft, try reducing the cooking time by 30 to 60 minutes. Using fresh beans instead of canned ones also helps maintain a firmer texture. Avoid stirring the beans too vigorously during the cooking process.
Balancing Too Much Sweetness
If the sauce tastes overly sweet, stir in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of extra salt. The acid and salt work together to neutralize excess sugar. You can also add a bit more ketchup to increase the tanginess.
Correcting Overly Salty Beans
To fix an overly salty dish, stir in a few more fresh green beans or a splash of water. You can also add a small amount of unsalted tomato sauce to dilute the sodium. If using canned beans, ensuring they are rinsed well prevents this issue.
Improving a Thin Sauce
If the sauce is too runny, leave the slow cooker lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the glaze. Alternatively, stir in a tiny cornstarch slurry if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook these on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook these on the high setting for about 2 to 3 hours. However, the low setting is recommended to ensure the beans tenderize slowly without losing their structural integrity. Check the beans frequently if using the high setting.
Do the beans need to be blanched first?
Blanching is not necessary for this slow cooker recipe. The long, slow cooking process softens the beans sufficiently while they simmer in the sauce. Blanching would only add an extra step without significantly changing the final result.
Can I use a different slow cooker size?
This recipe works well in most standard slow cookers. If you are using a very large pot, the sauce may spread more, which could lead to faster evaporation. Ensure the beans are mostly submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
How do I stop the sauce from burning?
Avoid using a slow cooker that runs too hot or setting it to high for too long. Ensure there is enough liquid in the pot; the combination of ketchup and BBQ sauce usually provides sufficient moisture. Keep the lid closed to trap steam.
Are these beans suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this recipe vegan, remove the turkey bacon and the Worcestershire sauce. Replace the bacon with smoked tofu and use a vegan-certified Worcestershire alternative or soy sauce. Use a vegan BBQ sauce to ensure the dish is entirely plant-based.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Green Beans with Smoked Turkey Bacon
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
These sweet and tangy Crock Pot BBQ Green Beans are loaded with flavor and topped with plant-based bacon for the ultimate side dish.
Ingredients
- 24 oz green beans (or 4 cans of canned beans)
- 8 slices plant-based bacon, cooked
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step: Cook plant-based bacon and set aside.
- Step: Take 1 tablespoon of oil from the bacon or vegetable oil and cook chopped onions in fat until translucent.
- Step: Pour green beans, onions, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
- Step: Stir to combine.
- Step: Cook on low for 4 hours.
- Step: Once finished cooking add crumbled plant-based bacon to the dish and stir to combine.
Notes
You can use fresh, canned, or frozen green beans in this recipe. This dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 144 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 441 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg