Slow Cooker BBQ Green Beans

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful side dish to get you through summer, these barbecue green beans are for you. Fresh green beans are one of the ultimate summer veggies, since they’re in season from May through September, so it’s no wonder we like to use them as much as possible in our summer cooking routine. That being said, no one wants to turn on the oven to whip up a heavy casserole in the middle of July, so we skipped the oven completely and only use our stove top (briefly) and slow cooker for this yummy dish.

Now you’re more than welcome to use store-bought BBQ sauce and leave it at that, but we’ve found that it’s SUPER easy to amp up one of your typical grocery store varieties with just a couple pantry staples. Seriously, the difference in flavor is huge, plus, you can have everyone thinking you whipped out a treasured, passed-down family BBQ recipe.

Once you’ve spruced up your sauce, dump your beans and bacon into your slow cooker, then stir everything together and you’re all set! The result is a smoky, saucy dish that you can easily get cooking early in the afternoon and then forget about while you’re outside soaking up the sun (- hopefully with a nice cold beer or other frosty beverage to boot).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish packs all the flavors of a summer barbecue into one simple side. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious, hearty dish without breaking a sweat. Perfect for gatherings or a lazy day at home, it’s a dish that lets you enjoy more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker
• Large bowl
• Skillet or pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 4 (14.5 oz.) cans green beans, rinsed and drained
• 8 slices thickly-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled, 2 tablespoons drippings reserved
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. If using, heat 2 tablespoons reserved bacon drippings in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the onions until softened and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, then remove from heat.
3. Place green beans and onions (including remaining bacon grease) in a lightly greased slow cooker, then pour BBQ ketchup mixture over them.
4. Mix everything together until incorporated, then top with crumbled bacon.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• For extra flavor, try using smoked bacon.
• Make sure to taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning before adding it to the slow cooker.
• If you like your beans with more bite, reduce the cooking time slightly.

Additional Tips or Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use a vegetarian BBQ sauce.
• Add some chopped bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 180 per serving

Protein: 7g

Carbohydrates: 28g

Fat: 5g

Fiber: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just ensure they are washed and trimmed before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the bacon in advance. Assemble everything in the slow cooker when ready to cook.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

In conclusion, these Slow Cooker BBQ Green Beans are a must-try for your next summer gathering. With their smoky flavor and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a favorite. Give this recipe a go, and don’t forget to share your experiences or any tweaks you make with us in the comments below!