Crockpot Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
Crockpot Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans – Sweet, Buttery & Delicious!
These Crockpot Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans are the ultimate sweet and savory side dish! Tender green beans are slow-cooked with crispy bacon, melted butter, brown sugar, and a delicious garlic glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make canned green beans taste amazing, this simple slow cooker recipe is a must-try!
The combination of smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and rich melted butter creates an incredible flavor that transforms ordinary green beans into something special.
These sweet and salty green beans are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings.
And because they’re made in the crockpot, you can save valuable oven space when preparing a big holiday meal!
Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
- Sweet and savory: Brown sugar and salty bacon create a delicious combination.
- Easy canned green bean recipe: A wonderful way to dress up inexpensive pantry vegetables.
- Buttery brown sugar glaze: Every bite is coated in sweet, rich flavor.
- Perfect for holidays: A great Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and bacon.
- Slow cooker convenience: Minimal hands-on cooking after preparing the bacon.
- Great with frozen green beans: Easy to customize using what you have.
Ingredients for Crockpot Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
- 4 cans (14.5 ounces each) cut green beans, drained: Tender canned green beans make this recipe quick and convenient.
- 8 slices bacon, chopped: Adds smoky, salty flavor.
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar: Creates a sweet, caramel-like glaze.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a delicious savory balance.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives the glaze a rich, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds extra flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional: Enhances the smoky bacon flavor.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds enough moisture to help distribute the glaze.
Can You Use Frozen Green Beans?
Absolutely!
You can substitute approximately 1½ pounds frozen green beans for the canned green beans.
Frozen green beans have a firmer texture and will require a longer cooking time.
There’s no need to thaw them first.
How to Make Crockpot Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Place in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until browned and crispy, approximately 8–10 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Reserve approximately 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease.
Set aside a small amount of crispy bacon for garnishing the finished green beans.
Step 2: Prepare the Brown Sugar Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika, if using
Add the reserved tablespoon of bacon grease.
Stir until the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves.
Cook gently for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes glossy.
Remove from heat.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans
Drain the canned green beans thoroughly.
Place them in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Pour the chicken broth over the green beans.
Step 4: Add the Bacon and Glaze
Sprinkle most of the crispy bacon over the green beans.
Pour the warm brown sugar butter glaze over the top.
Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
LOW: 2–3 hours
HIGH: 1–1½ hours
Because canned green beans are already cooked, they only need to heat through and absorb the flavors of the glaze.
Stir gently once during cooking if convenient.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the green beans are hot throughout, gently stir to distribute the buttery brown sugar glaze.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Transfer to a serving dish and spoon some of the delicious glaze over the top.
Sprinkle with the reserved crispy bacon.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
Drain the Canned Green Beans
Drain the beans well before adding them to the slow cooker.
Too much liquid can dilute the brown sugar butter glaze.
Cook the Bacon First
Cooking the bacon before adding it to the crockpot gives it a richer, smokier flavor and prevents excess grease from collecting in the slow cooker.
Use Real Butter
Butter creates a rich, delicious glaze that pairs perfectly with brown sugar and bacon.
Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth and helps balance the sweetness.
Save Some Bacon for Garnish
Bacon will soften as it cooks in the slow cooker.
Reserving a little crispy bacon for the top adds wonderful texture.
Avoid Overcooking Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans are already tender.
Cooking them too long can make them overly soft.
Taste Before Adding Salt
Bacon and canned green beans already contain sodium, so you may not need additional salt.
How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans with Frozen Green Beans
Frozen green beans work beautifully in this recipe!
To substitute frozen beans:
- Use approximately 1½ pounds frozen green beans.
- Add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing.
- Prepare the bacon and brown sugar butter glaze as directed.
- Pour the glaze over the frozen green beans.
- Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the beans are tender and hot throughout.
- Stir and garnish with reserved crispy bacon before serving.
Frozen green beans may release additional moisture. If the sauce becomes too thin, use a slotted spoon to transfer the green beans to a serving dish and drizzle with the glaze.
Delicious Recipe Variations
Honey Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
Add 2 tablespoons honey to the brown sugar butter glaze for an extra sweet, sticky coating.
Maple Brown Sugar Green Beans
Add 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup for a warm maple-bacon flavor.
Spicy Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy variation.
Garlic Butter Bacon Green Beans
Increase the garlic to 4 cloves and reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons for a more savory version.
Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans with Onions
Add 1 small diced onion, sautéed until tender, for extra flavor.
Bourbon Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the glaze and simmer briefly before adding it to the crockpot. Some alcohol may remain in the finished dish.
Honey Mustard Bacon Green Beans
Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon honey for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Brown Sugar Balsamic Bacon Green Beans
Replace the apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for a deeper, slightly tangy flavor.
What to Serve with Crockpot Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans
These sweet and savory green beans are delicious with all kinds of family dinners.
Try serving them alongside:
- Brown sugar glazed ham
- Herb-roasted turkey
- Crockpot turkey breast
- Homemade meatloaf
- Garlic butter pork chops
- Mississippi pot roast
- Oven-baked chicken
- Salisbury steak meatballs
- Slow cooker beef roast
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
They’re also wonderful with macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, cornbread, and homemade dinner rolls.
Can You Make Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans Ahead of Time?
Yes!
You can cook the bacon and prepare the brown sugar butter glaze up to 2 days in advance.
Store both separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
When ready to cook, gently warm the glaze until melted and smooth.
Add the green beans, bacon, broth, and glaze to the slow cooker and cook as directed.
For the best texture, save a little crispy bacon for garnishing just before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the green beans to cool slightly and refrigerate within 2 hours.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating Instructions
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or a little butter.
Oven: Place in a covered baking dish and reheat at 350°F until hot.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put canned green beans in a crockpot?
Yes! Canned green beans are already cooked, so they’re perfect for easy slow cooker side dishes. They only need to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely. Substitute approximately 1½ pounds frozen green beans and increase the cooking time until they’re tender.
Do you need to cook bacon before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, for this recipe. Cooking the bacon first develops better flavor and removes excess grease.
Are brown sugar bacon green beans sweet?
They have a sweet and savory flavor. Brown sugar adds sweetness while bacon, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce balance the glaze.
Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes! Dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor and creates a slightly richer glaze.
Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes. Use approximately 1½ pounds trimmed fresh green beans. Cook until tender, allowing additional time compared with canned beans.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Avoid overfilling it, and allow extra cooking time if needed.
Are these green beans good for Thanksgiving?
Definitely! They’re a delicious Thanksgiving side dish, and making them in the crockpot helps free up oven space.
Jennie’s Thoughts
These Crockpot Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans are a delicious way to turn simple canned green beans into a sweet, buttery, and savory side dish!
The combination of crispy bacon, melted butter, brown sugar, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce creates an incredible glaze that makes these green beans taste amazing.
Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinner, or a family potluck, this easy slow cooker green bean recipe is sure to be a favorite.
Save this Crockpot Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans recipe for your next family dinner.
