Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes and Bacon

These Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes and Bacon are a simple, hearty side dish made with tender potatoes, flavorful green beans, smoky bacon, and a savory broth. Everything cooks together slowly, allowing the vegetables to absorb plenty of flavor while staying soft and satisfying.

This is an easy crockpot recipe for busy days, Sunday dinners, holidays, potlucks, or family meals. It pairs especially well with chicken, pork, ham, steak, or meatloaf and requires very little hands-on preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker preparation
• Simple everyday ingredients
• Rich smoky bacon flavor
• Tender potatoes and green beans
• Perfect for holidays and family dinners
• Minimal hands-on cooking
• Easy to make ahead

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into bite-size chunks
• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes and Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Place the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook until browned and lightly crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings.

Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Add the potatoes, green beans, cooked onions, garlic, and about three-quarters of the cooked bacon.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables.

Gently toss to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Add the Broth

Pour the chicken broth around the vegetables.

Add the butter in small pieces over the top.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.

The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans have reached your preferred texture.

Step 7: Finish with Bacon

During the final 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the remaining bacon.

Taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Use a slotted spoon for a less brothy serving, or spoon some of the savory cooking liquid over the vegetables for extra flavor.

Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Cut the potatoes evenly: Similar-size chunks cook at the same rate.
• Brown the bacon first: This gives the dish a deeper smoky flavor and better texture.
• Do not overfill the slow cooker: The vegetables cook more evenly when there is enough room for heat circulation.
• Use fresh green beans: They hold their texture better during long cooking.
• Check seasoning at the end: Bacon and broth can already contain plenty of salt.
• Add some bacon late: Reserving part of the bacon until the end keeps some pieces more flavorful and textured.

Easy Variations

Ham and Green Beans

Replace the bacon with 2 cups of diced cooked ham for a hearty holiday-style variation.

Smoked Sausage Version

Add 12 ounces of sliced smoked sausage during the final 1 to 2 hours of cooking.

Extra Garlic Version

Add 2 additional garlic cloves for a stronger savory flavor.

Spicy Version

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Southern-Style Version

Add a small amount of bacon grease and cook the green beans until very tender for a softer, traditional-style texture.

What to Serve with Green Beans, Potatoes and Bacon

• Baked chicken
• Roast chicken
• Grilled pork chops
• Baked ham
• Meatloaf
• Steak
• BBQ ribs
• Turkey
• Cornbread

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can trim the green beans, cut the onion, and cook the bacon one day ahead.

Store the prepared ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cut the potatoes shortly before cooking, or keep them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent discoloration.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, although the potatoes and green beans may become slightly softer after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a small splash of broth, or microwave individual portions until hot throughout.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on LOW
• Total Time: About 5 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Course: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approximately 280 calories per serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but add them later in the cooking process because frozen green beans soften faster than fresh ones. Add them during the final 1 1/2 to 2 hours on LOW.

Do I have to cook the bacon first?

Cooking the bacon first is strongly recommended. It improves both the flavor and texture and prevents the finished dish from becoming overly greasy.

What potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold and red potatoes work especially well because they become tender while still holding their shape.

Can I use vegetable broth?

Yes. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth, although the overall flavor will be slightly lighter.

How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Cut them into larger, evenly sized chunks and begin checking for tenderness near the lower end of the recommended cooking time.

Can I add onions without sautéing them?

Yes. You can add raw onions directly to the slow cooker, but sautéing them first develops a sweeter and more savory flavor.

Can this be served as a main dish?

Yes. Add smoked sausage, ham, or extra bacon to make it more substantial, then serve with bread or a simple salad.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Green Beans, Potatoes and Bacon are an easy, comforting side dish with tender vegetables, smoky bacon, onions, garlic, and savory broth. The slow cooker handles most of the work, making this recipe especially convenient for holidays, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and busy family meals.

With straightforward ingredients, reliable cooking instructions, and plenty of classic flavor, this is a versatile crockpot side dish that pairs well with almost any hearty main course.