These slow cooker (or crockpot) canned green beans are such an easy side dish to prepare. Once the bacon is done, put everything else in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. The result? Tender green beans infused with savory bacon, coated in a perfectly buttery sauce. Recipes yields 24 servings.
Even though we eat green beans every day during the week, canned green beans in a crock pot (with bacon!) are always on the table at the holidays or any southern family get-together.
If you want to save time, you can cook the bacon in a skillet ahead of time. Then, put the bacon, canned green beans, brown sugar (for a nice hint of sweetness), butter, onion, salt, and pepper in a crock pot. Let that cook low and slow for 4-6 hours. The results are heavenly!.
The small addition of the brown sugar adds this irrespirable sweetness that compliments the salty bacon so well. It adds a different southern touch to a pretty basic dish, and it is quickly everyones favorite veggie.
PRO TIP: When you’re cooking the bacon, cut the raw bacon strips into small pieces right in the pan with kitchen scissors. That way, you can cook bacon bits right away instead of strips that you have to fry and then break up later. Way less messy IMO and I have been doing this for years. You can use the link above to go to Amazon and buy them. I like to get mine from the Dollar Store and buy a bunch of them because they are cheap and usually need to be replaced.
How to Cook Canned Green Beans in a Crockpot
Canned green beans are a versatile pantry staple that can be transformed into a delicious side dish using a crockpot. With the right techniques, canned beans can become tender and flavorful in the slow cooking environment of a crockpot. This easy cooking method requires minimal preparation and yields tasty results with little effort.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about cooking canned green beans in a crockpot including
- Selecting the Right Canned Green Beans
- Prepping the Beans for the Crockpot
- Recommended Cook Times
- Layering Flavors
- Tips for Preventing Mushy Beans
- Infusing Flavor
- Cooking Techniques
- Serving Suggestions
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
Selecting the Right Canned Green Beans
You can use regular canned cut green beans or French-style green beans. Choose beans packed in water rather than heavy syrup for better flavor Low-sodium or no-salt-added beans allow you to control the saltiness
Prepping the Beans for the Crockpot
Preparation is simple. Drain and rinse the beans to remove excess sodium and liquid. Pat dry with paper towels. If adding flavorings like bacon or onions, pre-cook them before layering in the crockpot.
Recommended Cook Times
Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The beans should become very tender but not mushy. Cook times vary based on your crockpot and personal taste.
Layering Flavors
Layer drained beans, pre-cooked bacon or ham, sautéed onions or garlic, and seasonings like thyme or rosemary in the crockpot. The flavors will infuse the beans as they slowly cook.
Tips for Preventing Mushy Beans
Avoid overcrowding the crockpot. Don’t stir too frequently. Test doneness after 4 hours on LOW. Drain excess liquid toward the end of cooking if beans appear mushy.
Infusing Flavor
Add chicken or vegetable broth or water to just cover the beans. The braising liquid will add flavor. Stir in a tablespoon of butter or olive oil just before serving for added richness.
Cooking Techniques
Cook on LOW to allow flavors to develop fully. Place aromatics like garlic and onions between layers. Occasionally baste beans with braising liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Toss with crispy bacon pieces. Top with crispy fried onions or grated parmesan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If beans lack flavor, increase aromatics and seasonings. For firmer beans, decrease cook time by 30 minutes to 1 hour. If too salty, use low-sodium beans and limit added salt.
With the right techniques, canned green beans can become a flavorful, inexpensive, and effortless side dish from your crockpot. Follow these tips for tender beans infused with delicious flavors every time. Transform your pantry staple beans into a dish your whole family will love.
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Welcome to my kitchen, let’s cook together!
If you need to – you can cook these a little longer. Honestly, I have even cooked them on low for 8+ hours and they were perfect. If you need to speed up the process, cook on high for 3-4 hours. You just want everything to be melted and cooked together with all that goodness.
You can make these for Thanksgiving (they won’t take up any oven space!), Easter, or any other holiday party. Whether you make them for a church potluck, a family reunion, or just because you’re hungry on a Saturday, these will always be a hit. Easy and full of flavor – I promise you this will quickly become your go-to green bean recipe!.
Crock Pot Green Beans
FAQ
How long can canned beans be in the crockpot?
Should you drain canned green beans before cooking?
Do you cook beans on high or low in a slow cooker?