Some of my favorite childhood memories involve my grandma’s Sunday suppers, where her big pot of Southern-style green beans simmered on the stove all afternoon. That rich, savory aroma filled the whole house! Now that I’m juggling work and family, I’ve adapted her classic recipe for my trusty crockpot – same amazing flavor, just way easier. This Healthy Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe lets me capture that down-home taste while keeping things light with turkey bacon and low-sodium broth. After 6 hours of slow cooking, the beans turn melt-in-your-mouth tender while soaking up all that delicious onion, garlic, and smokey flavor. It’s comfort food you can feel good about serving!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Southern Crockpot Green Beans Recipe
Let me tell you why this recipe has become my go-to side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts:
- Effortless prep – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let the magic happen while you go about your day
- Deep, satisfying flavor that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did!)
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients – fresh green beans, turkey bacon, and aromatics
- Totally hands-off cooking – no babysitting a pot on the stove
- Naturally low-fat and nutritious while still packing that classic Southern comfort food taste
Trust me, once you try these green beans, you’ll understand why my family begs me to make them at least twice a week!
Ingredients for Healthy Southern Crockpot Green Beans
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious slow-cooked green beans – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have:
- 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, ends trimmed (that crisp snap when you bend them means they’re fresh!)
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped into little bits (regular bacon works too if that’s what you’ve got)
- 1 small onion, diced nice and fine (I like yellow onions for sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but 1 tsp jarred works in a pinch)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust if your broth isn’t low-sodium)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional – I add these when I want a little kick)
See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that work together beautifully in the crockpot.
How to Make Healthy Southern Crockpot Green Beans
This recipe couldn’t be simpler – just a few easy steps to tender, flavorful green beans that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen (when really your crockpot did all the work)!
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
First, give those fresh green beans a good rinse under cold water. I like to line them up in small batches and trim the stems with a sharp knife – it goes faster than doing them one by one! While you’re at it, dice your onion (I leave mine about 1/4-inch pieces) and mince the garlic. Chop the turkey bacon into little bite-size bits – they’ll distribute all that smoky flavor better when they’re small.
Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot
Now the fun part – just dump everything into your crockpot! I layer mine: beans first, then onions and garlic, followed by the turkey bacon. Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the top, then pour in the broth. The liquid should come about halfway up the beans – don’t worry, they’ll release more moisture as they cook. Give everything one quick stir to distribute the flavors, then pop the lid on.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens! Cook on LOW for 6 hours for super-tender beans, or HIGH for 3 hours if you’re in a hurry (though I prefer low and slow for maximum flavor). About halfway through, I like to give everything a gentle stir – this helps the flavors mingle and prevents any dry spots. The beans are done when they’re fork-tender but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
That incredible aroma will have everyone asking “what’s for dinner?” before you even lift the lid! Serve these beauties warm, with a slotted spoon if you prefer less liquid. I sometimes sprinkle on extra black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for color. They’re perfect alongside fried chicken or grilled pork chops, but honestly, I’ve been known to eat them straight from the crockpot with a slice of cornbread!
Tips for the Best Healthy Southern Crockpot Green Beans
After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up some tricks that take these green beans from good to wow:
- For extra smoky flavor, toss in a smoked turkey wing or leg during cooking – just remove it before serving
- Taste before adding salt – turkey bacon and broth vary in saltiness
- Store leftovers in an airtight container – they taste even better the next day!
- Want crisp-tender beans? Check at 5 hours instead of 6
- No fresh beans? Frozen work great – just add 30 minutes to cooking time
My grandma would approve of these little tweaks – they make all the difference!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something – this recipe is super flexible! Here are my tried-and-true swaps:
- Bacon: Regular bacon works fine (use 3 slices instead of 4 since it’s richer). For vegetarians, skip it and add 1 tsp smoked paprika instead.
- Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it plant-based. In a pinch, water + 1 tsp bouillon works too.
- Spice level: Omit red pepper flakes for mild, or add extra if you like heat.
- Fresh beans: Frozen green beans are totally fine – no need to thaw, just cook 30 minutes longer.
See? No fancy ingredients required – just good food made your way!
Serving Suggestions for Healthy Southern Crockpot Green Beans
Oh honey, these slow-cooked green beans make the perfect partner for all your Southern favorites! I love them beside crispy fried chicken – that juicy crunch with the tender beans? Absolute perfection. They’re also dreamy with:
- Grilled pork chops (the smoky flavors play so well together)
- Buttermilk-brined fried fish (trust me on this combo)
- My grandma’s cornbread dressing (Sunday supper vibes!)
- Simple roasted chicken (weeknight dinner magic)
Honestly? I’ve been known to eat them straight from the crockpot with just a slice of warm cornbread. No shame in my game!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the beautiful thing about these green beans – they taste even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (though mine never last that long). When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop over medium-low with a splash of broth to keep them moist. The microwave works too – just cover and heat in 30-second bursts so they don’t get mushy. Pro tip: The turkey bacon bits get extra crispy if you reheat them in a skillet – totally worth the extra dish!
Nutritional Information for Healthy Southern Crockpot Green Beans
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how satisfying it is while still being good for you! Here’s the nutritional breakdown per 1-cup serving (based on my calculations, but remember these are estimates):
- Calories: 85
- Fat: 2g (0.5g saturated)
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
Keep in mind that exact numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients – like if you use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon, or different brands of broth. But overall, this is a nutrient-packed side dish that gives you that comforting Southern flavor without the guilt!
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! No need to thaw them first – just toss the frozen beans straight into the crockpot. They’ll need about 30 extra minutes of cooking time since they start out colder. The texture comes out just slightly softer than fresh, but still delicious!
How can I make this vegetarian?
Easy peasy! Just skip the turkey bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. For that smoky flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the other spices. I’ve done this for my vegetarian sister-in-law, and she couldn’t believe how much it tasted like the original! For more vegetarian slow cooker ideas, check out this guide on slow cooker recipes.
My beans turned out too salty – what happened?
Oops! This usually means your broth or bacon was saltier than mine. Next time, hold back on adding salt until the end – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! For this batch, try adding a peeled potato to soak up some salt as the beans reheat.
Can I cook this faster than 3 hours on high?
I don’t recommend it, y’all – the magic is in that slow cooking! Rushing it means the flavors won’t meld as beautifully, and the beans might turn out crunchy in spots. If you’re really pressed for time, try my quick stovetop version (same ingredients, just simmer for 45 minutes).
That’s all the big ones! Now I want to hear from you – give this recipe a try and tell me how it turns out. Did your family go crazy for it like mine does? Any clever twists you added? Leave a comment below – I read every single one!
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6-Hour Healthy Southern Crockpot Green Beans That Wow
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy and flavorful Southern-style green bean dish cooked slowly in a crockpot for maximum taste and tenderness.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and trim the green beans.
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Stir occasionally during cooking.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, add a smoked turkey wing during cooking.
- Adjust salt to taste if using regular chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern