Slow Cooker Magic: Tender Green Beans with Bacon Bliss
Craving a side dish that’s both flavorful, effortless, and good for you? Look no further than these Crockpot String Beans with Bacon! This recipe marries simplicity and deliciousness, packed with satisfying smoky bacon and crisp-tender green beans while also delivering a nutritional punch. Plus, it requires minimal prep and cooks low and slow in your trusty Crockpot, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or relax.
String Beans or Green Beans? What is the difference?
The terms “string beans” and “green beans” are actually interchangeable! There’s no real difference between them.
Historically, all green beans used to have fibrous “strings” running down their length, hence the name “string beans.” These strings needed to be removed before eating, similar to stringing snap peas. However, through years of selective breeding, these stringy fibers were eliminated from most green bean varieties. So, nowadays, the vast majority of “green beans” you find at the grocery store are stringless.
However, the name “string beans” has stuck around, even though they technically no longer have strings. So, whether you call them string beans or green beans, you’re referring to the same delicious vegetable!
Health Benefits of Green Beans:
- Nutritional Powerhouse: String beans are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber.
- Blood Pressure Support: The potassium in green beans helps regulate blood pressure, contributing to heart health.
- Digestive Delights: The fiber content in green beans promotes gut health and digestion.
- Bone Builders: Vitamin K in green beans plays a role in bone health and mineral absorption.
- Vision Boost: String beans contain vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy vision.
Pairings for Perfect Harmony:
- Main Course Matchmakers: These string beans complement grilled chicken, roasted salmon, pork chops, or even vegetarian options like lentil loaf or tofu scramble.
- Starchy Satisfaction: Serve them alongside brown rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced meal.
- Salad Synergy: Add leftover cooked string beans to green salads for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Soup Sensation: Blend leftover string beans into soups for added thickness and nutrients.
Tips and tricks:
- Customize your crunch: Want extra crispy bacon? Cook it separately in a pan before adding it to the Crockpot.
- Spice things up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Ditch the salt: The bacon usually provides enough saltiness, but feel free to taste and adjust before serving.
- Go green: Swap the string beans for fresh green beans for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Double duty: Leftover cooked bacon can be crumbled and sprinkled over salads, soups, or baked potatoes for added flavor.
This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, perfect for busy families or anyone who appreciates fuss-free, flavorful, and health-conscious cooking. So, grab your Crockpot, whip up these delicious String Beans with Bacon, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you savor the aroma and anticipation of a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Source
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-green-beans
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/green-beans
Slow Cooker String Beans with Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh string beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or leave whole)
- 6-8 slices uncured bacon chopped into small strips
- 1/2 tablespoon Noubess Garlic and Herb Seasoning or your favorite blend
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Set the stage: Get your Crockpot ready by placing half of the chopped bacon on the bottom.
- Layer it up: Add the string beans on top of the bacon, followed by the remaining bacon pieces.
- Flavor fusion: Sprinkle the NouBess garlic and herb seasoning, chopped onion, fresh lemon juice, and water over the layered ingredients.
- Slow and steady wins the race: Cover your Crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours. If you have a larger pot, feel free to double the recipe for a crowd-pleasing portion.
- The grand finale: After 3 1/2 to 4 hours, your string beans will be perfectly tender and infused with the smoky bacon and zesty herbs. Give it a stir, season with freshly ground black pepper if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
