Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite lazy-day keto side dish – these crockpot crack green beans will change your low-carb life! I stumbled upon this recipe when I desperately needed something hands-off yet delicious for busy weeknights. The magic happens when crispy bacon meets tender green beans swimming in buttery, garlicky goodness – all while your slow cooker does all the work. There’s something so comforting about coming home to that irresistible bacon aroma filling your kitchen. Trust me, even non-keto folks go crazy for this dish at potlucks. It’s become my secret weapon for stress-free entertaining!
Why You’ll Love This Keto Crockpot Crack Green Beans Recipe
Oh honey, let me count the ways this recipe will become your new best friend:
- Set-it-and-forget-it magic: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let the flavors melt together while you tackle your day
- Bacon makes everything better: That crispy, salty goodness takes ordinary green beans to addictive levels
- Keto without the fuss: All the rich flavor with just 5g net carbs per serving – your macros will thank you
- Crowd-pleaser alert: I’ve served this at gatherings where people fought over the last spoonful (true story!)
- No fancy skills needed: If you can chop bacon and push buttons, you’re already a master chef
Ingredients for Keto Crockpot Crack Green Beans
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible side dish:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed (about 4 cups)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for variation)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something! Here are my approved swaps:
- Turkey bacon works if you’re watching fat, but pork bacon gives that authentic richness
- Frozen green beans? Sure! Just thaw first and pat dry to prevent extra liquid
- Out of chicken broth? Use 1/4 cup water + 1/2 tsp bouillon
- Fresh garlic? Replace powder with 2 minced cloves – just double the amount
How to Make Keto Croppot Crack Green Beans
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens – turning simple ingredients into something ridiculously delicious with minimal effort. Follow these steps and you’ll be snacking on these addictive green beans before you know it.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
First things first – let’s get that bacon crispy! Grab a skillet (I prefer cast iron for perfect browning) and toss in your chopped bacon pieces. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and crispy – about 5-7 minutes should do it. Don’t rush this step – that perfect crunch makes all the difference! Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. And hey, resist the urge to snack on it all – we’ll need most of it for the recipe (though I won’t judge if a piece or two disappears).
Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot
Now for the easy part! Toss your trimmed green beans right into the crockpot – no need to blanch them first. Pour that glorious chicken broth over the top, then scatter the butter chunks evenly across the beans. Sprinkle all your seasonings over everything – garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Top it all with your crispy bacon (reserve just a little for garnish if you’re feeling fancy). Give everything a quick stir – not too much, just enough to distribute the flavors. The butter will melt as it cooks, creating the most amazing sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Here’s where patience pays off! Cover your crockpot and set it to either:
- Low for 4-5 hours (my preferred method – the flavors develop beautifully)
- High for 2-3 hours (if you’re in a hurry, but check at 2 hours)
The green beans are done when they’re tender but still have a slight bite – nobody wants mushy beans! I usually sneak a taste test at the minimum cook time. When they’re perfect, give everything one final stir to coat the beans in all that bacony, buttery goodness. Top with any reserved bacon bits for that extra crunch and serve hot. Oh, and don’t be surprised if people ask for seconds – it happens every time I make this!
Tips for the Best Keto Croppot Crack Green Beans
After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for absolute perfection:
- Fresh is best: Those crisp green beans hold their texture way better than canned ones – trust me on this!
- Watch the clock: Check at minimum cook time – overcooked beans turn into sad, mushy strands
- Spice wisely: Start with less red pepper flakes – you can always add more later (learned this the hard way!)
- Bacon bits: Save some crispy bacon for topping – that extra crunch makes all the difference
- Butter matters: Use real butter – no substitutes here if you want that rich, velvety sauce
Serving Suggestions for Keto Crockpot Crack Green Beans
These addictive green beans play well with so many dishes! My favorite pairings include juicy grilled chicken thighs or a thick keto meatloaf. They’re also fantastic alongside roasted salmon or as part of a holiday spread with turkey. For a simple weeknight meal? Just add a rotisserie chicken – dinner solved!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the good news – if you somehow have leftovers (big “if” in my house!), they keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer the stovetop – just warm them gently over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to revive that saucy texture. The microwave works in a pinch too, but cover the dish and stir halfway through to prevent drying out. Pro tip: that bacon stays crispiest if you add fresh bits when reheating!
Keto Crockpot Crack Green Beans Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these nutrition numbers are estimates since ingredient brands vary. But here’s the scoop per serving (about 1 cup): roughly 180 calories, 14g fat, and only 5g net carbs (that’s 8g total carbs minus 3g fiber). Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? Remember, your exact counts might dance a bit depending on your bacon’s thickness or how much butter you use – I won’t tell if you add an extra pat! For more information on keto diets, check out this guide to the ketogenic diet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Crockpot Crack Green Beans
I get so many questions about this recipe (probably because everyone who tries it becomes obsessed!). Here are answers to the ones that pop up most often:
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You’ve got two great options. Either assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate (just add 30 extra minutes cooking time since it’ll be cold), or fully cook it and reheat later. The flavors actually get better after sitting overnight! Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Are Frozen Green Beans Okay?
You bet! Frozen green beans work in a pinch, but here’s my trick – thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels first. Otherwise, they’ll release too much water and make your dish soupy. The texture will be slightly softer than fresh, but still totally delicious. Just reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes since they’re already partially cooked.
Can I Use Canned Green Beans?
Oh sweetie, I wouldn’t recommend it – they turn to complete mush in the crockpot! If canned is all you’ve got, drain them well and add during the last 30 minutes of cooking. But honestly? Fresh or frozen are worth the extra effort for that perfect crisp-tender bite.
Final Thoughts
Listen, if you’re looking for a keto side dish that’ll make you forget you’re even watching carbs, this is it. My family begs me to make these crack green beans at least once a week, and I bet yours will too. Give it a try and tell me how it turns out – I love hearing your kitchen success stories! Now go grab that crockpot and let the magic happen. For more slow cooker chicken recipes, check out our other posts!
Print5-Star Keto Crockpot Crack Green Beans That Addict You
A simple and delicious keto-friendly side dish made with green beans, bacon, and seasonings, cooked to perfection in a crockpot.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add chopped bacon to a skillet and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Place green beans in the crockpot.
- Pour chicken broth over the green beans.
- Add butter, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Top with cooked bacon and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Stir before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for best texture.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
