Description
This Crockpot Green Beans recipe is a flavorful, hands-off side dish that combines fresh green beans with savory seasonings, lemon zest, and a hint of sweetness. Slow-cooked in vegetable broth with butter and spices, these green beans come out tender and bursting with bold, zesty flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb green beans, trimmed
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. Remove any tough strings.
2. Add the trimmed green beans directly to the crockpot.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, then sprinkle the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, brown sugar, and minced garlic over the beans.
4. Zest the lemon and add both the zest and lemon juice to the crockpot for extra brightness.
5. Dot the butter over the beans.
6. Using tongs or clean hands, toss the mixture thoroughly in the crockpot so the beans are evenly coated with the broth, butter, and seasonings.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–2.5 hours, until the green beans are tender but not mushy.
8. Toss the beans once or twice during cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
9. Give the beans one final toss, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with any reserved lemon zest.
Notes
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with 2 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil.
For a more delicate dish, try using haricots verts instead of regular green beans—they cook quickly and absorb flavors well.
Substitute brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup for a richer depth and natural sweetness.
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grain bowls, or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg