Bring the savory, comforting flavors of Texas Roadhouse right into your own kitchen with this easy and delicious copycat green beans recipe. Known for their rich, smoky taste and tender texture, these green beans are simmered with bacon, onions, and seasonings to create the perfect Southern-style side dish.
Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner, a potluck dish, or simply craving a hearty restaurant favorite, these green beans will satisfy your taste buds with every bite. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and an authentic flavor make this the best green bean recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 4 cups canned green beans (drained)
- 5 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the bacon into small pieces, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic for easy cooking.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking without burning.
- Once the bacon is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
- Add the diced onions to the bacon fat in the pan and sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits carry a ton of flavor that enriches the dish.
- Add the drained green beans to the pan. Stir them gently to combine them with the onion, garlic, and broth mixture.
- Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, black pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the green beans.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan. Let the green beans cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the green beans to absorb the delicious broth.
- After simmering, uncover the pan and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid if you prefer a less soupy consistency.
- Finally, add the cooked bacon back into the pan, stirring gently to mix it throughout the green beans. Allow it to warm through for about 2 minutes.
- Serve the green beans hot, garnished with a little extra cooked bacon or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor if desired.