Texas Roadhouse-style green beans are the epitome of a Southern comfort side dish—simple, savory, and packed with rich, smoky flavor. This easy copycat version brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen, delivering tender green beans simmered in bacon drippings and seasoned with aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and a splash of chicken broth. It’s a quick yet flavorful side that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to holiday roasts.
The magic begins with bacon, cooked until perfectly crispy to release its flavorful fat. Onions and garlic are sautéed in the reserved bacon drippings, infusing the pan with mouthwatering aroma. The green beans are then simmered in chicken broth, absorbing all the savory goodness and becoming soft and seasoned with every stir. Crumbled bacon is added back just before serving, giving the dish a delightful crunch and smoky depth.
These green beans are more than just a side—they’re a nostalgic nod to homestyle dinners and Sunday suppers. They come together quickly, use pantry staples, and are always a hit with both kids and adults. If you’re looking to impress guests with a “just like the restaurant” experience or simply want to elevate your everyday vegetables, this dish delivers every time.
Best of all, this recipe is versatile. You can adjust the sweetness, add a tangy twist, or spice it up with a dash of crushed red pepper flakes. However you make it, this classic side dish never fails to please.
Servings and timing:
- Serves: 6
- Ready in: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups canned green beans, drained
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest. - Sauté aromatics:
Add the diced onion to the bacon grease and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Simmer the green beans:
Stir in the drained green beans and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. - Let flavors meld:
Cook the green beans for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and infused with flavor. - Finish with bacon:
Stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. - Serve:
Spoon into a serving dish and enjoy warm as a comforting side.
Variations :
- Sweet & Tangy: Add 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for a sweet-tart balance.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Southern Twist: Use ham or smoked turkey instead of bacon for a deeper, old-fashioned flavor.
- Fresh Option: Substitute fresh green beans—boil or steam them until tender-crisp before adding to the skillet.
Tips :
- Canned green beans work best: They absorb flavors quickly, but you can use fresh or frozen beans—just adjust cooking time.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be prepped in advance and reheated on the stovetop.
- Deglaze for depth: After sautéing onions and garlic, scrape up any browned bits in the pan with the broth for extra flavor.
- Balance the salt: Bacon and broth are salty, so season lightly until the end.
