With just a few ingredients, turn simple green beans into a slow cooker sensation

There’s something wonderfully homely about slow-cooked green beans. The slow cooker does all the hard work, enhancing the flavors and creating tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth beans. This method of cooking green beans might trace back to the Southern tradition of braising beans for hours until they're deeply flavorful and tender. These Easy Peasy Slow Cooker Braised Green Beans are perfect for anyone looking to prep a side dish that requires minimal attention but delivers maximum flavor.

These braised green beans are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of mains. Serve them alongside a roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian entree like baked tofu. For a comforting meal, you might also consider pairing them with mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta, which will complement the rich, savory flavors of the beans.

Servings: 6

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Optional: Add bacon!

1. Place the trimmed green beans in the slow cooker.

2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the cooked onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the green beans.

4. Pour the broth over the beans and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.

5. Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the beans are tender to your liking.

6. Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm.

For a touch of richness, you can add a couple of tablespoons of butter towards the end of cooking. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives about 30 minutes before the end of cooking time. If you enjoy a bit of a spicy kick, a few dashes of red pepper flakes can be a delightful addition.