Classic Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

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These Classic Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans bring the perfect balance of southern comfort and smoky flavor to your table. Simmered slowly with savory bacon, tender green beans soak up every bit of rich, seasoned broth. This recipe mimics the beloved restaurant side dish, creating a deliciously familiar bite that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

The secret lies in the slow simmer and the generous use of bacon, onion, and a touch of sweetness, creating a mouthwatering broth that turns a simple vegetable into the star of the plate. Whether served with holiday meals, weeknight dinners, or Sunday suppers, this side dish earns a permanent spot in any comfort food lineup.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

• Packed with smoky, savory flavor thanks to crispy bacon and sautéed onions.
• A crowd-pleasing side dish that works with everything from pot roast to grilled chicken.
• Simmered low and slow for maximum flavor absorption.
• Easy to prepare in one pot with minimal cleanup.
• Feels like a restaurant-quality dish made right at home.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these green beans just right, you’ll need a few key tools:

• Large Cast Iron Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for even heat distribution and deep flavor development.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps remove bacon or vegetables without excess grease.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing onion and cutting bacon.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accuracy ensures balance of seasoning.

These tools help with the sear, sauté, and simmer stages of this recipe. Cast iron, in particular, holds and radiates heat well, crucial for building layers of flavor.

Preparation Tips

Use fresh or frozen green beans for the best texture—avoid canned as they tend to turn mushy. Start by rendering the bacon slowly to release its fat and enhance flavor. Always sauté the onions in bacon grease until golden to create the base for the broth. When simmering, keep the heat low and steady to let the flavors meld without overcooking the beans. If you like a hint of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper can elevate the dish subtly without overpowering the classic taste.

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Ingredients for Classic Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed (or use frozen whole green beans)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste

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Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by placing the chopped bacon into a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon slowly, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and crispy. This step not only crisps the bacon but renders flavorful fat essential for the rest of the dish. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the grease in the pan.

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Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add the diced onions directly into the reserved bacon fat in the same skillet. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and slightly caramelized—about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and develop that golden sweetness essential for the broth base.

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Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. This mixture brings balance to the dish—sweet, acidic, and savory all in one pot.

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Step 4: Add the Green Beans

Carefully add the green beans into the simmering broth. Stir to ensure they’re coated evenly and submerged as much as possible. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid (slightly ajar to let steam escape), and simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the beans are cooking evenly.

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Step 5: Finish with Bacon and Serve

Once the green beans are tender and infused with flavor, taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes so the bacon rewarms and the broth reduces slightly. Serve warm straight from the skillet or transfer to a serving dish.

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Notes

For the most authentic taste, use thick-cut bacon and let it cook down slowly to get maximum flavor. The longer simmering time for the green beans is what sets this dish apart—this isn’t a quick stir-fry, but a slow-simmered southern-style side where flavor builds over time. If you’re using frozen green beans, there’s no need to thaw; just add a few minutes to the cooking time. For a slightly thicker broth, you can mash a few beans toward the end of cooking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Rushing the bacon: Don’t turn the heat too high or the bacon will burn before it releases its fat.
• Skipping the deglaze: The browned bits at the bottom of the pan add deep flavor—scrape them up when adding broth.
• Overcooking the beans: Simmering is key, but going too long can cause the beans to become mushy.
• Under-seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust salt as needed—it should be well-seasoned before adding the beans.
• Using canned green beans: These are already too soft and will fall apart during simmering.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also freeze the cooked green beans in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that classic smoky flavor.

Can I use canned green beans?

It’s not recommended. Canned beans are too soft and will turn mushy during the simmer.

How long should I simmer the green beans?

Aim for 30 to 40 minutes. This allows them to become tender while soaking up the flavor.

Can I use turkey bacon instead?

Yes, but you may need to add a bit of oil since turkey bacon doesn’t render much fat.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chicken broth and bacon are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. These green beans taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

In a skillet over low to medium heat with a bit of extra broth or water to refresh the sauce.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, sauté the bacon and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.

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Conclusion

Classic Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans deliver that unmistakable southern-style flavor right from your own kitchen. With smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onion, and a rich, savory broth, this side dish is more than just green beans—it’s comfort in a skillet. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe gives you all the flavor of the restaurant version with the satisfaction of homemade cooking. Whether you’re serving a crowd or saving some for later, it’s always a good idea to make extra.

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