Description

If you’re craving that smoky, savory side dish from your favorite steakhouse, this Classic Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans recipe delivers every bit of that comforting flavor. Made with tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a broth that’s sweet, tangy, and rich, it’s the ultimate southern-style side dish. Whether you’re planning easy dinner ideas, need a quick side for holiday meals, or just want to upgrade your usual vegetables, this easy recipe has you covered. Ideal for those seeking hearty food ideas, this dish fits perfectly into both weeknight dinners and big family gatherings.

Ingredients

6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed

2 cups chicken broth

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)

Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Place chopped bacon into a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan.

2. Add diced onion to the bacon grease. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.

3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits. Stir in brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

4. Add green beans and stir to coat. Reduce heat to low, cover (lid slightly ajar), and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Return bacon to the skillet and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste and serve warm.

Notes

For deeper flavor, use thick-cut bacon and render it slowly.

Frozen green beans can be used without thawing—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

For a smoky vegetarian version, omit bacon and add a dash of liquid smoke and olive oil.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 160
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: green beans with bacon, southern green beans, copycat Texas Roadhouse recipe, easy dinner side, holiday side dish