Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans bring the classic comfort of a Southern side dish right to your home kitchen. Infused with smoky bacon, sweet onion, savory garlic, and just a touch of brown sugar and vinegar, these green beans offer a perfectly balanced mix of flavors—sweet, salty, and tangy. The green beans simmer gently in chicken broth, soaking up all the rich seasoning and becoming tender without losing their vibrant bite. Whether you’re planning a big holiday dinner, a summer barbecue, or just a hearty weeknight meal, this side dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with everything from grilled meats to classic casseroles.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and depth of flavor. The bacon not only adds crunch and richness but also leaves behind flavorful drippings that become the base of the dish. The sweet-tangy combo of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar elevates the green beans beyond their basic boiled form, giving them a unique twist that’s hard to stop eating. This dish proves that humble ingredients can deliver exceptional results when cooked with care.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy and quick one-skillet side dish
• Packed with flavor from bacon, garlic, and onion
• Sweet and tangy twist with brown sugar and vinegar
• Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners
• Tastes just like the restaurant version (or better!)
Ingredients
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Rinse and trim the green beans, removing stems and any rough ends.
Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet for flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer the Green Beans
Add the green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the onion, garlic, and drippings.
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it mostly covers the beans.
Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using.
Season with a little salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the green beans simmer on medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until they are tender but still bright and slightly crisp.
If needed, stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the lid and allow any excess liquid to evaporate for a few minutes over low heat.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Sprinkle the crispy cooked bacon over the green beans just before serving.
Serve hot as a flavorful, savory side dish that will complement any main course.
Tips for Success
• Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor. Frozen green beans can work, but they may be softer.
• Low-sodium broth is a great choice to control salt levels, especially with salty bacon.
• Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick—use more or less to suit your heat preference.
• Don’t skip the vinegar and sugar—they provide the signature sweet-tangy balance of the original Texas Roadhouse version.
• For a deeper flavor, use smoked bacon or even pancetta.
Storage and Reheating
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled beans in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if they seem dry.
Serving Suggestions
These green beans are incredibly versatile and pair well with:
• Roasted or grilled chicken
• Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
• Southern-style meatloaf
• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
Variations
• Add mushrooms or diced red bell pepper for extra flavor and color.
• Swap bacon for smoked turkey or sausage for a different twist.
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon and using vegetable broth.
• Top with crispy onions before serving for an added crunch.
Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans prove that side dishes can be the star of the meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a bold, savory, slightly sweet dish that feels comforting and familiar but just a bit elevated. It’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
