✔ Updated · fixed card + fresh green bean and slow cooker options
These copycat Texas Roadhouse green beans simmer canned cut green beans with crispy bacon, onion and a touch of sugar until tender and smoky. They take about 35 minutes, and they’re always on my plate next to a steak.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Rinse the canned beans before cooking. It cuts the canned taste and much of the sodium, so the bacon and onion flavor comes through.
Why You'll Love These Green Beans
- Restaurant-style flavor from bacon, onion and a little sugar.
- Pantry friendly: canned green beans and a few basics.
- Easy to scale for holidays, potlucks and steak night.
What You Need
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Cut green beans: canned cut beans, not French-style, rinsed well.
- Bacon: diced and browned for smoky, savory flavor.
- Onion: adds sweetness and body.
- Sugar, salt and pepper: a little sugar is what gives these beans their slightly sweet, restaurant-style taste.
- Water: the simmering liquid, which picks up the bacon flavor.
Canned vs. Fresh Green Beans
Canned cut green beans give the soft, Southern-style texture most people expect from this side. Fresh beans work too, but they need longer to get as tender.
| Canned cut green beans | Fresh green beans | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | 2 cans (14.5 to 16 oz each) | About 1 1/2 lb, trimmed and cut |
| Prep | Drain and rinse | Trim and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces |
| Simmer time | 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered | 25 to 35 minutes, partly covered |
| Texture | Very soft, classic restaurant style | Tender with a little more bite |
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Use cut green beans, not French-style. Thicker cut beans hold their shape during the simmer instead of turning mushy.
- Don't drain the bacon fat. It carries much of the smoky flavor into the beans, and it’s the taste I fell for during my Austin years.
- Simmer uncovered. Letting the liquid reduce concentrates the flavor. Add a splash of water if it gets too low.
- Season at the end. Canned beans and bacon vary in saltiness, so taste before adding more salt.
- Make them ahead. They taste even better the next day. Reheat on the stove until steaming hot.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans
6
servings10
minutes25
minutes105
kcal40
minutesCopycat Texas Roadhouse green beans: rinsed cut green beans simmered with crispy diced bacon, sautéed onion, water, a little sugar, salt and pepper until tender and full of smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
Ingredients
2 cans cut green beans (14.5 to 16 oz each), not French-style
4 oz bacon (about 4 slices), diced
1 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
2 cups water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Drain the green beans in a colander and rinse them well under cold running water. This removes much of the canning liquid and salt.
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned and starting to crisp.
- Add the diced onion and cook with the bacon for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until soft and translucent. Leave the bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
- Add the rinsed green beans, water, sugar, salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the beans are very tender and the liquid has reduced by about half.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve hot with a slotted spoon and a little of the cooking liquid.
Notes
- Can easily be reheated if necessary.
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What to Serve With These Green Beans
They are a natural side for steak, grilled chicken, pork chops or meatloaf. Pair them with our copycat Texas Roadhouse seasoned rice and prime rib for a steakhouse dinner at home.
Other Texas Roadhouse Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Texas Roadhouse green beans?
Copycat versions use cut green beans cooked with bacon, onion, a little sugar, salt and pepper in water until very tender. This homemade recipe is inspired by the restaurant side and is not an official recipe, but the bacon, onion and sweetness give a very similar taste.
Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes, and I do in summer. Use about 1 1/2 pounds of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Follow the same steps but simmer them, partly covered, for 25 to 35 minutes, until very tender, adding a little more water if needed.
Can I make these green beans in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the bacon and onion in a skillet first, then add them to the slow cooker with the rinsed beans, 1 cup of water, the sugar, salt and pepper. Cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or High for 2 to 3 hours.
Can I make Texas Roadhouse green beans ahead of time?
Yes. Cook them up to 2 days ahead, cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until steaming hot, about 165°F, adding a splash of water if they look dry.
How long do leftover green beans last?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and eat them within 3 to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months, although the texture becomes softer after thawing.
🦃 Planning the big dinner? Here are all our copycat Thanksgiving side dishes, casseroles and pies in one place.
