Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

This mouthwatering Texas Roadhouse Green Beans copycat recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table. These savory beans simmer with bacon and seasonings for a side dish that often becomes the star of the meal. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings when you want comfort food with minimal effort.

I first made these green beans for Sunday dinner when my family was craving Texas Roadhouse but couldn't go out. They've become our most requested side dish since then and always disappear first at potlucks.

Ingredients

• Bacon: Adds smoky richness that makes these beans special; choose thick cut for best results
• Canned green beans: Provide convenience and absorb flavors beautifully
• Diced onion: Creates an aromatic base that enhances every bite
• Minced garlic: Adds depth without overpowering; look for firm fresh cloves
• Butter: Creates silky texture and richness
• Chicken broth: Infuses beans with savory flavor; use low sodium for better control
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat that ties everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bacon:

Place your chopped bacon pieces in a large rimmed skillet over medium high heat. Cook until completely crisp and brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This takes about 5 minutes and creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish. The rendered bacon fat will become a key flavoring component.

Drain the bacon:

Remove the crispy bacon pieces from the pan using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess fat. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for maximum flavor in your beans.

Combine ingredients:

Return the skillet to medium heat and add your drained green beans, cooked bacon pieces, chicken broth, butter, diced onion, minced garlic, and sugar. Stir gently to incorporate all ingredients, allowing the beans to be coated in the flavorful liquid.

Simmer the mixture:

Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Once simmering, lower the heat to medium low to prevent burning and allow flavors to meld properly.

Cover and finish cooking:

Place a lid on your skillet and allow the green beans to simmer for approximately 10 minutes. The beans will become tender while absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the broth and bacon. Check occasionally to ensure liquid hasn't completely evaporated.

Final seasoning and serving:

Taste your beans and adjust seasoning if needed. Add the black pepper and any additional salt if necessary. Serve hot directly from the pan or transfer to a serving dish.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the bacon. I learned from my grandmother that allowing the bacon to crisp properly before adding other ingredients creates that distinctive smoky flavor that makes these beans irresistible. When I serve these at family gatherings, everyone always asks for the recipe.

Make Ahead Options

This green bean recipe actually improves with time, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Cook the entire recipe up to two days before serving, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat with a splash of additional broth if needed. The flavors will have deepened and melded beautifully. For meal prep, portion into individual containers for quick side dishes throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

These Texas Roadhouse Green Beans pair perfectly with classic comfort foods. Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or meatloaf for a complete meal. They're particularly delicious with cornbread or rolls to soak up the savory broth. For a complete Texas Roadhouse experience, serve with copycat rolls and cinnamon butter. During holiday meals, these beans offer a welcome savory balance to sweet side dishes like sweet potato casserole or cranberry sauce.

Fresh vs. Canned Beans

While this recipe calls for canned green beans for convenience and to match the restaurant version, you can substitute fresh green beans with excellent results. If using fresh, increase cooking time to 15 minutes and add an extra quarter cup of broth. Frozen green beans also work well but may release more water, so reduce the broth slightly. The benefit of canned beans is they're already tender and quickly absorb the flavors, making this truly a quick weeknight side dish without sacrificing taste.

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The beauty of this Texas Roadhouse Green Beans recipe lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. The combination of smoky bacon, savory broth, and just a hint of sweetness creates a side dish that often becomes the highlight of the meal. Even vegetable skeptics tend to love these beans, making them a reliable choice for feeding a crowd or getting more greens into reluctant eaters.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the green beans tender?

Simmering the green beans with broth and covering the skillet allows them to soften while absorbing all the flavors.

→ Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans work well. Just trim the ends and extend the cooking time slightly to ensure they become tender.

→ What can I substitute for bacon?

If you prefer not to use bacon, smoked turkey or vegetarian bacon can provide a similar smoky flavor.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

→ What other seasonings can enhance the flavor?

Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice or a dash of soy sauce for extra depth.