Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans Recipe
Introduction
Texas Roadhouse is famous for turning simple green beans into a flavorful side dish that even picky eaters love. These copycat green beans deliver that smoky, slightly sweet bacon-infused taste right in your own kitchen. Easy to make with pantry staples, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion (about 1/2 medium)
- 2 cans (16 oz each) green beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced (about 3 large cloves)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon is just crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Step 2: Add the finely chopped white onion to the skillet with the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the rinsed and drained green beans, chicken broth, minced garlic, butter, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beans evenly with all the seasonings.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the green beans simmer until tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, adding an extra splash of vinegar before serving if desired for a bright finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a healthier option, use turkey bacon or skip the bacon and add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness.
- Fresh green beans can be used if blanched first for 3-4 minutes; they add a nice crunch compared to canned.
- Swap white onion for yellow onion or shallots for slightly different onion flavors.
- Use vegetable or beef broth in place of chicken broth, or plain water with a pinch of salt if necessary.
- Replace red wine vinegar with apple cider or white wine vinegar for a similar tang.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder works as a substitute.
Storage
Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making reheated beans taste even better. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the beans dry out when reheated, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw completely before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used. Trim and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before cooking to ensure they are tender and ready to absorb the flavors.
Why do the green beans sometimes taste metallic?
This can happen if canned green beans are not rinsed well. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and the canned taste before cooking.
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Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans recipe delivers smoky, savory, and slightly sweet green beans flavored with crispy bacon, garlic, and onions. Bringing the iconic restaurant side dish into your home kitchen, it’s a quick and easy way to elevate your vegetable game and satisfy even picky eaters. Made primarily with canned green beans for authenticity, this dish simmers in a buttery, bacon-infused sauce with a hint of tang from red wine vinegar, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Meats
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion (about 1/2 medium)
- 2 cans (16 oz each) green beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced (about 3 large cloves)
Liquids & Fats
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Seasonings
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring often, until the bacon becomes just crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or burning as the bacon renders its fat and develops flavor.
- Soften the Onions: Add the finely chopped white onion to the skillet with the bacon. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. This step ensures the onions develop sweetness and meld with the bacon.
- Combine Green Beans and Flavorings: Add the rinsed and drained green beans, chicken broth, minced garlic, butter, red wine vinegar, white sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the green beans evenly with all the seasonings and to incorporate the flavors fully.
- Simmer the Green Beans: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the green beans simmer gently until tender and the flavors have melded together, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and distribute the heat evenly.
- Taste and Serve: After simmering, taste the green beans and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the green beans to a serving dish or plate individual portions. For added brightness, add an extra splash of red wine vinegar right before serving. Serve warm alongside your favorite hearty main dishes.
Notes
- Use canned green beans for the most authentic Texas Roadhouse taste, but fresh (blanched) or thawed frozen green beans can also be used.
- Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render fat and develop deep smoky flavor; don’t rush or discard bacon grease.
- Add garlic after onions soften to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Do not overcook green beans once added; they only need to be heated through and absorb flavors.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave; add a splash of chicken broth if dry.
- Substitutes: Ham or turkey bacon instead of bacon, yellow onion for white, vegetable broth for chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Texas Roadhouse green beans, copycat recipe, green beans with bacon, restaurant style green beans, smoky green beans, easy side dish, southern side dish
