This copycat recipe nails the delicious balance of smoky bacon, savory green beans and a little sweetness from brown sugar for a side dish that’s sure to delight. The apple cider vinegar provides a bit a tang that balances the flavors; crushed red pepper flakes provide gentle heat for those who like a bit of spice. This Tex-Mex party platter of green beans is great to serve next to any kind of bold main dish — straight from the Texas Roadhouse to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love These Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans:
A Restaurant Taste, at Home: These green beans are so like the ones served at Texas Roadhouse, you won’t even mind forgoing the trip to the restaurant.
Fewer Ingredients, More Flavor: This recipe goes all out on flavor, using no more than a few pantry staples, so the depth of flavor will surprise you. As for the combination of bacon drippings, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar, it’s a mouth-watering trifecta that’s difficult to refuse.
Versatile and Simple: These green beans can go with just about any main course, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread.
Great for Bacon Lovers: Like bacon? (Who does not?), this recipe has you covered. Little crispy bits of bacon on top add texture and richness along with a smoky hit that helps elevate green beans into a next-level side.
Key Ingredients:
Green beans: This recipe works best with very fresh, firm green beans, which hold up through the cooking process and deliver a nice tender-crisp texture. Cut off the ends and give them a very good rinse to remove dirt.
Bacon: (this one might be obvious) Use good bacon. The bacon drippings are important to give the dish a smoky richness. Opt instead for a healthier version by cutting the bacon in half or going for turkey bacon.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics are necessary for developing the foundation flavor of the dish. If you prefer a slightly milder flavor, you can substitute shallots for onion.
Chicken Broth, To taste: This adds to the savory depth of the dish. If you’re vegetarian, make the switch to vegetable broth if you’d like, but it will change the flavor a little.
Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar provides a nice caramelized sweetness. If you want a less sweet dish, scale back to half a tablespoon.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that offsets the richness of the bacon and sweetness of the brown sugar while lending a touch of tang to the dish.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: While optional, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle heartiness that cuts the sweetness and smokiness.
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather ingredients. Green beans, trimmed and rinsed in cold water; bacon, chopped; onion, diced; garlic, minced.
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on toweling.
Sauté Aromatics
In that same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Cook the Green Beans
Stir in green beans, tossing to coat in the drippings, onion and garlic.
Add in chicken broth, covering the beans. Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Simmer
Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes on low heat until tender but retaining crispness.
Serve
Remove the lid, allow excess liquid to evaporate, then garnish with crispy bacon. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
This makes a delicious (and versatile) side dish that complements all kinds of mains. Here are a few ideas:
To Serve With Steak: Naturally enough, these green beans pair beautifully with a juicy steak. Pair them with a grilled ribeye or filet mignon for a Texas Roadhouse-style dinnertime.
Excellent with Roast Chicken: The smoky, sweet flavors of the green beans perfectly tone and elevate a classic roast chicken.
Add to a Holiday Spread: These green beans make an excellent complement to holiday feasts. Pair them with roast turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing on a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table.
Top With Fresh Herbs: Add a bright finish by sprinkling some fresh-chopped parsley or thyme just before serving. It will provide a touch of freshness, and a burst of color.
