Name: Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
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; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper (to taste)

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. These green beans are ideal for serving alongside any bold main dish, and they bring a taste of the Texas Roadhouse right to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love These Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans:

A Taste from the Restaurant, in Your Own Home: These green beans are so reminiscent of those served at Texas Roadhouse, you won’t even miss hitting the eatery.

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.

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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.

Full list of ingredients with amounts and instructions is located in the recipe card below

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.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigerating Leftovers: Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen and redevelop as they sit, so these green beans actually taste even better the next day!

Freezing: Green beans usually do freeze quite well, but the texture may end up a little softer once you reheat. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, just heat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth as needed to avoid sticking. You can heat them in the microwave for 30-second intervals, too.

For a weeknight meal that’s even faster, you can prepare some ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and trim the green beans, all a day in advance, and store them in the fridge.

Variations and Additions:

Vegetarian Option: To convert this recipe to vegetarian, skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Sauté Mushrooms: Add even more flavor and texture by adding sliced mushrooms while you are sautéing the onions and garlic. Cicoria e FagioliThey bring a delightful earthiness that harmonizes with the other ingredients.

Sweet and Spicy: Use 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar and add a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes to make the sweet-and-spicy flavor profile a little more pronounced.

Maple Bacon Twist: Use maple syrup instead of the brown sugar for a touch of maple flavor. That variation works fabulously with the smoky bacon, adding a little twist to the dish.

Extra Garlic: If you love garlic, make the garlic a double. The additional garlic flavor will only make the green beans more flavorful and aromatic.

Conclusion:

I think you are going to find this Texas Roadhouse copycat green beans recipe to be a keeper in your kitchen! They’re the best balance of smoky, sweet, and savory, with a tender texture and addictively good flavor that’s like a warm hug on a plate. Great for family get-togethers, festive dinners or just to spruce up a weeknight meal, this recipe is something you’ll reach for time and again.

Get your skillet, fry up a batch, and be prepared for these beans to be gone in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re just beginning to try your hand at homemade sides or you’re a seasoned pro, this dish delivers restaurant quality flavor that’ll wow everyone around the table!