Homestyle Texas Roadhouse Green Beans: A Flavorful Side (Print Version)

Recreate those delicious Texas Roadhouse Green Beans at home! This copycat recipe brings that savory, tender side dish right to your table.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-Inclusive (Vegetarian Option)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
02 - 4-6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced (optional for vegetarian)
03 - 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
06 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

→ Seasonings & Aromatics

08 - 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
10 - Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, let's get that bacon going! Grab your biggest skillet – honestly, a cast iron one works like a dream for this. Dice up your thick-cut bacon and toss it into the cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and let it slowly render out all that glorious fat. You want it crispy, golden brown, and smelling absolutely divine. This usually takes me about 8-10 minutes. Once it's perfect, scoop out the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of that precious bacon fat in the skillet; we'll use it for flavor!
02 - Now, with that bacon fat still warm in the skillet, toss in your finely diced yellow onion. Stir it around and let it soften, about 3-4 minutes, until it starts to look translucent. Don't let it brown too much! Next, add your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! It's incredible. Stir constantly for just about 30-60 seconds. Garlic burns fast, and I've definitely learned that the hard way, ending up with bitter garlic. So, keep an eye on it!
03 - Time for the stars of the show! Add your trimmed fresh green beans to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Give everything a good stir, making sure those beans get nicely coated in the bacon fat and aromatics. Let them sauté for about 5-7 minutes. You'll see them start to turn a brighter green and get a little tender-crisp. I love this stage; they just look so fresh and vibrant. Don't be afraid to stir them often!
04 - Pour in your chicken broth (or veggie broth!) and add your initial salt and black pepper. Give it another good stir. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the beans cook for about 10-15 minutes. This is where they really get tender and soak up all those amazing flavors. This is also where I sometimes forget to stir, but for these Texas Roadhouse Green Beans, a quick check halfway through is a good idea!
05 - Once the beans are tender to your liking (I like mine with a little bite!), remove the lid. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. This step is crucial for that authentic Texas Roadhouse Green Beans taste! The vinegar adds that wonderful tang, and the brown sugar provides a hint of sweetness that balances everything out. If you're using red pepper flakes, toss them in now too. Let it simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
06 - Finally, taste and adjust any seasonings. Do you need a little more salt? A dash more pepper? Maybe a tiny bit more vinegar if you're feeling tangy? Stir in most of those crispy bacon bits you set aside earlier, reserving a few for garnish. Spoon your incredible Texas Roadhouse Green Beans into a serving dish, sprinkle with the remaining bacon, and honestly, just enjoy! They should be tender, savory, with that perfect balance of sweet and sour. So good!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the beans; nobody likes mushy beans! For best results, aim for tender-crisp.
02 - You can prep the beans and chop the onion a day ahead to save time on busy evenings.
03 - Veggie broth works great if you're skipping the bacon, maintaining a delicious vegetarian option.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end makes them look extra special and adds a pop of color.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
02 - slotted spoon
03 - cutting board
04 - knife
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 5g

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