Texas Roadhouse Green Beans Recipe

After testing and tweaking, I’m sharing the exact ratios that recreate the same taste soft green beans simmered in a flavorful broth with caramelized bacon and onions. Whether you’re serving steak, roasted chicken, or holiday dinner, these beans hold their own.

Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Style Green Beans

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

• In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until golden and crisp. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn.
• Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

• Add the chopped onions directly into the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat until soft, golden, and lightly caramelized about 5 minutes.
• Stir in garlic powder and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. You’ll start to smell that signature savory Texas Roadhouse aroma right here.

Step 3: Simmer the Beans

• Pour in the chicken broth, then add the drained green beans. Stir well to combine everything.
• Sprinkle in the brown sugar, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. You only need a touch the bacon and broth already bring a lot of flavor.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes to let all the flavors blend together. Stir occasionally.

The longer they simmer, the better they taste just be careful not to overcook them until mushy. You want tender beans that still hold their shape.

How to Finish and Serve Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

Step 4: Add the Bacon Back

• Once the beans are tender and the broth has slightly reduced, return the crispy bacon to the pot. Stir gently so it doesn’t break apart the beans.
• Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes uncovered so everything warms through and the flavor settles in.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed I usually add a pinch more black pepper at this point for a little kick.

Transfer to a serving dish with a slotted spoon or drain just enough broth to keep things juicy without swimming. Spoon some of the onions and bacon over the top for that signature restaurant-style finish.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor and Texture

• Use low-sodium broth: This lets you control the salt level and prevent the dish from becoming too salty when combined with bacon.
• Don’t skip the brown sugar: It balances the smokiness with just the right touch of sweetness one tablespoon is all you need.
• Sauté until golden: Let the onions get real color in the pan that’s what makes the broth deep and savory.
• Simmer slowly: You don’t want a boil here. A gentle simmer helps the beans absorb flavor without falling apart.

Serving Ideas and Meal Pairings

This Texas Roadhouse green beans recipe is the kind of side dish that works year-round. It adds comfort and bold flavor to almost any main. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Steak or grilled meats: These beans are built to hold their own next to rich proteins like ribeye, tri-tip, or grilled chicken thighs.
• Southern comfort food: Serve them alongside mashed potatoes, cornbread, and fried chicken for a full Southern-style plate.
• Holiday dinners: These beans are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter especially when you’re tired of the usual green bean casserole.
• Weeknight meals: Add to simple dinners like roasted sausages or pork chops with a baked potato.

Easy Variations to Try

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while simmering for some extra heat.
• Fresh beans: You can use trimmed fresh green beans instead of canned just blanch them first in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then proceed with the recipe.
• Vegan twist: Omit bacon and use olive oil for the onions. Add a dash of smoked paprika and a splash of soy sauce to mimic the smoky, savory profile.

Even if you’ve never loved green beans, this version just might convert you it’s salty, savory, slightly sweet, and loaded with texture. It feels like comfort food, but still light enough to serve on warm days with grilled mains or cold evenings with hearty roasts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

Why do these green beans taste so different from canned green beans?

The secret lies in the slow simmer with real bacon drippings, caramelized onions, and a perfectly balanced broth. This process imparts a deep, smoky flavor that canned beans just can’t match.

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! For fresh beans, blanch them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then transfer to your skillet with the bacon and onions. They might require a slightly shorter simmering time.

What if I can’t find chicken broth?

You can substitute vegetable broth if needed. However, chicken broth provides a richer, more savory base that really elevates the dish, so it’s worth seeking out.

How do I prevent the green beans from becoming mushy?

The key is a gentle simmer avoid a rolling boil. Stir occasionally but not too frequently, ensuring the beans hold their shape while absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these green beans a few hours ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat before serving. They also work well as a side dish for leftovers.