Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans: A Southern-Inspired Side Dish

If you’ve ever dined at Texas Roadhouse, you’ve probably tasted their famous green beans — tender, savory, and infused with smoky bacon and sweet onion flavor. They’re the perfect sidekick to a juicy steak or grilled chicken, and now you can recreate that delicious side dish right at home with this easy Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans recipe.

What Makes These Green Beans So Irresistible?

Unlike typical steamed or boiled green beans, this version is simmered in chicken broth, bacon, and onions, creating layers of deep, rich flavor. A touch of brown sugar and garlic powder balances out the savory elements with just the right hint of sweetness.

According to Southern Living, the secret to Southern-style green beans lies in the long simmering process that allows the beans to absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings. That’s exactly what makes this copycat version so spot-on.

Even better, Taste of Home explains that recreating restaurant-style dishes at home often means you get fresher ingredients and better control over salt and sugar levels — making this a healthier alternative too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These pantry-friendly ingredients come together quickly and are likely already in your kitchen:

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
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Pro Tip: You can also use fresh green beans (trimmed and halved) for an even more vibrant and tender bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.

2. Sauté the Onion

Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for 3–5 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.

3. Simmer the Green Beans

Stir in the drained green beans, chicken broth, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
Add the cooked bacon back into the pan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.

4. Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot as a side dish to your favorite meat or Southern-style meal.

Why This Copycat Recipe Works

This version of Texas Roadhouse-style green beans is:

Flavor-packed – Bacon, broth, onion, and sugar create a perfect flavor harmony.
Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love this side.
Customizable – Works with canned or fresh green beans.

Variations to Try

If you love to put your own spin on recipes, here are a few ideas to change things up:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Fresh Beans: Use fresh green beans for added crunch and color. Boil them for 5 minutes before adding to the pan.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions. Try smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
Herby Upgrade: Add thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the broth for aromatic depth.

Meal Pairing Ideas

These green beans make the perfect side dish for a wide range of mains:

Grilled steak or chicken
Meatloaf or fried pork chops
Roast turkey or ham for holiday meals
Mac and cheese for the ultimate Southern comfort combo

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Planning ahead? This dish stores and reheats beautifully:

Make ahead: Cook the green beans and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Freeze: Store in an airtight freezer container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep them moist and flavorful.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings)

Calories: 140
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 9g
Sugar: 4g
Fat: 9g
Sodium: 480mg

Note: Using low-sodium broth can help reduce overall sodium content.

Tips for the Best Results

Drain the green beans well to prevent a watery dish.
Don’t skip the simmer – it’s key to developing rich flavor.
Use good-quality bacon for the best smoky base.
Adjust sweetness to your taste by adding more or less brown sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use turkey bacon?
A: Yes, turkey bacon works well but won’t give as much fat for sautéing. Add a tablespoon of olive oil if needed.

Q: What can I use instead of canned green beans?
A: Fresh or frozen green beans work great. Just boil or steam them first to soften slightly.

Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: Use reduced-sodium broth and low-fat bacon, or omit the bacon altogether for a lighter version.

Final Thoughts

Texas Roadhouse Copycat Green Beans bring big flavor to the table with very little effort. They’re a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing side that turns any meal into something special. With a smoky, sweet, and savory profile, these green beans are anything but boring.