Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans: A Southern Favorite Reimagined

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Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans: A Southern Favorite Reimagined

Introduction

Few side dishes have the power to steal the spotlight, but Texas Roadhouse Green Beans do just that. Salty, savory, and brimming with comforting flavors of butter, bacon, and garlic—this dish turns humble green beans into a down-home delicacy. Whether you’re a fan of the steakhouse chain or just love Southern cooking, this copycat version captures that same beloved taste.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a large, flavor-packed batch:

  • 4 (14.5 oz) cans Del Monte cut green beans, drained
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt & black pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, but leave the bacon grease in the pan.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add butter and let it melt into the bacon drippings. Add diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Simmer the Beans: Add the green beans to the skillet along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together.
  4. Simmer Low & Slow: Let the mixture simmer on low heat, uncovered, for 20–30 minutes. This allows the flavors to absorb and deepen.
  5. Add Bacon: Stir the cooked bacon back in and cook for another 5 minutes.
  6. Serve Warm: These green beans are best served hot as a hearty side dish.

Method

This is a classic stovetop simmering method, where ingredients are slowly cooked to allow the liquid (chicken broth) to infuse the vegetables with flavor. The key is low and slow cooking, which ensures the green beans soak up all the buttery, smoky richness.

History of Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

Texas Roadhouse, known for its hearty steaks and irresistible rolls, has been serving these buttery green beans since the early 1990s. Modeled after Southern-style green beans, the dish uses bacon fat and broth—a traditional Southern technique for cooking vegetables.

In the South, green beans are often cooked for long periods with pork or ham hocks to build flavor. This restaurant version modernizes the tradition by using canned green beans and bacon while preserving that unmistakable savory depth.

Health Benefits

While it’s a comfort dish, you can still count a few perks:

  • Green Beans: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
  • Garlic: Boosts immune function and contains antioxidants.
  • Onions: Anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides hydration, electrolytes, and mild protein.

You can make it healthier by using low-sodium broth, reducing the butter, or using turkey bacon.

Formation (Serving Ideas)

You can build an entire Southern plate around this dish:

  • Serve with grilled or fried chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf
  • Add a side of mashed potatoes or cornbread
  • Top with crispy shallots or fried onions for crunch

Want to make it into a meal? Serve it over cooked rice with added sausage or ham!

Fans & Lovers of This Dish

Loyal fans of Texas Roadhouse often rave that the green beans “taste like Grandma’s.” It’s beloved by:

  • Busy moms looking for easy and tasty sides
  • Southern food lovers who crave nostalgia
  • Holiday cooks making it for Thanksgiving or Sunday dinners
  • Kids, surprisingly, who love the bacon and buttery taste

Nutrition (per serving – approx. 1 cup)

  • Calories: 130
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg (varies by brand)

Note: Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and rinsing canned beans.

Conclusion

These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans are the perfect mix of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant meal or serving them alongside your favorite homemade dishes, they’re sure to be a hit. This recipe honors Southern roots while delivering restaurant-style results right from your kitchen.

So the next time you need a side dish that sings with flavor, grab a skillet and let the bacon, butter, and green beans do the talking!

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