How to Make Texas Roadhouse Green Beans at Home – The Ultimate Copycat Recipe

Craving that savory, smoky flavor you get from a plate of Texas Roadhouse green beans? You’re not alone. This classic side dish is a favorite for good reason—tender green beans, salty bacon, buttery garlic, and just the right balance of seasoning make it unforgettable.

Even better, you don’t need to head out to the restaurant to enjoy them. With a few simple ingredients and a little kitchen time, you can make a copycat Texas Roadhouse green beans recipe that tastes just like the original—maybe even better. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or prepping a crowd-pleasing holiday side, this guide walks you through exactly how to make Texas Roadhouse green beans step by step.

This version keeps the comforting flavor you love, while giving you full control over ingredients like salt, sugar, and fat. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that adapts well to low-carb or vegetarian modifications and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

So, let’s dive in and recreate this Southern-style staple at home.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Green Bean Recipe

This isn’t just another green bean side dish. If you’re searching for the perfect green bean recipe from Texas Roadhouse, this is it.

First of all, it’s flavor-packed: The combination of bacon, garlic, and onion creates a deep, smoky base that elevates the simple green bean.

In addition, it’s fast and easy: You only need about 40 minutes from start to finish.

Best of all, it’s budget-friendly: Canned green beans are affordable and convenient without sacrificing flavor.

Finally, it’s great for any occasion: Serve it on a busy weeknight or as part of your holiday spread.

If you’ve been hunting for a reliable Texas Roadhouse green beans recipe, this one will earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

Ingredients – What You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This copycat recipe relies on everyday pantry items and common seasonings. Here’s a clear look at what you’ll need:

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes (Substitutions/Alternatives)
6 slices	Bacon	Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for lighter options
½ cup	Diced white onion	Yellow or sweet onions also work well
2 cans	Green beans (16 oz)	Canned is authentic, but fresh or frozen work too
½ cup	Low-sodium chicken broth	Vegetable broth for vegetarian version
1 tbsp	Minced garlic	About 3 large cloves; fresh gives best flavor
1 tbsp	Butter	Olive oil can be used for a dairy-free option
1 tsp	Granulated sugar	Optional; omit or use keto-friendly sweetener if desired
½ tsp	Salt	Adjust based on taste and broth sodium content
¼ tsp	Cracked black pepper	Freshly ground gives better flavor

This list is flexible. Don’t be afraid to adjust it based on your dietary needs or what you have in your pantry.

Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

You’re just a few steps away from enjoying the rich, savory taste of Texas Roadhouse green beans in your own kitchen. These directions are simple enough for a beginner, yet they deliver restaurant-quality flavor.

1. Cook the Bacon

To begin, place a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once it’s preheated, go ahead and add your chopped bacon. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent it from burning.

Let the bacon cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until it’s just crispy. If there’s too much grease in the pan, carefully drain some off—but make sure to leave enough to coat the bottom. This will help build flavor.

Crispy bacon is the backbone of this dish. In fact, it adds both crunch and the smoky base that makes this Texas Roadhouse green beans recipe so irresistible.

2. Sauté the Onion

Next, with the bacon still in the skillet, stir in the diced white onion. Stir occasionally as it cooks.

After about 5 minutes, the onion should become soft and translucent. By adding onion at this stage, you’re layering in a bit of sweetness and depth to balance the saltiness of the bacon. At the same time, it helps infuse the dish with that homemade, hearty flavor.

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients

Once the onion has softened, it’s time to add the rest of your ingredients. Add the following into the skillet:

• Drained green beans
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Minced garlic
• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

After everything is in, stir well to ensure the green beans are evenly coated in the broth and seasonings.

At this point, the aroma will start to fill your kitchen. With the bacon, garlic, and butter combining, the flavor base for your Texas Roadhouse copycat green beans is well underway.

4. Simmer to Tender Perfection

Now, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

While the green beans simmer, they absorb all the smoky, buttery goodness from the broth. This is the key to getting that familiar green beans Texas Roadhouse taste at home.

If you’re using fresh or frozen green beans, be sure to increase the simmer time slightly to ensure they soften fully.

5. Taste and Serve

After about 10 minutes, remove the lid and give your green beans a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a touch more salt or pepper. If the pan looks a bit dry, you can add a small splash of broth or water.

Once you’re happy with the flavor, transfer the green beans to a serving bowl, or serve them directly from the skillet.

By now, your green beans should be tender, flavorful, and ready to impress. Whether you’re preparing this as part of a cozy weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this Texas Roadhouse green beans recipe will earn rave reviews.

Tips for the Best Texas Roadhouse Style Green Beans

Making perfect Texas Roadhouse green beans isn’t just about following the recipe—it’s about understanding a few tricks that bring out the best flavor and texture. Below are some essential tips that will help you nail this copycat green bean recipe every time.

Use Canned Green Beans for Authentic Texture

While fresh green beans can offer a firmer bite and brighter color, they won’t give you the classic Texas Roadhouse texture. The restaurant uses canned green beans, which are already tender and absorb flavors quickly. Therefore, canned beans are the key to that signature softness.

If you decide to use fresh or frozen beans, make sure to blanch them first by boiling for 3–4 minutes, then shocking them in ice water to stop the cooking. Afterwards, increase the simmering time in the recipe by 5–7 minutes to ensure tenderness.

Let the Flavors Simmer

One of the most important steps is to let the green beans simmer gently in the bacon-garlic-butter broth. This slow cooking allows the beans to soak up the smoky, savory flavor fully. If you rush this step, you might miss out on the depth of taste.

Even if you’re short on time, aim for at least 7 minutes of simmering, but ideally, give it the full 10–12 minutes.

Don’t Skip the Garlic and Butter

Garlic and butter are essential for creating that rich aroma and luscious texture. Garlic adds boldness while butter adds a creamy balance to the salty bacon. Even if you want a lighter dish, try not to omit these entirely as they make a big difference.

Adjust Salt According to Broth

If you use low-sodium chicken broth, you have more control over the saltiness of the dish. However, if your broth is not low-sodium, taste before adding salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Variations on the Classic Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Whether you want to lower carbs, go vegetarian, or add some heat, here are some variations you can try without losing that signature flavor.

Make It Keto-Friendly

If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, skip the sugar or replace it with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. Even without sugar, the smoky bacon and garlic will keep the dish flavorful.

Vegetarian or Plant-Based Version

Surprisingly, you can still enjoy this green bean recipe without bacon. Use these substitutions to make it vegetarian:

• Replace bacon with plant-based bacon or omit it
• Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
• Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter

While the taste will be slightly different, it will remain savory and satisfying.

Add Some Heat

If you love spice, consider adding:

• A pinch of red pepper flakes
• A splash of your favorite hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

This twist pairs especially well with BBQ dishes or grilled meats.

Slow Cooker Method

For easy meal prep or large gatherings, try making this in a slow cooker:

• Cook bacon and onions on the stovetop as usual
• Transfer to the slow cooker along with green beans, broth, garlic, butter, sugar, salt, and pepper
• Cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 1.5–2 hours

This method deepens flavors and is perfect for hands-off cooking.

What to Serve with Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

This side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many mains. Here are some great ideas to complete your meal:

With Meats

• Grilled steaks or burgers
• BBQ ribs or pulled pork
• Roast chicken or turkey
• Pan-seared pork chops

With Comfort Food

• Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• Mac and cheese
• Classic meatloaf

For Holiday Meals

• Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing
• Easter ham
• Christmas pot roast or baked chicken

No matter what you pair them with, these green beans will add a savory, slightly sweet, and tender balance to your plate.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead of time, here’s how to store and reheat your Texas Roadhouse style green beans perfectly.

Storing

• Allow green beans to cool completely before refrigerating
• Store in an airtight container
• Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days

Freezing

• Freezing canned green beans is not recommended as it can affect texture
• However, fresh or blanched green beans freeze better if needed

Reheating

• On the stovetop: Heat gently over medium heat with a splash of broth to keep moist
• In the microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each

Interestingly, the flavors often deepen after sitting overnight, making this a great make-ahead side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

What kind of green beans does Texas Roadhouse use?

Texas Roadhouse uses canned green beans, which give the dish its signature soft texture. While you can use fresh or frozen beans, expect a firmer bite and a slightly different flavor.

How can I make this Texas Roadhouse green bean recipe healthier?

There are simple swaps you can make:

• Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon instead of regular bacon
• Choose low-sodium or unsalted broth
• Skip the sugar or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener
• Substitute butter with olive oil

These changes reduce sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar while maintaining great flavor.

Can I make copycat Texas Roadhouse green beans in advance?

Yes! This dish holds up well in the fridge. Prepare it a day ahead, store it properly, and reheat when ready. The flavors actually improve overnight.

What’s the best way to reheat Texas Roadhouse green beans?

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a little chicken broth to keep them moist. You can also use the microwave, but stir often to prevent uneven heating.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?

Absolutely. If you use frozen green beans:

• Thaw them first
• Increase simmering time slightly to ensure tenderness
• Adjust seasoning as frozen beans may be less salty

How do I make Texas Roadhouse green beans without bacon?

If you prefer to skip bacon:

• Use olive oil or butter for fat
• Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic smoky flavor
• Increase garlic and onion for more depth

This makes the dish vegetarian or lighter while keeping savory notes.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or a Dutch oven. You can also use a slow cooker for even heating and convenience.

Conclusion: Make This Texas Roadhouse Classic Tonight

You don’t need to dine out to enjoy one of Texas Roadhouse’s most popular side dishes. This easy, flavorful green bean recipe brings smoky, buttery goodness straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

No matter the occasion—whether a weeknight meal, holiday feast, or BBQ gathering—these green beans will impress your family and guests alike. They’re flexible, forgiving, and delicious enough to become a regular in your recipe collection.

So why wait? Try this Texas Roadhouse green beans recipe today. Then, leave a comment below to share how your dish turned out. Did you make any tweaks? What did you serve it with? I’d love to hear your experience!

Also, don’t forget to share this recipe with a friend who’d love a tasty, homemade copycat side dish. Everyone deserves a plate of Texas Roadhouse green beans that tastes just like the real thing.

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