Texas Roadhouse Green Beans: A Savory Southern Side Dish With Secret Ingredients

The first time I tasted Texas Roadhouse green beans at a family dinner, I knew these weren’t your ordinary vegetable side. Something about their rich, savory flavor made even my vegetable-avoiding nephew ask for seconds. What was their secret? After several attempts to recreate that distinctive taste at home, I discovered the unexpected ingredient that makes all the difference—ham base. This simple addition transforms ordinary canned green beans into a crave-worthy side dish that might steal the spotlight from your main course.

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What Makes the Texas Roadhouse Green Beans So Good? 

Not a big fan of green beans? This recipe is about to change that! These aren’t the bland, mushy green beans from your childhood. The beans in this copycat recipe absorb all the bold flavors of bacon, onion, and that secret ham base, transforming into a side dish that even the most reluctant vegetable eater won’t be able to refuse.

While many restaurants keep their recipes closely guarded, this version comes remarkably close to the famous Texas Roadhouse green beans while still being quick and simple to throw together in your own kitchen.

Why You Should Try This Copycat Recipe

Multiple online recipes are floating around that try to recreate the famous green beans that Texas Roadhouse serves, but this version comes the closest while still being quick and simple to throw together.

The ham base is the key to the wonderful rich meaty taste of these beans, so although it’s listed as optional, you should include it if you have it on hand.

Texas Roadhouse Green Beans Ingredients

To make the recipe for this Texas Roadhouse green beans dish, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

• Bacon – Provides a smoky, meaty flavor base and crispy texture contrast to the tender beans
• White onion – Adds aromatic sweetness and depth when sautéed in the bacon drippings
• Canned green beans – The star vegetable with the perfect tender texture that absorbs all the savory flavors
• Ham base – The secret ingredient that adds rich, authentic, meaty flavor without the need for ham hocks
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish and balances the sweetness
• Ground black pepper – Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the flavor profile
• White sugar – Balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness
• Unsalted butter – Creates richness and a silky texture in the finished dish

Ingredient Notes

Bacon: Thick-cut bacon slices give these beans a substantial meaty flavor and texture. Stay away from pepper or maple sugar-flavored varieties for this dish—plain bacon works best to keep the flavor authentic.

Green Beans: Believe it or not, canned green beans are preferable over fresh beans in this recipe because they have the ideal texture that most closely matches what you’ll find at Texas Roadhouse. No need to drain them—that liquid adds flavor!

Ham Base: This is the key to the wonderful rich, meaty taste of these beans. Although it’s listed as optional, you should definitely include it if you have it on hand. Better Than Bouillon makes an excellent ham base that’s readily available in most grocery stores.

How To Prepare Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

To make this dish, you;

1. Chop the bacon into equal size pieces and the onions into quarter-inch dice.
2. Heat a heavy-bottom pot over medium high heat and saute the raw bacon until crisp. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels. 

3. Turn down the heat to medium-low and saute the chopped onion in the bacon grease until translucent.  

4. Pour the beans and their liquid into the pot with the onions.
5. Stir in the ham base if you are using it.
6. Add the sugar, salt, pepper, and butter. Bring it to a low boil and use a rubber spatula to gently stir until the sugar dissolves and the green beans are warmed through. 

7. Plate the green beans and sprinkle the cooked bacon before serving. 

What Is Ham Base, and How Does It Make Your Food Taste So Good?

Ham base comes in paste and powdered forms and usually contains smoked ham, spices, and other seasonings. It is an excellent substitute for the traditional ham hocks that you can find in many older recipes because it provides the same rich pork flavor to a dish without any of the hassles. Better Than Bouillon makes an excellent ham base that’s readily available.

What To Serve With This Texas Roadhouse Green Beans Recipe

These beans are incredibly versatile as a side dish. They can be served with just about any grilled or roast meat dish and also pair wonderfully with roasted salmon!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Like many bean dishes, these Texas Roadhouse green beans might taste even better after spending a night in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to develop.

Refrigerator: The beans will last up to three days in the refrigerator if you keep them in an airtight container.

Freezer: You can also freeze them for up to three months. To prevent the beans from getting too mushy, spread the leftovers on a baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight container.

Reheating Instructions

The quickest and easiest way to reheat thawed beans is on the stovetop over medium heat. Depending on how much liquid the beans soaked up during storage, you may need to add a few tablespoons of water to the pan before heating.

For best results, reheat gently until just warmed through to maintain the beans’ texture.

Love Green Beans? Try These Recipes

• Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
• Country Green Beans
• Garlic Green Beans
• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
• Panda Express Green Bean Chicken
• Steamed Green Beans

Popular Side Dish Recipes

• Boiled Cabbage
• Crispy Potato Wedges
• Homemade Coleslaw
• Parsley Potatoes
• Southern Fried Okra
• Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers
• Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

Check out my easy and delicious side dish recipes and the best copycat restaurant recipes on CopyKat!