Some days, you don’t need a complicated side dish — you just need something simple, warm, and reliable. That’s exactly what these 2-Ingredient Crockpot Buttered Green Beans are. No prep work, no long ingredient list, and no hovering over the stove. Just real food made the easy way.
This is the kind of recipe you pull out when your slow cooker is already doing the heavy lifting on the main dish and you want a hands-off side to go with it. Toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and come back to tender, buttery green beans that taste like comfort food.
Why This Recipe Is a Go-To Side Dish
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones you end up making over and over again. These buttered green beans are proof that you don’t need a lot of ingredients to make something delicious.
As the green beans cook slowly, they soften perfectly without turning mushy, while the butter melts down and coats every bite. The result is a classic, no-fuss side dish that works for weeknights, holidays, and everything in between.
This recipe is especially popular because it’s:
- True dump-and-go
- Perfect for busy days
- Easy to double for a crowd
- Kid-friendly
- A great make-ahead side dish
Ingredients You’ll Need
You really only need two things:
- Green beans (fresh or frozen)
- Butter
That’s it. No seasoning packets, no broth, no complicated steps.
How to Make 2-Ingredient Crockpot Buttered Green Beans
Step 1: Add the Green Beans
Place the green beans directly into the slow cooker. If using fresh green beans, you can leave them whole or trim the ends if desired.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Cut the butter into pieces and scatter it over the green beans. It doesn’t need to be perfectly even — it will melt as it cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 4–5 hours, or
- HIGH for 2–3 hours
Stir once or twice if you can, but it’s not required.
What They Taste Like
These crockpot green beans are:
- Tender but not mushy
- Rich and buttery
- Simple and comforting
- Familiar in the best way
They taste like the green beans everyone hopes will be on the table — soft, warm, and coated in melted butter.
When to Serve Them
This side dish goes with almost anything. Serve these buttered green beans alongside:
- Crockpot roasts
- Chicken or pork dishes
- Holiday meals
- Weeknight dinners
- Potlucks and family gatherings
They’re especially great when you need a side that doesn’t take up oven or stovetop space.
Optional Add-Ins (If You Want More Flavor)
While this recipe is perfect as written, you can easily customize it:
- Add garlic
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Toss in bacon bits
- Finish with Parmesan cheese
Storage & Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop
Final Thoughts
These 2-Ingredient Crockpot Buttered Green Beans are the definition of easy comfort food. They’re simple, dependable, and perfect for days when you want a homemade side without the effort.