Green Beans with Tomatoes and Bacon

Cook the bacon until fat begins to render: 

Place the bacon pieces on the bottom of a large, thick-bottomed pot.

Heat on medium heat for several minutes until the bacon fat begins to render.

Add onions, then garlic: 

Add the chopped onions to the bacon. Cook a few minutes until the onions are translucent.

Add the garlic (if using) and cook a minute more.

Drain off any excess fat.

Add the green beans to the pot.

Add the whole, peeled, canned tomatoes and their juices.

Add a sprig of thyme to the pot (if using).

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Cover and simmer: Cover the pot and lower the heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beans are cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally.

Slow Cooker Instructions If you want to use a slow cooker for step 4, you can easily do so. Just put the cooked bacon and onions from steps 1 and 2, and the beans, tomatoes and spices into a slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your slow cooker, until the beans are completely tender and the tomatoes have broken down.

Serve!