Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, and the soy sauce or coconut aminos until smooth.
Add the green beans to at least a 4-quart slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the top. Toss to coat. Secure the lid of the slow cooker and cook for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. If you prefer a more tender green bean, add the optional chicken stock or water to the the slow cooker for cooking your green beans.
Cook the diced bacon until crispy, if using. Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon and add to the top of your green beans once they have finished cooking for serving.
Notes
Vegetarian and Vegan: Omit the optional bacon from the recipe.Make Ahead: You can store these green beans after they have finished cooking, either before or after the bacon has been added. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. When ready to serve, reheat and serve. If they were refrigerated without the bacon, add the bacon to the top of the green beans after reheating. Freeze: Store the cooked green beans with bacon in an airtight, freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months. when ready to serve, reheat until warmed throughout.