In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook for about 3 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant. Transfer this mixture to the crockpot.

Into the slow cooker, add the fresh green beans, vegetable broth, butter, brown sugar if using, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Cover and cook on high for 2 ½ hours until the green beans are tender but still hold some bite.

After the initial cooking time, stir in the crispy bacon pieces and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Once finished, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a side dish.