Clean and cut the ends off the green beans and place in the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker. Set aside.
(this sauteing step is optional but will yield more flavor, you can alternatively put everything in and fold ingredients together) In a small saucepan, place the butter and the finely minced shallot, and saute for about 5-6 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add in the minced garlic, the thyme (stems and all), salt and pepper and stir and cook for another minute. Scoop the shallot mixture over the green beans and pour in the vegetable stock. (add bacon bits now if you want to)
Give it a good stir and set the slow cooker on low and cook for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Once the beans are tender, remove the thyme stems and discard.
Serve green beans immediately. Garnish with fresh squeezed lemon juice and thyme leaves. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Canned Green Beans in Slow Cooker
Use 3 cans drained instead of fresh
Follow rest of directions above
Cut timing down to about 2 hours on low or until as warm as you'd like.
Frozen Green Beans in Slow Cooker
Follow same directions as above for fresh
Timing doesn't change
Best results if stirred twice during 4 hour timing