These Southern Style Green Beans are full of flavor and comfort! Cooked slow with savory bacon and spices, they are a perfect side dish for any meal.
My family can’t get enough of these beans! I love serving them with cornbread for that true Southern feel. Trust me, the extra bacon is a must! 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star here. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen green beans, which are picked at their peak and can save time on prep!
Bacon: The bacon adds that smoky flavor. Turkey bacon or pancetta are good substitutes if you’re looking for lower fat options. For a vegetarian version, try using smoked paprika for a similar taste.
Onion: A yellow onion is the classic choice for a slightly sweet flavor. You can also use shallots or even green onions if you prefer a milder taste.
Chicken Broth: The broth gives depth to the beans. If you prefer plant-based, vegetable broth works well here, maintaining the overall flavor.
Sugar: This is optional but can help balance the flavors. If you want an alternative, a pinch of honey or maple syrup can work too, just use sparingly to not overpower the dish.
How Do You Make Sure Your Green Beans are Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking the beans just right is important for that perfect texture. Following these tips will help:
- Start with fresh or frozen beans that are bright green. Trim them to uniform 2-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the bacon well for that rich flavor, leaving the fat in the pot to infuse the beans.
- Simmer the beans covered, as this traps steam and cooks them evenly. Check occasionally while cooking!
- Don’t forget to stir! This helps the beans soak up the broth and flavors.
- Finish by adjusting seasoning just before serving to ensure they are flavorful and to your taste.
With simple ingredients and a few steps, you’ll serve up a dish everyone will love!
Southern Style Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4-5 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances flavors)
- 2 tablespoons butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and around 45 minutes to 1 hour for cooking. So, in total, you should plan for around 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes to have these delicious green beans ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Green Beans:
Start by rinsing the green beans under cold water. Trim off the ends, and then cut them into about 2-inch pieces. This makes them easy to eat and helps them cook evenly.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, turn the heat to medium and add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crisp, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Leave the bacon fat in the pot for flavor!
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Mix in the Green Beans:
Add the prepared green beans to the pot. Stir everything together until the beans are nicely coated in the bacon fat, onion, and garlic.
5. Add Broth and Seasonings:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and sugar if you like. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Simmer the Beans:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally and check to see if you need to add a little extra broth or water if it starts to dry out.
7. Finish and Serve:
When the beans are tender and flavorful, stir in the butter and the crispy bacon pieces you set aside earlier. Give it a taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve these Southern Style Green Beans warm as a side dish to your favorite meals!
Enjoy these comforting green beans that are sure to be a hit at your table! 🍽️
Can I Use Canned Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned green beans if you’re short on time. Just drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot, and reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes to heat them through without getting mushy.
What If I Don’t Have Bacon?
No worries! You can skip the bacon or substitute it with turkey bacon or pancetta for a similar flavor. For a vegetarian option, try using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add depth to the dish without meat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the flavors.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include diced carrots, potatoes, or even corn into the mix for added flavor and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the vegetables you add.