Name: Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed; 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon butter

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If you’re searching for a side dish that’s the definition of comfort food—with tender beans, salty smoky bacon, and that “just like grandma made it” flavor—look no further than Real Deal Southern Green Beans. These beans are simmered low and slow, soaking up rich broth and all the goodness from bacon and sweet onion. They’ll transport you straight to a Sunday supper table, whether you’re craving nostalgia or introducing someone to real Southern hospitality.

Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple, familiar, and utterly essential—there are no extras or shortcuts. From the snap of the green beans to the smoky depth from bacon, every item brings its own unmistakable character to the dish.

Fresh Green Beans (2 pounds, trimmed): Go for fresh beans for a snappy, classic texture and vibrant flavor—frozen works in a pinch, but nothing beats fresh.
Thick-Cut Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Opt for thick-cut for those craveable meaty bites, while the rendered fat forms the backbone of rich, savory flavor.
Onion (1 small, diced): Just the right size to melt into the dish, the onion brings sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic adds irresistible aroma and a mellow depth—you’ll smell it in the whole kitchen!
Chicken Broth (2 cups): Use a good-quality broth (homemade if you have it) for maximum flavor; low-sodium is a great choice for salt control.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Seasons everything from the beans to the broth—taste and adjust as you go.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little heat to balance the richness and bring out all those savory notes.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle kick—perfect for anyone who likes a bit of Southern sass.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Stirred in at the end, butter gives the green beans a silken finish and ties every flavor together.

How to Make Real Deal Southern Green Beans

Step 1: Crisp Up That Bacon

Start by crisping the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. In just 6 to 8 minutes, you’ll notice the kitchen filling with mouthwatering aroma—this is going to be your flavor foundation! Once the bacon is golden and crispy, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set aside, but don’t even think about draining that rendered fat. It’s pure Southern gold.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion right into the hot bacon fat, letting it sizzle and turn soft and translucent for about 4-5 minutes. Just when the onion starts to melt into the pot, stir in that fresh garlic and cook for a minute more. This gives everything a deep, savory backbone that’s unmistakable in Real Deal Southern Green Beans.

Step 3: Simmer the Beans

Pour in your trimmed green beans, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat. Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low, cover it up, and let the magic happen. Over 45 minutes to an hour, the beans slowly get juicy, tender, and bathed in all those beautiful flavors. Stir now and then—this is low and slow cooking at its best.

Step 4: Finish with Butter and Bacon

Uncover the pot, toss in the reserved crispy bacon and a generous tablespoon of butter, then let everything bubble together for about 5 minutes with the lid off. This gives the dish a luscious finish and reduces the broth just enough so the beans are glazed in incredible flavor. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm—you’re in for a treat!

How to Serve Real Deal Southern Green Beans

Garnishes

The simplest way to serve these beans is with a sprinkle of the reserved bacon pieces right on top, maybe a scatter of chopped fresh parsley for color, or a little extra black pepper. A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar can brighten things up if you love a fresh pop against the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

These Real Deal Southern Green Beans are made for classic Southern pairings: think fried chicken, crispy pork chops, juicy roast turkey, or even alongside pan-seared catfish. Add fluffy mashed potatoes or hot cornbread to round out the ultimate comfort meal. They also shine on holiday tables beside ham or roast beef!

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal or potluck, serve straight from a heavy Dutch oven for rustic charm. For special occasions, spoon the beans into a pretty vintage dish and pile the crispy bacon on top. You can even portion them in mini mason jars for a fun, picnic-inspired presentation at summer gatherings—you’ll turn this homestyle favorite into a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Real Deal Southern Green Beans cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, and—trust me—these beans taste even better the next day as the flavors get a chance to meld and deepen.

Freezing

If you want to make extra or save your beans for later, they freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, pack them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer your beans (thawed if frozen) to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the beans tender without overcooking!

FAQs

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?

Fresh green beans deliver the best texture and a real Southern snap, but in a pinch, you can use canned—just simmer them for less time, since they’re already soft and may not need the full cook.

How do I make these beans vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onion and garlic. You can add a dash of smoked paprika for a bit of that signature smokiness.

What’s the secret to super tender Southern green beans?

Low and slow simmering in broth is absolutely key! The long cooking time infuses each bean with flavor and ensures that legendary melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t rush it; it’s worth every minute.

Can I use turkey bacon or another meat?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a lighter swap, and ham hock or smoked turkey legs add extra depth and a smokier flavor. Just adjust the process as needed for your protein of choice.

Is this Real Deal Southern Green Beans recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, especially if you double-check that your chicken broth contains no hidden gluten. It’s a safe and satisfying option for most diets.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Real Deal Southern Green Beans and bring a little (or a lot!) of soul-warming Southern flavor to your table. It’s a dish that truly feels like home with every bite—whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a holiday celebration, it might just steal the show! Give it a try and let your family taste what “real deal” really means.

Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Real Deal Southern Green Beans are a classic Southern side dish that’s full of flavor. Slow-simmered with bacon, onions, and garlic, these green beans are tender and delicious. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Cook the green beans: Add the trimmed green beans, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and infused with flavor.
Finish and serve: Uncover, stir in the butter and reserved bacon, and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.