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
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.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a ham hock or smoked turkey leg during simmering.
- This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
