Southern Green Beans

Southern green beans are the ultimate comfort food side-dish.

Green beans are slow-cooked with smokey bacon and onions until tender-crisp with just a hint of sweetness.

This recipes is always a hit around the dinner table!
It’s a simple and comforting dish.
Simmering the beans in broth makes them flavorful and hearty.
Southern green beans evoke all the flavors of soul food!

green beans , broth , onion , garlic , butter , bacon ,salt and pepper with labels to make Southern Green Beans

Ingredients and Variations

Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best and will stay firmer longer than canned or frozen, but they can be used too. Frozen green beans don’t have to be thawed, but add a few minutes to the cooking time. Canned green beans should be drained and rinsed before using.

Bacon: Bacon does double duty in this recipe as a fat for the green beans and garlic to be fried in and as a crispy, salty addition. Any kind of bacon works; hickory, applewood, or maple. Save leftover bacon grease in a jar in the fridge and use it to saute mushrooms or zucchini and tomatoes.

Broth: Chicken or turkey broth adds savory flavor in Step 4. You can also use bouillon cubes if time is short.

Variations: Saute diced potatoes, sundried tomatoes, water chestnuts, or thin slices of carrots in Step 3. Serve with extra bacon crumbles on top or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Squirt a little lemon juice over the top before serving to brighten the flavors.

cooking bacon to make Southern Green Beans

How to Make Southern-Style Green Beans

Fry the bacon until crisp. Then sauté the onions in bacon fat until softened.
Add the remaining ingredients (recipe below) and simmer until tender.
Toss with the reserved bacon, season, and serve.

Best Way to Store Southern Green Beans

Make Southern style green beans up to 3 days ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to reheat on the stovetop on medium heat.
Keep leftover Southern green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Use leftovers in a green bean casserole.
Freeze in a zippered bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in a pot with fresh chicken broth on medium heat.

pan of Southern Green Beans with a spoon

Green Beans Go Great With…

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Southern green beans are a simple side dish that is savory, smoky, and sweet.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

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Cut the beans into 1 ½ inch pieces.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon and fry until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate reserving the bacon fat.
Add the onion, and cook stirring frequently until it begins to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the green beans and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the broth, cover, and let simmer for 30 to 60 minutes or until tender.
Uncover, and add the bacon, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Diced potatoes can be added.
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days and in the freezer for 3 months.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

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