This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Southern Style Green Beans are a classic family favorite side dish! Fresh green beans simmered in a flavorful broth, lightly seasoned and garnished with crispy, crumbly bacon.
Why I Love These Green Beans
- Skip the canned beans. This dish is made with fresh beans! But thanks to a nice long simmer in a flavorful broth, they end up just as soft, but way more flavorful than canned beans.
- The perfect side, while these green beans are the perfect accompaniment to any Holiday table setting, they also pair nicely with any other meal. Serve these alongside some Smoked Pork Ribs, Pan Seared Steak, or with a classic Texas Smoked Brisket.
- Dress them up or down, thanks to the simplicity of this recipe feel free to add or adjust according to your taste. One of my favorites is to add a bit of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Notes on some ingredients:
- Green beans: this recipe can be made with fresh or frozen beans. Canned beans will not have the desired effect since they won’t receive the flavoring during the simmer time.
- Broth: use a low or no sodium chicken broth. Using just water won’t give the same flavorings to the beans.
How to make Southern Green Beans
- Step 1: Cook the bacon to desired done-ness and let the fat render out.
- Step 2: Remove the bacon, but keep the bacon drippings for extra flavoring for the beans.
- Step 3: Cook the onion and garlic in the bacon drippings, then add the green beans, cover with broth.
- Step 4: Let the beans cook at a low simmer for 1-2 hours until beans are fully softened. They will have a darker, more olive coloring when done.
- Step 5: Strain the beans, discarding the broth, season with salt and pepper. Then serve the beans in a dish topped with the crumbled up bacon. These beans pair nicely with our favorite Texas Chicken Fried Steak recipe.
Expert Tips:
- Variations: if you’re looking to add some extra flavors to your beans fresh herbs are a great option. For a more savory flavoring a splash of Worcestershire sauce mixed in with the broth, or some mushrooms will do the trick.
- Storage & Freezing: store these beans in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Or to freeze, let cool to room temperature, place in a freezer safe container and freeze for 3-4 months. To thaw, remove to the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
- Spice: sprinkle just a small amount of crushed red pepper on the cooked beans for a bit of spice to your finished dish if desired.
- Ham Hocks: if you have some ham hocks, or a ham bone feel free to toss this into the pot with the beans and water for the simmering, then you can omit the broth since you will be making your own.
Southern Green Beans: FAQs
Are there other names for “green beans”?
Yes. Some other names you may see are: French beans, string beans, snap beans or snaps.
Why are the beans a darker color?
The longer green beans are cooked, the more bright green coloring will leave them. While serving bright green beans with a lingering crunch is a trendy option, these southern style beans are way more flavorful and have a melt in your mouth texture that will leave you coming back for seconds and thirds!
Can I cook these in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the bacon in a skillet, and add the drippings and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or until the beans are completely softened. Strain the beans, season and top with the crispy bacon.
More Side Dish Recipes:
- Easy Homemade Creamed Corn
- Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed Potato Casserole
- Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Classic Cornbread Dressing
Southern Green Beans
These Southern Style Green Beans are slow simmered in a broth of bacon, onion and garlic. These beans come out tender, flavorful and melt in your mouth tender. This comforting side dish will complement all of your favorite Southern style family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean the green beans, cut or snap off the ends. Cut or snap the beans in half, making each piece about 2 inches long. Set aside.
- In a large dutch oven, cook the bacon, then remove and crumble. Set aside.
- Save the bacon drippings, and add the onion, cook until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add in the green beans and cover with chicken broth. Add salt and pepper, stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, cover with lid, then turn the heat down to low. Cook for 1-2 hours until beans are softened.
- Pour into a strainer to drain out the broth. Return the beans to the pot, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, add red pepper flakes as desired. Serve with crumbled bacon on top.
Video
Equipment
Notes
- Green beans: this recipe can be made with fresh or frozen beans. Canned beans will not have the desired effect since they won’t receive the flavoring during the simmer time.
- Broth: use a low or no sodium chicken broth. Using just water won’t give the same flavorings to the beans.
- Storage & Freezing: store these beans in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Or to freeze, let cool to room temperature, place in a freezer safe container and freeze for 3-4 months. To thaw, remove to the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Nutrition
Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 755mg | Potassium: 476mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1053IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
Photography done by the talented @KJandCompany.co
Beautiful! I am now on a hunt for some fresh green beans. This recipe reminds me of nanny, who taught me how to make these..
Thanks Mom 🙂 Hope you find some!