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Delicious Southern Smothered Green Beans with bacon and onions in savory sauce.

Southern Smothered Green Beans

A flavorful and tender side dish that makes dinner taste like it took all day. Perfectly pairs with Southern mains.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds fresh green beans Alternatively, use 4 cans drained or about 24 ounces frozen.
  • 4 to 6 slices bacon or smoked meat Can also use a smoked ham hock or smoked turkey neck.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth Can substitute with water plus bouillon.
  • 1 tablespoon butter Optional but enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Optional for balancing bitterness in some beans.
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper Optional for a bit of heat.
  • Salt and black pepper To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot or deep skillet, cook your bacon over medium heat until browned.
  2. Add chopped onion into the bacon drippings and cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Cooking
  1. Add the green beans and pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift the flavor.
  2. Season with black pepper and a small pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Cover and cook until tender. Fresh beans take 45-60 minutes, frozen beans take 35-45 minutes, and canned beans need about 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in butter, taste the broth and adjust seasoning. Add pinch of sugar if needed.
Finishing
  1. Let the pot sit for 10 minutes off the heat before serving to enhance flavor.

Notes

These green beans reheat well and can be frozen, though texture may soften after thawing. Can be served with cornbread, fried chicken, meatloaf, or mashed potatoes.