A classic Southern-style green bean recipe made low and slow with tender green beans, smoky bacon, onion, garlic, and a savory seasoned broth. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect alongside roasted chicken, fried chicken, meatloaf, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
2 lbs (900 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the green beans
Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly. Trim off the stem ends and cut the beans into approximately 2-inch pieces.
Cook the bacon
Place the chopped bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is browned and has rendered most of its fat.
Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot and remove excess if necessary.
Sauté the onion
Add the diced onion to the bacon and bacon fat.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and lightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the green beans
Add the prepared green beans to the pot and stir well so they become coated with the bacon fat and onion mixture.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes.
Season
Add the chicken broth, water, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar if using.
Stir everything together.
Simmer slowly
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For very tender, traditional Southern-style beans, you can simmer them for up to 75 minutes.
Finish the beans
When the green beans are tender and the broth has developed a rich flavor, stir in the butter and apple cider vinegar.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Serve
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the green beans.
Serve hot with some of the flavorful bacon-infused broth spooned over the top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings:
Calories: 155 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Potassium: 330 mg
Nutrition values vary depending on the bacon, broth, butter, and amount of salt used.
Nut Information
Contains nuts: No
Peanuts: No
Tree nuts: No
Almonds: No
Cashews: No
Walnuts: No
Pecans: No
Pistachios: No
Hazelnuts: No
Coconut: No
Allergen Information
Nuts: None
Peanuts: None
Dairy: Contains butter; use olive oil or dairy-free butter if needed
Gluten: Usually gluten-free, but check the chicken broth and bacon labels
Soy: Check packaged bacon and broth labels if avoiding soy
Tips for the Best Southern Green Beans
Fresh green beans give the best texture, but frozen green beans can also be used.
Thick-cut bacon adds extra smoky flavor.
Don’t rush the simmering process. Slow cooking allows the beans to absorb the savory broth.
A small amount of apple cider vinegar balances the richness and adds brightness.
For extra flavor, add a smoked ham hock or a small piece of smoked turkey while the beans simmer.
If the broth becomes too concentrated, add a little extra water or chicken broth.
Q&A
Q: Can I use canned green beans?
A: Yes. Drain and rinse them first. Since canned beans are already cooked, simmer them for about 20–30 minutes rather than an hour.
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Add them directly to the pot. They may need approximately 35–50 minutes of simmering depending on how tender you prefer them.
Q: Can I make these green beans without bacon?
A: Yes. Replace the bacon with 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. You can also use smoked turkey for a smoky flavor.
Q: Can I make them vegetarian?
A: Yes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon. Add smoked paprika for extra depth.
Q: Why are Southern green beans cooked so long?
A: Traditional Southern-style green beans are usually simmered longer than crisp-tender green beans. The longer cooking time makes them very tender and allows them to absorb the seasoned broth.
Q: Can I add potatoes?
A: Absolutely. Add about 2 cups of peeled, diced potatoes when you add the broth. Simmer until both the potatoes and green beans are tender.
Q: Can I add ham?
A: Yes. Diced smoked ham, ham hock, or leftover holiday ham works beautifully.
Q: Can I make these in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Add all ingredients except the butter and vinegar to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours. Stir in the butter and vinegar before serving.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze Southern green beans?
A: Yes. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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