Grandma’s Cozy Southern Green Beans Recipe For Family Meals

Southern green beans simmer with smoky bacon and rich, tender flavors that transport you straight to a classic Southern kitchen.

Generations of cooks have perfected this soul-warming side dish.

Crisp green beans melt into a savory, slow-cooked delight that speaks to comfort and tradition.

The recipe blends simple ingredients with time-honored cooking techniques.

Simmering these beans creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills the entire house.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through Southern culinary heritage.

Savor the warmth and depth of this timeless green bean recipe that turns a humble vegetable into a celebrated dish.

FAQs

• Why use bacon in green beans?

Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor and provides a delicious fat base that helps tenderize and enhance the green beans. The rendered bacon fat creates depth and complexity in the dish.

• Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?

Fresh green beans are best for this recipe, as they provide the most authentic texture and flavor. Frozen beans can work but might become softer and less crisp during the long simmering process.

• Do I need to add chicken broth?

Yes, chicken broth is crucial for creating tender, flavorful green beans. It helps break down the beans during slow cooking and infuses them with additional taste. The liquid ensures the beans don’t dry out and become tough.

• Is Cajun seasoning necessary?

Cajun seasoning is optional but recommended. It adds a subtle spicy kick and extra complexity to the dish. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can substitute with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.

What Makes Southern Green Beans So Good

• Irresistible Green Bean Magic
• This recipe transforms humble green beans into a mouthwatering side dish bursting with smoky bacon and caramelized onion goodness.
• Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, the slow-simmering technique guarantees tender, perfectly seasoned beans without complicated techniques.
• Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this dish a weeknight dinner hero, letting you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious meal.
• Brings classic Southern comfort food directly to your table, offering a nostalgic and hearty side that connects you to traditional home cooking.

Southern Green Bean Ingredient Rundown

Main Ingredients:

Green Beans: Fresh green vegetables that provide the core foundation of this Southern side dish.

Bacon: Rich, savory meat that adds deep flavor and crispy texture to the green beans.

Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps tenderize and infuse the green beans with additional taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavor base and add depth to the dish.
• Cajun Seasoning: Spice blend that provides a distinctive Southern flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the green beans.

• Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps blend the final flavors together.

How to Sauté or Simmer Southern Style

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon

Start by heating a pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced bacon and cook slowly, stirring occasionally.

Allow the bacon to render its fat completely, creating a delicious flavor foundation for your green beans.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions and Garlic

When bacon is almost crispy, add chopped onions.

Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize.

Quickly add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and onion mixture and set aside.

Step 3: Simmer Green Beans

Keep the bacon grease in the pot.

Add trimmed green beans and pour in chicken broth until beans are just covered.

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning if desired.

Bring to a low boil, then cover and reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Beans should become incredibly tender and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Final Touch and Serve

Drain any excess broth from the beans.

Return the bacon and onion mixture to the pot and heat through for a minute or two.

Add butter and stir until melted.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the rich, Southern-style green beans.

Tips for Flavorful Tender Green Beans

• Slowly render bacon fat to create a rich, smoky base that infuses the entire dish with deep, savory notes.
• Watch garlic closely when sautéing, removing it from heat quickly to avoid bitter, acrid flavors that can ruin the dish.
• Use just enough chicken broth to cover beans, ensuring they become tender without becoming waterlogged or losing their texture.
• Simmer green beans gently for 1-1½ hours to break down fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tender beans packed with incredible flavor.
• Stir in butter at the end to add a luxurious richness and smooth out the overall taste of the Southern-style green beans.

Green Bean Storage and Reheat Tips

• Store leftover green beans in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed properly, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled beans to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Green beans can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Place beans in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm beans in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 3-5 minutes. This method helps maintain the original texture and prevents beans from becoming mushy.

Serve These Green Beans With These Dishes

• Savor Southern Comfort Combos
• Pair with Smoky Pulled Pork: The bacon-infused green beans complement the rich, tender pulled pork perfectly. The similar smoky flavors create a harmonious Southern-style plate that feels like a warm hug.
• Refresh with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's bright acidity cuts through the beans' richness, balancing the bacon's saltiness. Its herbaceous notes enhance the green beans' earthy undertones while cleansing the palate.
• Match with Cornbread Sidekick: Crumbly, buttery cornbread absorbs the flavorful bean broth, creating a delightful texture contrast. Its subtle sweetness rounds out the savory green bean profile, making each bite more satisfying.
• Complement with Light Amber Ale: The beer's malty character echoes the bacon's smokiness while providing a refreshing counterpoint. Its subtle hoppiness adds depth to the dish without overwhelming the delicate green bean flavors.

Flavor Options for Green Bean Recipes

• Vegetarian Green Beans: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. Swap bacon fat with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Sodium Version: Eliminate added salt, use low-sodium chicken broth, and choose reduced-sodium Cajun seasoning. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor complexity.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Keep the original recipe but reduce cooking time to maintain bean crispness. Add extra butter or drizzle with olive oil to increase fat content. Use homemade or sugar-free chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify Cajun seasoning is gluten-free. Ensure all broth and ingredients meet gluten-free standards. Skip any potential gluten-containing seasonings and replace with fresh herbs and spices.

Southern Green Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern green beans simmer with bacon and onions, creating a rich, comforting side dish. Country kitchens celebrate this classic recipe, where tender beans mingle with smoky, savory flavors you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, crisp diced bacon until golden and fat has rendered, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning.
2. Add chopped onions to the bacon fat, sautéing until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Remove bacon and onion mixture using a slotted spoon, reserving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
4. Place trimmed green beans directly into the bacon drippings, pouring chicken broth to just cover the vegetables. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning for extra depth.
5. Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
6. Once beans are exceptionally tender, drain any remaining liquid. Reintroduce the reserved bacon and onion mixture, stirring to combine.
7. Add butter and allow it to melt completely, coating the beans and creating a rich, glossy finish.
8. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the robust flavors to shine.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for deeper, richer flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the green beans.
• Remove excess bacon grease if you prefer a lighter dish, leaving just enough to coat the pot and add flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a similar depth of smoky taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg