Transform simple ingredients into a rustic side dish with this "Country Green Beans and Onions" recipe, a comforting blend of tender green beans, caramelized onions, and savory garlic simmered in chicken broth. Optional crispy bacon adds a smoky twist, while a touch of crushed red pepper flakes brings subtle heat to this classic Southern favorite. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with easy cooking techniques to create a dish perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. Serve it alongside roasted meats or enjoy it as a light yet flavorful vegetarian option by skipping the bacon.
Rinse the green beans under cold water and trim the ends.
Peel the onion and slice it into thin wedges. Mince the garlic cloves.
If using bacon, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Add the butter and olive oil to the skillet (use just the olive oil if bacon fat is not used). Heat over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble.
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant.
Stir in the green beans, coating them in the onion and garlic mixture.
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, then add the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired). Stir gently.
Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the green beans simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and the broth has mostly evaporated.
Crumble the cooked bacon (if using) and sprinkle it over the green beans before serving.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before transferring to a serving dish.
Calories |
632 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.7 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.9 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 2046 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.9 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.2 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.2 g | ||
| Protein | 19.2 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 234 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1462 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.