Old Fashioned Green Beans
Bring comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table with these Old Fashioned Green Beans, a timeless Southern side dish brimming with rich, savory flavors. Tender fresh green beans are simmered low and slow in a flavorful broth infused with smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and aromatic garlic. A touch of butter adds a silky finish, while optional red pepper flakes deliver a subtle kick for those who crave a little heat. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly hearty, this dish is a hearty crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, fried chicken, or holiday feasts. With its blend of classic ingredients and simple, satisfying preparation, these green beans are destined to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 medium, chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Wash and trim the green beans, removing any stems or rough ends. Set them aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces and set aside.
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate them into the liquid for added flavor.
Add the green beans to the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the broth. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the green beans for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and infused with the flavors of the broth.
Remove the lid and stir in the butter until melted and well incorporated. Check the seasoning and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Stir in the crumbled bacon as a final touch, reserving a little for garnish if desired.
Transfer the green beans to a serving dish, top with reserved bacon if using, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
126 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.8 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g | 15% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 817 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.7 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 7.2 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 516 mg | 11% | |
*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.
