The Best Southern Green Beans
Transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South with "The Best Southern Green Beans," a comfort food classic brimming with rich, savory flavors. This recipe transforms simple, fresh green beans into a soul-warming side dish by simmering them low and slow in a flavorful medley of crispy bacon, tender onions, garlic, and a savory chicken broth blend. A touch of butter and a hint of red pepper flakes elevate these green beans to unforgettable heights, offering silky texture, a smoky kick, and a subtle heat. Perfect for Sunday dinners, festive gatherings, or as an everyday indulgence, these green beans pair beautifully with roasted meats, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. Easy to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time and simmered to perfection in one pot, this Southern classic will become your go-to recipe for nostalgic flavors and hearty satisfaction.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes
Instructions
Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. Set aside.
Slice the bacon into small pieces. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Dice the yellow onion and add it to the pot with the bacon drippings. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add the trimmed green beans to the pot and toss them with the onions and garlic until well coated.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the butter, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender and infused with flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed.
Stir the cooked bacon back into the pot just before serving for added flavor and texture.
Serve the Southern green beans warm as a flavorful side dish to complement any meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
827 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.9 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.5 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 113 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 3267 mg | 142% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.5 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.5 g | 120% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.4 g | ||
| Protein | 44.7 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 448 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 2995 mg | 64% | |
*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.
