One bite of my Louisiana neighbor’s green beans and I was hooked. I hurried home, canned beans in hand, determined to nail every smoky, savory note.
Bacon and onions start the party, canned beans keep things speedy, and a splash of apple cider vinegar with a hint of brown sugar ties it all together. They simmer while I tackle the rest of dinner and vanish from the table at every Sunday supper and all the holiday meals.
Serve with meatloaf, fried chicken, Chicken Fried Steak, ham, or roast turkey for a true down-home meal.
They go perfectly with mashed potatoes, cornbread, corn casserole or mac and cheese for a full Southern-style meal. Finish it off with some Possum Pie!
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
Smoky, tender Southern green beans use everyday staples and only get tastier the longer they simmer.
- Easy. Just a few pantry staples and simple steps.
- Make-ahead friendly. Tastes even better the next day.
- Crowd-pleaser. Always a hit at holidays and potlucks.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Bacon. Adds smoky, rich flavor. Thick-cut or regular both work. If you have a leftover ham hock from another day, add that to the pot. Any smoked meat will work, actually. Smoked sausage, diced small will be good in a pinch.
- Onion. I like yellow onion are best, but white or sweet onions are fine too.
- Green beans. Canned green beans make this recipe super easy. Drain them well. Can you use fresh string beans instead of canned? Yes! just blanch them first to soften before simmering.
- Chicken broth. Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
- Apple cider vinegar. Gives the dish brightness and balance.
- Brown sugar. Adds a little sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Spices. Garlic and onion powder add savory depth. Kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Crushed red pepper flakes are optional but add a little somethin’ somethin’ to a southern green beans recipe. Just saying.
How to make Southern Green Beans
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
STEP 1: Cook the bacon and onion.
Crisp the bacon in a Dutch oven, then sauté the chopped onions for about 5 minutes until soft and golden. Save the bacon grease in case you need to add flavor at the end.
STEP 2: Add the beans, liquids and seasonings
Add in the drained green beans, broth, vinegar, brown sugar and all seasonings. Stir to combine
STEP 3: Simmer the beans
Bring everything to a boil, then drop the heat to low and let the beans simmer for at least 45 minutes, giving them a quick stir now and then so they soak up all that flavor.
STEP 4: Season and serve
Taste, tweak the salt and pepper if needed, and scatter the reserved crispy bacon on top before ladling the green beans onto plates
Troubleshooting Guide – Common Problems and Solutions
- Beans turned out mushy? 45 minutes is the sweet spot for tender yet intact beans. If you like a little bite and are nervous about your beans overcooking, start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark and pull the pot as soon as they hit your perfect texture.
- Too much liquid left in the pot? Simmer for 10 minutes more, uncovered and let the excess broth cook off. Alternatively, just remove the beans using a slotted spoon to a serving dish and call it good.
- Beans taste too salty? Pour off a splash of the liquid and replace it with plain water or a quarter cup of broth, then simmer five extra minutes. Next time, rinse canned beans well and use low-sodium broth or skip any added salt until the very end.
Kylee’s Notes
- Drain the green beans well before adding to the pot.
- Cook bacon slowly to render out the fat.
- Stir gently so the green beans don’t break apart.
- Reserve some bacon for topping.
- Use low-sodium broth if your bacon is salty.
- Taste before serving and adjust the salt.
- Add a splash of broth if it looks too dry.
- Mix up your seasonings, add some seasoned salt instead of the salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders.
- Make it spicy and super fragrant and add some Cajun seasoning!
How to store leftovers
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating tips
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts.
More yummy green bean recipes:
- Bacon Wrapped Green Beans. The BEST side for holidays! Fresh green bean bundles are easy to grab and soon to be family favorite!
- Green Beans Almondine. A classic French side dish that brings together tender green beans, toasted almonds, and a little lemon. These Garlicky Green Beans Almondine are perfect for holiday dinners or any time you want to add a special touch!
- Green Bean Casserole (from scratch). A super tasty version of a classic, made from scratch using fresh ingredients. This green bean casserole is a family favorite that everyone will love!
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Southern Green Beans
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium onion
- 3 x 14.5oz canned green beans (drained)
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Get prepped: Chop the bacon and dice the onion. Drain the canned green beans. Measure out the chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices.
- Cook the bacon and onion: Add 6 slices bacon to a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until crisp. Remove a few pieces to use as garnish if desired. Add diced 1 medium onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.Save the bacon grease in case you need to add flavor at the end.
- Simmer the beans: Add 3 x 14.5oz canned green beans, 1.5 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon onion powder, and 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with the reserved bacon. Serve warm.
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Notes
- Drain the green beans well before adding to the pot
- Cook bacon slowly to render out the fat
- Simmer uncovered so the flavors can develop
- Stir gently so the green beans don’t break apart
- Reserve some bacon for topping
- Use low-sodium broth if your bacon is salty
- Taste before serving and adjust the salt
- Add a splash of broth if it looks too dry
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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