Southern Green Beans

A spoonful of green beans with bacon and onions lifted from a serving dish.

Slow-simmered with bacon, onions, and a touch of seasoning, these Southern Green Beans bring comfort and flavor to every bite. Perfectly tender and packed with savory goodness, they're the ultimate side dish for any meal. Whether you're serving them with Sunday dinner or a holiday feast, these green beans are a crowd-pleaser every time.

Course Side

Cuisine American, Southern

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings

Calories 127kcal

Author Kylee Ayotte

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

Instructions

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.

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