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Southern Green Beans with Bacon

Old‑Fashioned Southern Green Beans with Bacon

This classic Southern side dish of green beans simmered with smoky bacon and fragrant onion is pure comfort food. Perfectly tender, rich in flavor, and packed with tradition.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds fresh green beans trimmed
  • 6 slices thick‑cut bacon cut into bite‑sized pieces
  • 1 yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water with bouillon
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste
  • red pepper flakes or smoked paprika optional, to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crisp but not overly hard.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the green beans to the pot, stirring to coat them in the bacon fat and aromatics. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth until it comes about halfway up the beans. Add salt, pepper, and optional spices.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until beans are tender and flavorful.
  6. Serve hot with a spoonful of the bacon-infused broth. Enjoy!

Notes

You can swap fresh green beans with frozen (just reduce cook time), and adjust seasoning depending on broth type. A splash of vinegar or squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the flavor.