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.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. Set aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5

Add the trimmed green beans to the pot and toss them with the onions and garlic until well coated.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the butter, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Stir the cooked bacon back into the pot just before serving for added flavor and texture.

Step 9

Serve the Southern green beans warm as a flavorful side dish to complement any meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1825.4 grams (1825.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	827

Total Fat 41.90g	54%
Saturated Fat 19.50g	98%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.60g
Cholesterol 113mg	38%
Sodium 3267mg	142%
Total Carbohydrate 82.50g	30%
Dietary Fiber 33.50g	120%
Total Sugars 36.40g
Protein 44.70g	89%

Vitamin D 12IU	61%
Calcium 449mg	35%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 2995mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.6%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 37.3%