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Country Green Beans and Bacon 1

Country Green Beans and Bacon

This timeless Southern classic combines fresh green beans with smoky bacon, creating a perfect balance of flavors that evokes memories of family gatherings and Sunday suppers. The magic of this dish lies in the way a few humble ingredients create something truly extraordinary.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: Green Beans, Bacon, Southern Cooking, Comfort Food, Side Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 120kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
  • Slotted Spoon

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and snapped
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it's crispy and has rendered its fat, about 8-10 minutes. The bacon should be evenly browned but not burnt.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer about half of the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate for garnish, leaving the remaining bacon and all of the bacon fat in the pot.
  • Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the trimmed and snapped green beans to the pot, stirring to coat them in the bacon fat mixture.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). The liquid should come about halfway up the beans – not completely covering them.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the green beans reach your preferred tenderness.
  • Once the beans have reached your preferred tenderness, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and top with the reserved crispy bacon pieces.
  • Allow the beans to rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and intensify.

Notes

For a healthier version, use turkey bacon and unsalted chicken broth to reduce sodium.
The beans taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop, making this a perfect make-ahead dish.
For vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth with 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
Test a bean at 30 minutes - it should be tender but not mushy. Continue cooking to your desired texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 15mg | Iron: 8mg
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