Go Back
A white serving bowl filled with tender Southern Green Beans, generously topped with crispy, crumbled bacon bits.

Classic Southern Bacon and Green Beans

This comforting Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe slow-simmers fresh green beans with smoky bacon, onions, and garlic in a savory broth, creating a beloved side dish that's rich in flavor and tradition.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices Thick-cut Bacon diced
  • 1.5 lbs Fresh Green Beans trimmed and snapped or cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 3 cups Low-sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Water optional, for simmering
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Slotted Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon bits and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in the trimmed fresh green beans into the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and water (if using). Add the granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the green beans are tender to your liking. Stir occasionally. For a softer, more "cooked down" Southern style bean, simmer closer to 60 minutes.
  6. Taste the green beans and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the beans are not tender enough, continue simmering, adding a little more water or broth if necessary.
  7. Stir in most of the reserved crispy bacon bits just before serving. Garnish with the remaining bacon bits. Serve hot as a hearty side dish.

Notes

For an even deeper flavor, you can use smoked ham hocks or a piece of smoked turkey leg instead of or in addition to the bacon. Just add it with the broth and simmer until very tender, then remove, shred the meat, and return to the pot. These green beans are even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.