Go Back
+ servings
Overhead image of southern style green beans in a blue and white serving dish
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Southern Style Green Beans

Southern Style Green Beans simmer slowly on the stovetop with bacon, onion and other seasonings until the fresh green beans are tender, flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword fresh green bean recipes, green bean recipe, southern style green beans
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 - 8 people
Calories 108kcal
Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

  • 5 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 lbs. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half or thirds crosswise
  • 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  • In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
  • Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add the green beans, chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, black pepper, and half of the cooked bacon into the pot with the onion. Set the remaining half of the bacon aside to use as a garnish at the end.
  • Bring the broth to a boil; reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer (stirring occasionally) until the green beans are very tender, about 40-45 minutes. Taste and season with salt, if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with reserved crispy bacon.

Notes

  • The total amount of salt necessary will depend on personal taste preference, and on the saltiness of your broth and bacon. As a result, taste and season as you go!
  • Adjust the total cooking time to suit you preferences. Thirty minutes might be sufficient if you like more in-tact, sturdy beans, while a full hour might be necessary for a really broken-down, tender pot. That's the beauty of using a Dutch oven (rather than a slow cooker or Instant pot) -- you have full control and can easily take them off of the heat when necessary.
  • Add more seasonings to the green beans, if desired. You can use seasoned salt or garlic salt instead of regular salt, or try garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Finish the green beans with a splash of vinegar for a bright, acidic touch.
  • For added heat, season the veggies with Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning, some hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne.
  • Fresh herbs are also a nice addition to the pot, such as thyme, parsley, chives or basil.
  • Instead of bacon, add flavor to the green beans with a smoked ham bone, a ham hock, smoked sausage, smoked turkey wings, or smoked pork neck bones.
  • Swap out the fresh green beans for frozen cut green beans or frozen French-style green beans. You do not need to thaw the frozen vegetables before adding them to the pot.
  • Add extra sugar for a sweeter taste. You can also substitute with brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/8 of the recipe | Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 791IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg