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Cooked green beans with pieces of bacon in a pan, stirred with a wooden spoon.
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5 from 2 votes

Southern Smothered Green Beans

Learn the secrets to making southern Smothered Green Beans that bring comfort to your table with every bite!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Sides
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 6
Calories: 186kcal
Author: Debi Morgan | Quiche My Grits

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon diced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 (15 oz cans) green beans, drained (I use Del Monte Fresh Cut Green Beans)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  • Add diced bacon to a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
    6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • In the same skillet with the bacon grease, cook diced onions until softened.
    1 medium onion
  • Make sure the onions are caramelized before adding other ingredients.
  • Stir in green beans, chicken broth, vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    2 (15 oz cans) green beans, drained, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer UNCOVERED for 30 to 40 minutes until the liquid has reduced and beans are tender.
  • Return the bacon to the skillet or pot and stir it in before serving. Add a pat (one tablespoon) of butter and swirl it into the beans.
    1 tablespoon butter

Notes

    • Let the beans simmer uncovered so the sauce reduces.
    • Don’t skip the bacon grease, it’s essential for authentic southern flavor.
    • Make it ahead of time for an even better taste the next day.
    • Adjust the seasoning as it simmers since flavors get stronger over time.
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
    • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
    • You can use fresh green beans as a substitute, but you will have to double the cooking time and add extra liquid to the pot. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 376mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.3mg