southern green beans

Recipe by
Beth Pierce
Ofallon, MO

Southern Green Beans are slow-cooked string beans with onion, garlic, and crisp bacon. The end result is heavenly: scrumptious, tender, melt-in-your-mouth green beans.

These are not to be confused with northern-style green beans, which are cooked crisp and tender, sometimes with crispy bacon or just a bit of butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.

read more
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 1 Hr 30 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For southern green beans

  • 4 slice
    bacon, diced
  • 1 md
    onion, finely chopped
  • 2 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 2 lb
    fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 3 1/2 c
    chicken broth
  • 1 tsp
    Cajun seasoning, optional (see notes)
  • 2 Tbsp
    butter
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

How To Make southern green beans

  • 1
    In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until almost completely browned. Add the onion and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and add the garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Remove the bacon/onion mixture to a bowl using a slotted spoon. Reserve the bacon grease. Do not wash the saucepan.
  • 2
    Add the green beans and enough chicken broth to cover the green beans. Add the Cajun seasoning.
  • 3
    Bring to a low boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 1 – 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Drain chicken broth, return the bacon/onion mixture, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Add the butter, stir, and serve. If needed, season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
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