Oh yes 😌 Southern green beans—slow-cooked, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with a bit of smoky goodness. Classic comfort food!
🌿 Southern Green Beans
Ingredients (4–6 servings)
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or 2 cans, drained)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (or ham hock for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook bacon
- In a large pot or skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove some fat if excessive, leaving 1–2 tbsp.
- Sauté aromatics
- Add onion and cook until soft (~3–4 min). Add garlic and cook 30 sec.
- Add green beans & broth
- Stir in green beans and pour in chicken broth.
- If using ham hock, add it now.
- Simmer
- Cover and simmer on low 30–45 min for fresh beans (or 15–20 min for canned) until tender and flavorful.
- Season & serve
- Remove ham hock (if used).
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Pro Tips
- Smoky flavor: Use bacon, smoked turkey, or ham hock.
- Make ahead: Flavors deepen if cooked slowly or left overnight.
- Southern twist: Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar for balance.
- For extra texture: Cook uncovered at the end to reduce liquid and concentrate flavor.
I can also give you a quick skillet version or slow cooker Southern green beans if you want 😏.
Do you want one of those variations?