Name: Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed; 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)

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If you grew up in the South or ever found yourself at a family reunion there, you know that no spread is complete without a big steaming pot of homemade green beans. This Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—slow-simmered, full of smoky bacon flavor, with beans so tender they almost melt in your mouth. Every bite brings a sense of homey nostalgia, and I can promise you, this is the only green bean recipe you’ll want to serve alongside your favorite Southern dishes again and again.

Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to the Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe, it’s all about the magic that happens with just a handful of simple, honest ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s old-fashioned flavor or a pop of color—to this beloved side dish.

Fresh green beans (2 pounds): Choose bright, crisp beans to ensure a hearty, tender result after simmering.
Thick-cut bacon (4 slices, chopped): The smoky, savory backbone of the dish—don’t skip this for true Southern flavor!
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down in those bacon drippings.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Just a little bit brings out an amazing aroma and rounds out the flavors.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses the beans with a seasoned, savory richness that pulls everything together.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Traditional Southern recipes love a little peppery kick.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste): Enhances the fresh, green flavor—taste as you go!
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint if you crave a subtle warmth in the background.
Butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Stir in at the end for an ultra-luxurious finish.

How to Make Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and cook until it’s gorgeously crispy, stirring every so often so nothing sticks. When the bacon is perfect, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside—don’t touch those drippings! They’re golden for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onion straight into the bacon drippings left in the pot. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until softened and aromatic. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds. You’re aiming for fragrant, not browned.

Step 3: Simmer the Green Beans

Add those freshly trimmed green beans, chicken broth, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the pot. Give everything a gentle stir. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a low boil—watch those wonderful smells start to fill your kitchen!

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Drop the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the beans simmer away for 1 to 1½ hours. Give them an occasional stir and check if you need to add a bit more broth or water. The longer simmer is the secret behind that signature Southern tenderness and flavorful pot liquor (that’s the rich broth left behind at the bottom).

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When the green beans are ultra-tender and infused with all those wonderful flavors, stir in the butter for a final touch of richness. Add the reserved crispy bacon back to the pot just before serving, then plate it all up while piping hot—that’s the Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe, just like Grandma used to make.

How to Serve Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe

Garnishes

This dish is fantastic as-is, but a sprinkle of fresh-cracked black pepper, a little extra bacon crumble, or a dusting of chopped fresh parsley can make your platter irresistible. Don’t be shy—a simple garnish brings a pop of color and a touch of freshness.

Side Dishes

The Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe shines brightest when surrounded by its classic companions: think fluffy mashed potatoes, golden cornbread, crispy fried chicken, or a big slab of meatloaf. The beans’ savory broth makes them perfect for drizzling over rice or potatoes, too!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, try serving these green beans in a rustic cast iron skillet, a deep farmhouse bowl, or even little individual ramekins for a homestyle touch. They also add folksy charm to any holiday buffet or backyard cookout.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and trust me, the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezing

This dish is totally freezer-friendly! Freeze cooled beans (with a bit of their broth) in a well-sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a fresh-from-the-pot experience.

Reheating

Reheat the beans gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or water if needed. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the stovetop helps maintain the beans’ perfect texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Fresh green beans deliver the best classic texture, but you can absolutely use high-quality frozen beans as a shortcut. If you’re using canned, be aware they’ll cook much faster and can become soft, so adjust the simmering time accordingly.

What if I want a smokier flavor but don’t eat pork?

For a deeper smoky note without bacon, substitute with smoked turkey wings or legs—that’s a traditional Southern swap that works wonders in the Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Omit the bacon and use good olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic, then select vegetable broth. You might want to bump up the seasonings and consider a dash of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor profile.

Can I make the Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as all the flavors meld together in the fridge. Just reheat gently and enjoy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe is naturally gluten-free—just confirm your broth and bacon are gluten-free to be sure, since some store-bought versions may contain added gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason why the Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe is a staple at every Southern gathering—it’s hearty, full-flavored, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Give it a try and let it become a treasured favorite in your own home!

Real Deal Southern Green Beans Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the true taste of the South with these Real Deal Southern Green Beans. Slow-cooked to perfection with bacon, onions, and garlic, these green beans are rich in flavor and make the perfect side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)

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Instructions

Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
Add Beans and Broth: Add green beans, chicken broth, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a low boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours until beans are tender. Stir occasionally and adjust liquid if needed.
Finish and Serve: Stir in butter and reserved bacon before serving.