Smothered Green Beans

Officially the next best thing since green bean casserole, this Southern side features tender green beans and smoky bacon. Then smother that in a savory sauce with a touch of sweetness for mind blowing flavor!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 144kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
6 thick slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons (28g) butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons (26g) brown sugar
2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
1 teaspoon (5ml) apple cider vinegar
1 cup (236ml) chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat a large, deep cast iron skillet, add the chopped bacon, and cook until crispy. Take the bacon out of the skillet and set aside. Drain the bacon fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
Add the butter and let it melt. Then add onions and garlic, stir, and saute until fragrant.
Next, add the green beans, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken stock, and half the cooked bacon. (Reserve the rest for garnishing).
Bring to a boil, cover, and let it simmer on medium-low for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
10 minutes before it's done cooking, season with salt and pepper. Add more stock if you want a saucier dish.
Adjust the sauce thickness and seasoning to taste and serve hot with your favorite chicken, fish, or meat dish.

Notes

Trim the woody ends of the beans. They'll look more uniform and be easier to eat, too.
Take care not to overcook the beans. They should be just fork tender.
Don't add salt until the end, when you can give it a taste test. Bacon and soy sauce are pretty salty, so you might not need any extra salt.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition