When you’re looking for a side dish that delivers both tradition and bold, savory flavor, Southern-style green beans are a timeless choice. Cooked low and slow in a flavorful blend of aromatics, broth, and bacon, this dish brings comfort to your plate with every bite. While many green bean recipes are light and simple, this Southern version leans into a heartier, more robust profile—making it an ideal complement to any holiday meal or Sunday dinner.
The magic of this dish lies in its depth of flavor. Crisped bacon provides smokiness, while sautéed onions and garlic add richness. A bit of potato brings texture and body to the mix, soaking in the flavors as it simmers in the slow cooker. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations—and with how easy it is to prepare, you may find yourself serving it year-round. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a classic side that’s anything but boring, this one never fails.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
1½ pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
8 slices bacon
1 medium onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 russet potato, peeled and diced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Place trimmed green beans into the slow cooker. For easier serving, you can cut them in half.
Slice bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
In the same pan with the bacon grease, sauté diced onions until soft (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the sautéed onions, garlic, and reserved bacon grease to the slow cooker with the green beans.
Add diced potatoes to the mixture.
Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, if using. Toss everything to combine.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours, or until green beans and potatoes reach your desired tenderness.
Before serving, season with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the top and serve hot.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
This dish is rich in flavor and fiber, with green beans offering a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants. The addition of bacon and bacon grease enhances the taste but also raises the fat and sodium content, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation for those watching cholesterol or salt intake. Using low-sodium broth helps balance things out. While this recipe isn’t vegetarian, you could modify it with plant-based bacon alternatives and vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
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