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Southern Green Beans


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 minutes before serving 1x

Description

A delicious and authentic Southern recipe for green beans cooked with turkey bacon, onions, and garlic in a savory chicken broth that captures traditional Southern flavors in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Fresh Green Beans
  • 4 slices Thick-cut Turkey Bacon
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion
  • 3 cloves Fresh Garlic
  • 1 cup Low-sodium Chicken Broth
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prep the Beans – Rinse green beans under cold water and trim both ends using a sharp knife
  • Step 2: Cook the Bacon – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook turkey bacon until crispy, then remove and reserve drippings
  • Step 3: Sauté Vegetables – Cook chopped onion in bacon fat until translucent (5 minutes), add garlic for 1 minute
  • Step 4: Add Green Beans – Stir in green beans to coat completely with the onion and garlic mixture
  • Step 5: Simmer – Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer 10-15 minutes until tender-crisp
  • Step 6: Finish and Serve – Crumble cooked bacon back into skillet, season with salt and pepper, serve warm

Notes

  • Choose fresh green beans that snap crisply when bent – avoid wilted or yellowing beans for best flavor and texture
  • Don’t skip reserving the bacon drippings as they provide essential smoky flavor that makes this dish authentically Southern
  • Keep the heat at medium to prevent burning the garlic, which would create a bitter taste throughout the dish
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and achieve perfect temperature
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-5 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 145 calories
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: southern green beans, recipe, homemade, cooking, food, easy recipe, southern cooking, side dish