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Southern Green Beans with Bacon

Southern green beans with bacon simmer in chicken broth until the beans are very tender and infused with smoky bacon flavor. This one-pot side dish combines crisp bacon, softened onion, and fresh green beans for a comforting Southern-style dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 90
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 bacon thick-cut, chopped
  • 1 yellow onion medium, diced
  • 2 lb fresh green beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 5-quart Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
  2. Transfer the bacon to a plate and leave 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
  3. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  4. Add the green beans, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and cooked bacon.
  5. Bring the broth to a boil.
  6. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
  7. Simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender.

Notes

For the most tender texture, simmer until the beans are very tender. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For a pork-free variation, omit the bacon.