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Southern Green Beans with Bacon

Southern green beans with bacon simmer slowly in chicken broth until very tender, with crisp bacon and softened onion adding savory flavor. This stovetop side dish is made in a Dutch oven for tender beans infused with smoky bacon.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 1 minute
Total Time 1 hour 16 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 170
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • 1 5-quart Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp.
  2. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
  4. Add the green beans, chicken broth, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Cover and simmer over low heat for 40 to 50 minutes, until the beans are very tender.
  7. Stir in the cooked bacon.
  8. Simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

For very tender beans, keep the covered pot at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; freezing is suitable, though the beans may soften further when thawed. For a lighter option, turkey bacon can replace the thick-cut bacon.