Southern-Style Green Beans

October 18, 2025 by youssef

Crisp the Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for just one minute more, until fragrant.
Simmer the Beans: Add the prepared green beans and chicken broth to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt (be mindful, as the bacon and broth are already salty). Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the green beans are very tender.
Check Liquid: Occasionally check the pot to ensure it hasn’t dry out. If the liquid reduces too much, add a splash more chicken broth as needed.
Finish and Serve: Once the beans are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the butter and reserved crispy bacon until the butter is fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired. Serve warm with a spoonful of the delicious pot liquor from the bottom of the pot.