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Southern Green Beans with Bacon

Southern green beans with bacon are simmered low and slow in chicken broth until very tender, with crisp bacon and softened onion in every bite. This easy stovetop side dish brings classic Southern flavor to fresh green beans.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 105
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • 1 4-quart Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon in a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
  2. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
  3. Add the onion to the pot and cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  4. Add the green beans, chicken broth, kosher salt, and black pepper, and bring to a boil.
  5. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender.
  6. Crumble the bacon over the green beans and serve.

Notes

For the most even cooking, trim the green beans to similar lengths. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; freezing is possible, though the beans may soften further when thawed. For a lighter variation, use turkey bacon.