Description
This Southern Green Beans with Potatoes and Bacon recipe is a comforting, flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans and potatoes simmered with savory bacon and aromatics. Slow-cooked in a pot with chicken broth and seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, this classic Southern dish perfectly balances rich, smoky, and hearty flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until browned and the fat is rendered. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Build the flavor base: Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to combine.
- Add vegetables: Add the trimmed green beans and chunked potatoes to the pot, stirring well to coat them in the bacon fat and distribute the flavors evenly.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Slow cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for 35 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are soft and deeply flavored.
- Finish: Stir the cooked bacon back into the pot. Add butter if desired for added richness and adjust the seasoning to your preference with additional salt or pepper.
- Serve: Serve the green beans and potatoes hot as a hearty and traditional Southern side dish that perfectly complements meats and other mains.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a wonderful depth and smoky aroma.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water for a lighter version.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste, especially if using salted bacon or broth.
- Butter enhances richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Southern green beans, green beans with potatoes, bacon green beans, Southern side dish, slow cooked green beans