Description
This Southern Green Beans with Potatoes and Bacon recipe offers a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans and potatoes simmered slowly in bacon drippings and chicken broth. Enhanced with garlic, onions, and optional smoked paprika and butter, it delivers a rich Southern classic perfect for any hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1½ lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Meat and Fats
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
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. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Build the flavor base: Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Add the trimmed green beans and peeled potato chunks to the pot, stirring to coat them well with the bacon fat and mix with the aromatics.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Slow cook: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer gently for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are soft and infused with the smoky bacon flavor.
- Finish: Stir the cooked bacon back into the pot. If desired, add the tablespoon of butter for extra richness and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Southern green beans and potatoes hot as a classic comfort food side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Bacon drippings add authentic Southern taste; do not discard.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds depth and smoky warmth.
- Butter is optional and enhances richness when added at the end.
- Adjust cooking time if your potatoes are cut smaller or larger.
- Can substitute chicken broth with water for a lighter version.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Southern green beans, green beans and potatoes, bacon green beans, Southern side dish, comfort food, slow simmered green beans