Southern Green Beans Loaded With Beef Bacon

By: Meiko Temple
Posted: 06/27/2023
Updated: 06/27/2023
This post may contain affiliate links | Disclosure Policy

These Southern Green Beans Loaded With Beef Bacon are calling your name, and trust me, they are lip-smacking good. This classic side dish is a true gem, bringing together fresh green beans, savory rendered beef bacon, and a medley of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Southern cuisine.

Need Help With Serving Suggestions?

If you’re on the hunt for a quick and easy meal plan, look no further! I’ve got a lineup of mouthwatering dishes that pair perfectly with these delectable Southern Style Green Beans With Beef Bacon. Whether you’re craving a satisfying main course or a refreshing side, this menu has you covered. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meal with these flavorful options:

Entrée: BBQ Beef Ribs

Side: Butter Bath Corn

Bread: Cast Iron Cornbread

Southern Style Green Beans with “Bacon”

Hey fam! I’m here with another southern classic for your cooking arsenal. Introducing my mouthwatering recipe for Southern Green Beans With Beef Bacon!

These ain’t your ordinary green beans, oh no. We’re takin’ them to the next level with a touch of Texas flair. Tender green beans meet the smoky goodness of beef bacon, simmered in a rich and flavorful beef broth. This is what we mean when we say Southern comfort.

When you think about it, Southern green beans are the one dish that must be present at all family gatherings, holiday feasts, cookouts, and any occasion that calls for a taste of Southern hospitality. So it’s only right that I share a bomb recipe for these daddies that you can impress with. Let’s get into the green beans recipe below.

What You’ll Need For Southern Green Beans

Neutral oil (avocado oil/vegetable oil): We’ll start by heating up a splash of neutral oil in the pan to get that sizzle going. Avocado oil or vegetable oil works great for achieving that perfect golden sear.
Beef bacon: We’re talking about smoky, savory strips of beef perfection adding a touch of indulgence to this classic dish.. Made from beef instead of pork, it’s a fantastic alternative for those who don’t eat pork. I personally love the Godshall’s bran d for its mouthwatering taste.
Butter (unsalted): A touch of creamy, unsalted butter brings a velvety richness to our dish. It adds a luxurious mouthfeel and enhances the overall taste.
Onion (sliced yellow onion): We’ll sauté some sliced yellow onions to infuse our southern string beans with a sweet and aromatic flavor. I like big slices of onion but you can use chopped onion if you prefer.
Garlic cloves: Don’t forget the minced garlic! Mince or finely chop a couple of garlic cloves to release their fragrant aroma and add a hint of pungent goodness to our dish.
Fresh green beans: Ah, the glorious string beans themselves! For the best flavor and texture, fresh green beans are preferred. Trim the ends and snap them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. However, if fresh is not available, you can use frozen green beans as a convenient alternative.
Kosher salt: We’ll season our dish with a sprinkle of kosher salt to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients and bring out their natural deliciousness. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Black pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a subtle kick and depth to our string beans. It complements the other flavors and brings everything together harmoniously.
Garlic powder: For an extra punch of garlic flavor, a pinch of garlic powder does wonders. It intensifies the savory notes and elevates the overall taste profile.
Beef stock: To create a flavorful broth for our string beans. It adds depth and richness to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. Plus, it keeps the beans tender and juicy.

Ingredient tip: Fresh green beans are recommended for their vibrant color and crisp texture, but if you can’t find them, frozen green beans can still be used for a convenient option. However, for the ultimate taste experience in southern country style green beans, go for the fresh ones!

How To Make Southern Style Green Beans

But the best part is that the green bean recipe is that it is delightfully simple, so you can dress it up or down your heart’s content.

[STEP 1] Snap string beans. Prepare the fresh green beans by rinsing, cutting off the ends, and snapping them in half. Set them aside.

[STEP 2] Render bacon. In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, add oil and chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside.

[STEP 3] Saute onions and garlic. In the same pot, keep the bacon grease drippings and add butter and onion. Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

[STEP 4] Simmer low and slow. Add the green beans, salt, pepper, garlic powder, beef stock and ½ cup of the cooked bacon to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover with a lid and cook for 30 minutes until the green beans become tender. Stir occasionally to check for tenderness.

[STEP 5] Taste and serve. Carefully taste the green beans and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve them hot, topped with crumbled bacon bits.

Meiko’s Pro Recipe Tips

Monitor liquid levels: Throughout the cooking process, check the green beans and ensure that there is enough liquid to cover them. If the liquid gets low, add either chicken broth or water to prevent burning and shriveling.
Cover with lid : For optimal results, cook the green beans with the lid covered to create a cozy environment inside the pot, where the green beans can simmer and soften to perfection. The lid helps retain moisture and heat, ensuring that the beans cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the bacon, onions, and seasonings.
Make it vegan: If you looking for smokey flavor without the meat add a few dashes of vegan liquid smoke and sub beef broth for vegetable broth.
Save some bacon: Save some of that bacon to sprinkle on top of your Southern Green Beans! Trust me, it adds an extra burst of smoky flavor and a delightful crunch.

Switch It Up: Recipe Variation Ideas

Harness the power of smoke: Consider substituting beef bacon with smoked turkey wings or smoked turkey sausage. Smoked meats help produce a more concentrated flavor of smoke in the broth.
Add veg: Add additional vegetables like potato chunks or corn to the dish for added heartiness and flavor.
Vinegar preference: Decide whether to include vinegar for a tangy taste. Add a splash to your own bowl if desired.
Brown Sugar. Use brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor. Don’t knock it til you try it.
Add spice: Spice up your southern green beans with few dashes of pepper sauce, hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Storage & Reheating Recommendations

To store: Once the southern green beans are cooked, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the beans along with the broth and beef bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Allow cooked green beans to cool to room temperature and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for 3-4 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.

To reheat: Transfer the leftovers to a saucepan set over medium-low heat. Stir the beans frequently as they warm up to your desired temperature. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to prevent them from drying out. This method ensures the beans are evenly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there other names for “green beans”?

Oh yeah and I probably used all throughout this blog post and you didn’t even notice. Some folks call ’em French beans, string beans, or snap beans.

Why are the beans a darker color?

Well, the longer you cook those green beans, the brighter green color fades away. But let me tell you, these southern-style beans might not be as bright, but they sure pack a punch of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture that’ll have you comin’ back for more!

Can I cook these in a slow cooker?

Yes if you cook the bacon in a skillet first. Just save the drippings, and add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Set it on low and let ’em cook for around 4 hours until they’re completely softened. Strain ’em, season ’em, and top ’em off with that crispy bacon.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Well, you can, but there’s a catch. Frozen green beans have already been blanched, so they tend to get a bit soft and lose their shape when cooked low and slow if thawed out. If you’re throwing them in while still frozen, just keep in mind they might take a bit longer to cook. Fresh green beans give the best results for this recipe.

Can I use canned green beans?

Technically yes, if you are ok with eating mushy green beans. Part of what makes southern green beans, southern is the low and slow cook. I haven’t tried them with this recipe but I’d recommend cooking ’em on the stove for a shorter time to preserve some texture if possible. Just know that you may be sacrificing some of the flavor.

Prep Your Tools & Ingredients

Here is a quick list of things to do before the recipe to ensure everything goes smoothly. This list may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission to help support this blog.

Gather Your Tools:

Dutch oven or large pot with lid

Recipe Prep

Always read the recipe through at least 1 time before you start. It helps you move faster when you already know what step is coming next.
Measure out all of your ingredients.
Prepare the fresh green beans by rinsing, cutting off the woodsy ends, and snapping them in half.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Now, here’s the deal: you gotta try these green beans ASAP. Don’t wait another minute, my friend. Trust me, you won’t regret it. They’re the perfect side dish for any meal, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a Sunday supper, or just a regular ol’ Tuesday night. So go on, gather up those ingredients, fire up the stove, and get cookin’. I promise you, you’ll love these southern green beans!