Southern Green Beans with Potatoes and Bacon Recipe
A comforting Southern classic, these Green Beans with Potatoes and Bacon combine fresh green beans, tender russet potatoes, and smoky bacon cooked slowly in a flavorful broth. This hearty side dish offers a perfect balance of savory richness and vegetable freshness, ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1½ lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
Meat & Dairy
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
Liquids & 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 rendered. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Build the flavor base: Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Add the trimmed green beans and peeled, chunked potatoes to the pot, stirring well to coat them in 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 heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Slow cook: Cover the pot and let the vegetables simmer gently for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are soft and flavorful.
- Finish: Stir the cooked bacon back into the pot. Add the butter if using for extra richness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if desired.
- Serve: Spoon the green beans and potatoes into a serving dish and enjoy as a hearty side to your favorite Southern meals.
Notes
- You can substitute water for chicken broth but broth adds more depth of flavor.
- For a smoky touch, the smoked paprika is optional but recommended.
- Using thick-cut bacon gives extra rich flavor and texture to the dish.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Southern green beans, green beans with potatoes, bacon green beans, Southern side dish, slow cooked vegetables, comfort food, easy green beans
