Smothered Green Beans are a delicious and savory side dish that takes fresh green beans to the next level. Cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with bacon, onions, and seasonings, these green beans are tender, full of flavor, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a weeknight meal, Smothered Green Beans are sure to become a favorite side dish. This easy-to-make recipe is a great way to add flavor and texture to your meals while keeping things simple.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed)

Directions:

Prepare the green beans:

1. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Cook the bacon:

2. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.

Sauté the onions and garlic:

3. Sauté the onions: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onion and cook until softened and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine and cook:

4. Add the green beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the bacon, onions, and garlic.
5. Create the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, water, soy sauce, and sugar. Pour the mixture over the green beans. Add smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor if desired.
6. Simmer the beans: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer the green beans for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Finish the dish:

7. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the crispy bacon bits and serve hot.

Notes:

• Green Bean Variations: You can use frozen green beans if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw and cook them according to the package instructions before using them in the recipe.
• Vegetarian Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing. You can add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare Smothered Green Beans a day ahead of time and reheat before serving. They may even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Conclusion:

Smothered Green Beans are a rich, savory side dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a flavorful broth-based sauce creates a dish that’s full of flavor and satisfying in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, these green beans will quickly become a staple on your dinner table. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and always a hit, Smothered Green Beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.