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.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- Add the green beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the bacon, onions, and garlic.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
Smothered Green Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add green beans and stir well to coat with oil.
- Pour in chicken broth, add salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until beans are tender.
