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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Smothered Green Beans ahead of time, and how should I store them?
Yes, Smothered Green Beans are excellent for making ahead! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Store the cooled green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave, until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent them from drying out. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld further.
What are some suitable ingredient substitutions for this Smothered Green Beans recipe?
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and add sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well, and you can use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content. If you’re out of smoked paprika, a pinch of regular paprika and a dash of liquid smoke can be used as an alternative.
How do I know when the Smothered Green Beans are perfectly cooked?
The green beans are perfectly cooked when they are tender-crisp. This means they should be slightly softened, but still have a bit of bite to them, not mushy. Visually, they should be bright green, and the sauce should have thickened slightly. Taste a bean to check for tenderness after simmering for 10-15 minutes; the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the freshness of the green beans.
Can I double or scale up this Smothered Green Beans recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe! If doubling, use a larger skillet to accommodate the increased volume. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, allowing for an extra 5-10 minutes of simmering to ensure the green beans are tender. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly, as the flavors may need balancing.
What are the nutritional highlights of Smothered Green Beans?
Smothered Green Beans offer a good source of vitamins and minerals. Green beans are rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and fiber, contributing to bone health, immune function, and digestive health. The onions and garlic add antioxidants. If using bacon, it adds protein and some fat; however, the recipe can be made vegetarian to reduce fat content.
Smothered Green Beans
This delicious recipe for smothered green beans will be a hit at any dinner table.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
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.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
