Description
A classic Southern side dish featuring tender green beans simmered slowly with crispy bacon, onions, garlic, and a flavorful blend of seasonings including brown sugar, Cajun spices, and Worcestershire sauce. This comforting recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- ½ pound bacon, diced
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 to 3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan to use for cooking the vegetables.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the reserved bacon fat in the pan and sauté over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Green Beans: Toss the trimmed green beans into the pan, coating them evenly with the bacon fat, sautéed onions, and garlic to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Green Beans: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the green beans to simmer gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering will let the beans become tender and let the flavors meld. If the liquid evaporates too quickly during cooking, add a splash of chicken broth to keep them moist.
- Finish with Bacon and Adjust Seasoning: Once the green beans are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly, stir the crispy bacon back into the pan. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired.
- Serve: Serve the southern green beans warm as a flavorful side dish alongside your favorite main courses. Enjoy the rich and hearty taste that complements Southern meals perfectly.
Notes
- For more smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a splash of smoked paprika.
- If you prefer your green beans less soft, reduce the simmering time slightly.
- The Cajun seasoning can be adjusted or omitted based on your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow even cooking and proper simmering.
