Southern Green Beans with Potatoes and Bacon Recipe
This Southern Green Beans with Potatoes and Bacon recipe is a comforting, flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans and hearty potatoes cooked slowly with smoky bacon and aromatic seasonings. The bacon fat infuses the vegetables with rich depth, while the optional smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth. Perfect as a classic Southern accompaniment to any meal.
- 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
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
Liquids & Fats
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
Seasonings
- 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 the fat is rendered. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Build the flavor base: Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add vegetables: Add the trimmed green beans and peeled potato chunks to the pot. Stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables with the bacon fat and allow them to soak in the flavors.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth or water, then season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Slow cook: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the vegetables simmer for 35 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cook until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are soft and infused with smoky flavor.
- Finish: Stir the cooked bacon back into the pot. If desired, add butter for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the Southern green beans with potatoes and bacon hot as a classic Southern side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Notes
- You can substitute water for chicken broth to reduce sodium and keep the dish vegetarian if bacon is omitted.
- Using smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a leaner version, use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the potatoes from sticking or burning.
Keywords: Southern green beans, green beans with potatoes, bacon green beans, Southern side dish, slow cooked green beans