Easy Southern green beans on the stovetop with canned green beans, seasonings and bacon. Just toss in the pot and let it simmer several hours, so good y’all!
I’m crazy about Southern style green beans and I first had them while vacationing years ago in the South. Specifically, the ones I speak of are found at the local hot food counters in grocery stores, or a barbecue joint. It’s usually one of the offerings along with mac and cheese and mashed potatoes and gravy.
Here in St. Louis, we order them often when picking up a fried fish or chicken dinner, or if we’re out for some BBQ. I know they’re canned green beans, but they are seasoned and cooked with bacon or ham and are just so dang good!
After seeing Healthy Little Peach make these green beans often, I decided to start making them at home myself. Especially with all the time I’m spending at home with a cupboard full of canned goods. These are so easy and good, they might just be my new all time favorite green bean side.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED
- A couple cans of whole green beans
- Water
- Some bacon
- Garlic
- A little onion
- Butter
- Crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper
HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN GREEN BEANS
Step 1: In a medium pot, dump in green beans and the rest of ingredients and bring to a simmer.
Step 2: Cook on low for several hours, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed so they don’t burn.
RECIPE NOTES AND TIPS
- Use good quality canned green beans because no need to cut corners here, I like a name brand with sea salt.
- Thick cut bacon is best and as it cooks down for several hours, it will naturally shred into pieces.
- You can make a bigger batch if you like, adding another can or two of green beans. Just add another cup of water to start, and maybe a little more of the other seasonings (although you shouldn’t have to double everything).
- Stir occasionally and gently because you don’t want to break up the beans which are already tender. Just let them cook down and shrivel and stir gently when adding more water.
- Adding water as it reduces keeps the green beans from burning and develops the flavor of the broth as they simmer.
- Simmer for 4 – 6 hours for the best flavor, I just let them do their thing all afternoon and then turn them off until dinner is ready.
How easy are these stovetop Southern style green beans to make? I know, and I really like using canned green beans, no judgement here. It’s why they are so good, I’m telling ya. I hope you give them a try, they go with and make just about everything better! Kelly🍴🐦
Some other easy side dishes to try with a Southern flare:
- Southern Fried Corn with Cajun seasonings, butter, chicken stock and a touch of cream.
- Cajun Macaroni Salad a spicy twist on classic macaroni salad.
- Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese a cheesy bake casserole and soul food classic.
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Southern Style Green Beans
Ingredients
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans whole green beans
- 2 cups water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 slices thick cut bacon, cut in half cross-wise
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Dump green beans into medium pot and add all of the remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil and then turn down to low and cook, uncovered, at a steady simmer for 4 to 6 hours. Add water as needed as it reduces to keep green beans from burning. Stir gently when adding water.
- After 4 to 6 hours, if needed, break up bacon into pieces/shreds. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve immediately or hold on the stove for later.
Recipe Notes
- Thick cut bacon is best and as it cooks down for several hours, it will naturally shred into pieces.
- You can make a bigger batch if you like, adding another can or two of green beans. Add another cup of water to start, and a little more of the other seasonings (although you shouldn't have to double everything).
- Stir occasionally and gently because you don't want to break up the beans which are already tender. Just let them cook down and shrivel and stir gently when adding more water.
Barbara C Kelley
Sunday 13th of December 2020
I can't find these beans where I live. We do have the Chef's bran but always sold out.
Kelly
Monday 14th of December 2020
You can use ANY brand of canned green bean, whole or cut beans, just not the French-style. I most often get the canned cut green beans at Aldi's.
Maureen
Friday 12th of June 2020
Do you drain the green beans?
Kelly
Saturday 13th of June 2020
No I don’t but you can if you want.