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Southern Style Green Beans

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!

Southern green beans in serving bowl with spoon.

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!

Southern style green beans in white bowl.

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

Ingredients photo.

  • 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

Side by side process photo collage, how to make the 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.

Close up photo in serving bowl.

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🍴🐦

Finished green beans in serving bowl.

Some other easy side dishes to try with a Southern flare:

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Southern green beans in serving bowl with spoon.

Southern Style Green Beans

Easy Southern green beans on the stovetop with canned green beans, seasonings and bacon.
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 104kcal

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
  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcal Carbohydrates: 1g Protein: 2g Fat: 10g Saturated Fat: 4g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 4g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 19mg Sodium: 295mg Potassium: 49mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 1g Vitamin A: 117IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 9mg Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe? Please comment, rate it and share! And mention me on Instagram @thehungrybluebird or tag #thehungrybluebird so I can see!
Recipe Rating




Angie

Tuesday 28th of June 2022

For a better way, try popping that bacon in the microwave and cooking it..then pouring the grease and bacon in the beans..cook until there is no liquid left. Yummmm🙌🏼❤️

Megan

Sunday 28th of November 2021

Tried cooking it on low but no simmer. Wouls you cook it a little bit higher then on low?

Kelly

Sunday 28th of November 2021

Yes, Megan, adjust heat to whatever setting gives you a steady simmer. Be sure to bring it to a boil first, then turn down heat and adjust to a simmer.

Brad

Saturday 20th of November 2021

Can you use green bean that I canned not store brand

Kelly

Sunday 21st of November 2021

Hi Brad. I don't see why not, sounds like a great choice!

MARY MITEF

Tuesday 26th of October 2021

can you make it in a crock pot?

Kelly

Wednesday 17th of November 2021

Hi Mary, I never have so I'm not sure how it will turn out. On the stove it reduces down and I keep adding water. It probably won't in a slow cooker but I think it will still taste good.

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.

Beverlee Nichols

Saturday 6th of November 2021

can ypou do these canned beans in a crock pot- ???bev nichols

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.