Smothered Green Beans

A Southern-inspired side dish featuring green beans coated in a brown sugar glaze, enriched with butter, and topped with bacon for a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal.

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Table of Contents

Smothered Green Beans Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Smothered Green Beans Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Indulge in the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of our smothered green beans recipe. This classic Southern side dish is the perfect balance of tender green beans, brown sugar, and crispy bacon.

overhead shot of a plate of Smothered Green Beans with bacon

Smothered Green Beans Ingredients

Smothered Green Beans raw ingredients that are lableled

The green beans are the star of the show for this recipe and are taken to the next level of flavor with brown sugar, which adds a delightful sweetness that complements the savory elements,

The seasonings, including garlic and onion powder, elevate the flavor profile, with black pepper adding a touch of spice.

Finally, the crispy, smoky bacon bits offer a satisfying contrast to the tender green beans, completing this delicious dish.

You’ll need:

5 (14.5-ounce) cans of cut green beans, drained
¾ cup of brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup of salted butter, melted
¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons of garlic powder
2 teaspoons of onion powder
1 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
1 (16-ounce or 454-gram) package of smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled

PRO TIP:

For extra convenience, cook the bacon in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to crumble it over the green beans. This saves time on the day of cooking.

Substitutions and Additions

GREEN BEANS: For a fresh twist, substitute canned green beans with blanched or steamed fresh green beans. You can also use frozen green beans in this vegetable side dish.

BROWN SUGAR: If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.

BUTTER: Try using margarine or a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.

SOY SAUCE: To intensify the flavor, opt for regular soy sauce, but be mindful of the salt content.

BACON: For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon or use vegetarian bacon bits.

SAUTEED ONIONS: Add sauteed onions for an extra layer of flavor and aroma.

SEASONED SALT: Swap garlic and onion powder with one tablespoon of seasoned salt.

How To Make This Smothered Green Beans Recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its ease of preparation. Let’s look at the step-by-step instructions to make this side dish.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can cook the smothered green beans in the crock pot. Cook on high for two hours or on low for four hours.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

STEP TWO: Evenly spread the drained, cut green beans in the bottom of the sprayed baking dish.

STEP THREE: Add the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper to a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.

brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper combined in a bowl

STEP FOUR: Evenly pour the brown sugar mixture over the green bean layer.

brown sugar mixture spread over the green bean layer in a baking dish

STEP FIVE: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon pieces over the top of the green beans. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your green bean casserole as the suggested cooking time approaches.

bacon sprinkled on top of the green beans in a baking dish

How To Serve

Pair these smothered green beans with classic Southern fried chicken for a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Serve as a side dish for your Thanksgiving feast, adding a unique twist to traditional holiday flavors. Don’t forget to add our stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce to your menu as well.

Incorporate them into a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs and sausage gravy and biscuits for a hearty morning meal.

Create a veggie-packed dinner by pairing these green beans with grilled chicken breast and a tomato cucumber salad.

If you are on the hunt for more delicious green bean recipes, our green bean casserole is a classic, and our sausage green bean potato casserole is a hearty meal all in one.

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Storage

Whether you’re planning to make this dish ahead or have leftovers, here’s what you need to know:

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to add the bacon just before baking.

IN THE FRIDGE: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, place portions in a freezer-safe container for up to two to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

REHEATING: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

Why We Love This Recipe

VERSATILE SIDE: This green bean casserole pairs well with a variety of main dishes, making it a go-to side for any occasion.

CROWD-PLEASER: The combination of sweet glaze and crispy bacon makes it a favorite among both kids and adults.

COMFORT FOOD: Reminiscent of Southern hospitality, these green beans bring a touch of warmth to any meal.

Our smothered green beans recipe is a testament to the comforting, flavorful, and versatile nature of Southern cuisine. With its sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, it’s the perfect side dish that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh beans instead of canned ones?

Fresh or frozen green beans work well. Just blanch or steam them slightly before using them.

How do I prevent the dish from becoming too sweet?

Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste preferences for a milder sweetness.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Turkey bacon is a healthier alternative with a similar flavor.

Can I make this dish spicy?

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Simply omit the bacon or use vegetarian bacon bits.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate, but add the bacon just before baking.

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Smothered Green Beans

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A Southern-inspired side dish featuring green beans coated in a brown sugar glaze, enriched with butter, and topped with bacon for a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1

Servings

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Ingredients

72.5 ounces cut green beans, drained (five 14.5 ounce cans)
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup salted butter, melted
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
16 ounces smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled (454-gram package)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Evenly spread the drained cut green beans in the bottom of the sprayed baking dish.
Add the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper to a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
Evenly pour the brown sugar mixture over the green bean layer.
Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the top of the green beans. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Notes

For extra convenience, cook the bacon in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to crumble it over the green beans. This saves time on the day of cooking.
You can cook the smothered green beans in the crock pot. Cook on high for two hours or on low for four hours.
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your green bean casserole as the suggested cooking time approaches.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Smothered Green Beans

Smothered Green Beans Ingredients

Substitutions and Additions

How To Make This Smothered Green Beans Recipe

How To Serve

Simple Sauteed Vegetables

Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

Storage

Why We Love This Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes You’ll Love