Southern Style Green Beans Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Hearty
If you love vegetables as much as I do, you'll know that green beans hold a special place on the list. But not just any green beans—I'm talking about southern-style green beans. The wonderful thing about this recipe is that it's more than just a side dish; it's a full meal that's budget-friendly, allowing you to feed your family for under $10. Budget-friendly doesn't mean boring or tasteless—no sirree! Adding your favorite smoked meat does all the work, turning this dish into a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing.
You only need a few ingredients to make this dish, and it's easy to adapt into a vegetarian version. Simply skip the meat and add a dash of liquid smoke—just be careful not to overdo it, as too much can taste artificial. A great vegetable broth can also enhance the flavor. However, if you're a fan of smoked meats, you can't go wrong with smoked turkey legs or wings, ham hocks, or your favorite smoked product.
Choosing the Right Potatoes and Perfect Sides
Concerning the potatoes, use what you have—just keep in mind that some potatoes fall apart faster than others. I prefer red or yellow potatoes for this dish, but I have certainly used baby potatoes, fingerlings, and russets. Don’t forget to round off this meal with some biscuits or cornbread. While I love my biscuits, I often go for some good ole southern-style cornbread. I’ve got you covered—click here for a tasty cornbread recipe to add to this one-pot meal. You’ll be ending your dinner with a smile.
Not sure which potato to grab? I’ve put together a simple potato guide to help you choose the right one based on texture, flavor, and how it holds up in cooking—because no one wants mashed potatoes when they were going for chunks!
The Best Way to Prepare Green Beans: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned
What about the green beans? I love to use fresh string beans, cutting them to the perfect size. If fresh isn't available, frozen is my next choice because it tends to have a fresher taste and packs more flavor. Now, if you need to use canned green beans—and I understand that sometimes you just want to use what you have on hand—there are a few tips to get the best flavor. Always rinse the canned beans really well to remove any excess salt and improve the taste.
Also, add the green beans at the end of the cooking process and turn off the heat, letting them sit in the flavorful broth for a while. Be careful not to overcook the green beans, as they can fall apart in the blink of an eye. I'm not one to enjoy overly mushy green beans, so this method keeps them just right.
Want to jazz it up a bit? Try sautéing a little garlic along with the onions for an extra boost of flavor. A splash of broth, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a few red pepper flakes can be great flavor enhancers if you’re feeling fancy.
A Southern Staple Worth Keeping
This is one of those dishes that shows up everywhere—potlucks, family shindigs, and lazy weeknights when you just want something easy and comforting. This simple Southern green bean recipe is exactly that: simple, but packed with flavor. All the ingredients are ones you probably already have on hand. Simple doesn’t mean bland, and this dish proves it. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own as a full meal, but also plays well as a side with just about any meat entrée.
Want more recipes that are just as easy and satisfying? Scroll down and take a look—you might find your next favorite.