Southern Green Beans with Bacon and Cajun Seasoning Recipe

Introduction

Southern Green Beans are a comforting, flavorful side dish that brings a touch of Southern charm to any meal. Slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and a hint of Cajun spice, these green beans are tender and rich with savory goodness.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it is almost completely browned. Add the chopped onion and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds more. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and onion mixture to a bowl, reserving the bacon grease in the pot. Do not wash the saucepan.
2. Step 2: Add the trimmed green beans to the pot and pour in enough chicken broth to cover them. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, if using.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a low boil. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer. Let it cook gently for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally until the beans are tender.
4. Step 4: Drain off the chicken broth, then return the bacon and onion mixture to the pot. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Step 5: Stir in the butter until melted. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky touch, use smoked bacon or add a splash of liquid smoke.
• If you prefer spicy, increase Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly (replace bacon with smoked mushrooms for a similar depth).
• Trim the green beans uniformly for even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep them moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, but reduce the simmering time as frozen green beans are already partially cooked. Cook until tender, about 20-30 minutes, and adjust liquid as needed.

Do I have to use bacon?

Bacon adds a savory depth, but you can omit it or substitute with smoked sausage or smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile.

Southern Green Beans with Bacon and Cajun Seasoning Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 59 reviews

This classic Southern Green Beans recipe brings together fresh green beans simmered slowly in savory bacon broth, accented with aromatic onion and garlic. The dish is enriched with bacon and butter, making it a comforting and flavorful side perfect for traditional Southern meals. Optional Cajun seasoning adds a subtle spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit more depth of flavor.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon and Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it is almost completely browned. Add the finely chopped onion and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Lower the heat to low and add the minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and onion mixture to a bowl, reserving the bacon grease in the pot.
2. Add Green Beans and Broth: Place the trimmed green beans into the same pot with the reserved bacon grease. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the green beans completely. If using, add the optional Cajun seasoning to the pot and stir gently to combine.
3. Simmer the Beans: Bring the mixture to a low boil, then cover and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the green beans cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the beans are tender and infused with the savory broth.
4. Finish the Dish: Drain off the cooking broth from the green beans, then return the reserved bacon and onion mixture to the pot. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes to warm everything through. Stir in the butter until melted and well incorporated. Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

• If you prefer a spicier version, the Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick that complements the smoky bacon flavor.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the freshness and thickness of your green beans; cook until beans are tender but not mushy.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead, adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Keywords: southern green beans, green beans with bacon, southern side dish, slow simmered green beans, cajun green beans, comfort food