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Easy Crack Green Beans Recipe

4.7 from 145 reviews

This Easy Crack Green Beans recipe is a savory-sweet side dish that combines tender green beans with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a flavorful sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Slow simmered to perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped (reserve bacon grease)
  • 1 cup white onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 4 cans—14 ounces each—of green beans, drained)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics: In a large pan, heat the reserved bacon grease along with the butter over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
  2. Create the sauce: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth into the pan with the cooked onions and garlic. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  3. Simmer the green beans: Add the green beans to the pan with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally, allowing the green beans to cook and the liquid to reduce until nearly gone, which should take about 2 hours for fresh green beans (less if using canned).
  4. Add crispy bacon: Once the liquid has almost evaporated and the green beans are tender, stir in the chopped cooked bacon. Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
  5. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Easy Crack Green Beans.

Notes

  • Using fresh green beans will provide the best texture and flavor, but canned green beans are a quicker alternative.
  • Be patient with the simmering process to allow the flavors to fully develop and the sauce to thicken.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a holiday feast.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Keywords: green beans, bacon, brown sugar, soy sauce, easy side dish, southern recipe