Old Fashioned Southern Green Beans

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There’s nothing quite like a big pot of Old Fashioned Southern Green Beans simmering on the stove. Slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and tender potatoes, this recipe is pure Southern comfort food. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find at church potlucks, Sunday dinners, and holiday gatherings—simple ingredients cooked low and slow until they’re packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Southern Flavor – smoky bacon, onions, and a touch of Tony’s seasoning give the beans a deep, savory taste.

• Budget-Friendly – made with canned green beans and pantry staples.

• Feeds a Crowd – perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – the longer it simmers, the better it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🥓🥔

• 4 cans green beans, drained

• 4 large onions, chopped

• 2 medium potatoes, diced

• ½ pound bacon, cut into small pieces

• 2 tablespoons Tony’s (Creole seasoning)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• Water, to cover

Equipment You May Need

• Large stock pot or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon for stirring

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients – Open and drain the green beans. Chop the onions, dice the potatoes, and cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

2. Add to Pot – Place beans, onions, potatoes, bacon, Tony’s, and black pepper into a large pot. Cover with water.

3. Bring to a Boil – Cook on high heat until the pot reaches a rolling boil. Boil for several minutes, or until the potatoes are almost tender.

4. Simmer Low & Slow – Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half. For richer flavor, cook 2–3 hours, adding water as needed.

5. Serve & Enjoy – Spoon into bowls and serve warm with cornbread or biscuits.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

• Pair with Southern cornbread or biscuits to soak up the broth.

• Serve alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or roast beef for a full Southern meal.

• Add a dash of hot sauce or apple cider vinegar for extra flavor.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use Fresh Beans – If you have fresh green beans, snap and cook them instead of canned.

• Make it Smokier – Swap bacon for ham hock, smoked sausage, or smoked turkey wings.

• Cook Longer – Just like grandma’s, the flavor gets better the longer it simmers.

• Spice It Up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer – Freeze in quart-sized bags or containers for up to 2 months.

• Reheat – Warm on the stove with a splash of water until heated through.

You May Also Like

• Southern Cornbread Dressing

• Victory Soup

• Hamburger Steak and Gravy

• New Year’s Black Eyed Pea Soup

Old Fashioned Southern Green Beans

These Old Fashioned Southern Green Beans are slow-simmered with smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and onions for a hearty, flavorful side dish. Seasoned with Creole spices and black pepper, this classic Southern recipe is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or potlucks. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor—true Southern comfort in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern Cooking

Calories 248 kcal

Equipment

• Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven
• wooden spoon for stirring
• sharp knife and cutting board
• measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• 4 cans green beans drained
• 4 large onions chopped
• 2 medium potatoes diced
• ½ pound bacon cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons Tony’s Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Water to cover

Instructions

 

• Open and drain the green beans. Chop the onions, dice the potatoes, and cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
• Place beans, onions, potatoes, bacon, Tony’s, and black pepper into a large pot. Cover with water.
• Cook on high heat until the pot reaches a rolling boil. Boil for several minutes, or until the potatoes are almost tender.
• Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half. For richer flavor, cook 2–3 hours, adding water as needed.
• Spoon into bowls and serve warm with cornbread or biscuits.

Notes

Nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 21.5gProtein: 6.71gFat: 10.5gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.57gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.73gTrans Fat: 0.53gCholesterol: 31.5mgSodium: 1092mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4.75gSugar: 5.25gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 16.75mgCalcium: 67.5mgIron: 1.28mg

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