Description

Smothered Green Beans is a savory and comforting side dish featuring tender green beans cooked in a flavorful mixture of crispy bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a rich broth base. Finished with a touch of cream for extra indulgence and seasoned perfectly, this recipe offers a delicious balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors. Ideal for any meal, this dish combines simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying vegetable side.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or frozen green beans)
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional for a slight sweetness)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful bacon drippings in the skillet for the next steps.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: If the bacon drippings are insufficient, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the Green Beans: Add the fresh or frozen green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to begin softening the beans.
Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the green beans are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Cream (Optional): For a richer texture, stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, enhancing the creaminess of the dish.
Finish the Dish: Stir the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat according to your preference.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the green beans with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot as a delicious side dish.

Notes

If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked paprika or omit it and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Frozen green beans can be used but may require slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
Adjust the cream quantity or omit it entirely to make the dish lighter or dairy-free.
Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a holiday meal spread.