Country Cooked Green Beans
A hearty Southern-style green bean dish cooked with country bacon, onions, sugar, and salt, offering smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy pot, pour 2 quarts of water, add the country bacon, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil while preparing the beans.
- Wash the fresh green beans well and break them into desired lengths.
- Add the green beans to the boiling mixture.
- Cook the beans for about 1 hour.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and continue cooking until the liquid reduces and is low.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of country bacon. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with a smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar taste. Be sure to wash the green beans thoroughly to remove any dirt, and feel free to adjust the sugar according to your taste preference. Pair this dish with a light salad or serve alongside Hearty Tomato-Bean Soup for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
These green beans make a wonderful side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken, adding a hearty touch to any meal. They pair beautifully with Cheese-Onion-Bacon Bread for a comforting dinner. For an added flair, sprinkle some toasted almonds on top before serving to introduce a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Country Cooked Green Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Cooked Green Beans contains roughly 131 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1960mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can reduce the sugar and substitute turkey bacon for a lower-fat option, which will still impart a smoky flavor. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables, like diced carrots or bell peppers, can enhance the nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).