Fresh Canned Green Beans
A savory dish that transforms canned green beans with bacon, garlic, and cabbage for a fresh, hearty flavor perfect for family dinners or comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain water from the can of green beans.
- Rinse the beans four times with water from the can.
- Add enough water to the can to fill it two-thirds full.
- Fry bacon until soft in a small heavy skillet.
- Remove bacon from skillet and set aside.
- Add the canned beans with water to the hot bacon grease.
- Add minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper to the beans.
- Mix well, then lay the cooked bacon across the beans.
- Wash cabbage leaves and lay them across the beans to completely cover them.
- Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for about 1 hour.
- Remove the cabbage leaves and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of smoked paprika. If you don't have bacon, olive oil or a plant-based bacon alternative can work well. Fresh green beans can also be substituted for canned ones, but cooking times may vary. Make sure to adjust salt and pepper to taste to accommodate the saltiness of your bacon or grease.
Serving Suggestions
These fresh canned green beans make a delightful side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. Pair them with cornbread or serve alongside dishes like Memaw'S Clam Chowder for a comforting meal. They also complement other pork recipes, adding a savory touch to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beans in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Canned Green Beans contains roughly 24 calories, with 2g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2039mg per serving (89% 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
Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just thaw them before cooking. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they are heated through without becoming mushy. Frozen beans may require a slightly shorter cooking time than canned beans.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. Olive oil or butter can also be used as a cooking fat, although the dish will have a different taste profile without the savory bacon.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans are done when they are heated through and infused with the flavors of the garlic, bacon, and seasonings. The cabbage leaves will also wilt down significantly, indicating that the dish is ready to be served. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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).