Hot Green Beans
A hearty, flavorful dish featuring green beans, tomatoes, and crispy bacon, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Fry 6 slices of bacon until crispy and remove from skillet.
- Saute chopped onion in bacon drippings until translucent.
- Combine drained green beans, stewed tomatoes, sauteed onion, minced garlic, crumbled bacon, and a dash of chili powder in a covered casserole dish.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Crumble the cooked bacon on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. You can also substitute fresh green beans for the canned ones; just blanch them for a few minutes before baking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add a splash of liquid smoke for flavor. Experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Hot green beans make a delightful side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. Pair them with mashed potatoes or rice to complete your meal. They also go wonderfully with dishes like Stephen'S Baked Beans, adding a nice contrast to sweet flavors. For a casual gathering, serve alongside sandwiches or burgers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hot green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to restore texture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. This dish is also great served cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Green Beans contains roughly 298 calories, with 10g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 903mg per serving (39% 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 fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used! Just make sure to blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes before combining with the other ingredients. This helps to keep their vibrant color and crisp texture during baking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also mix in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the casserole for an extra kick.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
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).