Mama'S Green Beans
Mama's Green Beans is a comforting Southern side dish featuring tender green beans cooked in a flavorful roux with onions and optional bacon. Its rich, savory taste makes it perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy hearty, seasoned vegetable dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the cans of green beans.
- Refill one can with water.
- Make a light roux by heating oil and stirring in flour until lightly browned.
- Saute chopped onions in the roux until translucent.
- Add the green beans and the water from the refilled can to the onions and roux.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- If using fresh green beans, add water and cook until tender, about the same time.
- Optionally, cook 2 slices of bacon, then make a roux with the bacon grease.
- Break the cooked bacon into pieces and add to the green beans before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bacon grease to make the roux instead of oil. If you have fresh green beans, they can be used in place of canned ones; just adjust the cooking time until they're tender. To enhance the taste, try adding a dash of Seasoning Salt or some garlic powder to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Mama's Green Beans make a great side dish for any meal, especially paired with grilled meats or roasted chicken. They also complement a hearty main like a pot roast or can be served alongside a refreshing Napa Valley Salad for balance. For a complete meal, add a side of cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Green Beans contains roughly 656 calories, with 14g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, frozen green beans can be substituted. Just add them directly to the roux and water mixture, cooking until they are heated through and tender. This can slightly reduce the cooking time, so keep an eye on them.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable oil to create the roux. You can also enhance the flavor with additional spices or herbs, such as garlic powder or an Herb Mix, to deepen the taste without animal products.
What can I serve with Mama's Green Beans?
These green beans pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them alongside grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, or a comforting casserole. They also go well with a light salad like the Napa Valley Salad for a refreshing contrast.
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).