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Smothered Green Beans

A glass baking dish filled with SMOTHERED GREEN BEANS topped with crispy bacon pieces.
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Smothered Green Beans is a classic Southern side dish made with green beans baked in a rich brown sugar, soy sauce, and bacon glaze. Sweet, salty, and smoky, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for holidays or everyday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cans (15 oz each) or 2 lbs fresh green beans, drained and trimmed
  • 5–6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon bacon grease (optional, for flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If using canned green beans, drain and rinse well. If using fresh beans, trim the ends and blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
  3. Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  5. Place green beans in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour sauce mixture over beans and toss gently to coat.
  6. Top with cooked bacon and drizzle with reserved bacon grease for extra flavor.
  7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Sauce should bubble and thicken around the beans.
  8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
  • Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be substituted for a lighter version.
  • Fresh green beans provide a crisper texture, while canned beans offer convenience.
  • Reduce brown sugar to 1/3 cup for a less sweet version.
  • Can be made a day ahead; reheat before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/smothered-green-beans/