These Smothered Green Beans combine tender green beans, smoky bacon, and a sweet-savory sauce made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Perfect for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smothered Green Beans are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, combining tender green beans with crispy bacon and a rich, caramelized sauce. This dish is easy to prepare and versatile, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The buttery brown sugar glaze infused with soy sauce and garlic elevates simple canned green beans to a new level of deliciousness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.
Key Ingredients
Green Beans: The star of the dish. Using canned green beans keeps it simple, but you can substitute with fresh or frozen green beans if desired.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the sweet sauce.
Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelizes during baking for a rich, syrupy glaze.
Butter: Creates a luscious base for the sauce, helping it coat the green beans and bacon evenly.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds depth and a hint of umami, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavors and brings a subtle aromatic warmth to the dish.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Instructions:
Preparation
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking for the dish.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Pour drained green beans into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread them out evenly to create a flat layer, ensuring the sauce and bacon coat every bite.
Cooking the Bacon
Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6-8 strips of bacon until they are almost done but still pliable (about 5-7 minutes). The bacon should be browned but not overly crispy.
Drain and Chop:
Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the green beans in the baking dish.
Making the Sauce
Melt the Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter. If microwaving, heat in short intervals, stirring until completely melted.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Melted butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Combining and Baking
Pour the Sauce:
Evenly pour the sauce over the green beans and bacon in the baking dish.
Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir, ensuring the green beans are well-coated with the sauce.
Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
During baking, the sauce will thicken and caramelize slightly, while the bacon crisps and the green beans become tender and flavorful.
Serving
Cool Slightly:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow the sauce to settle.
Serve Hot:
Serve the smothered green beans warm, straight from the baking dish.
Pair with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or as part of a holiday spread.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairing: Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or pork for a comforting, homestyle meal.
Holiday Table: Include as a standout side dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner. It’s a delightful alternative to traditional green bean casserole.
Everyday Meals: Pair with simple grilled or baked proteins like salmon, steak, or chicken breast for an easy weeknight dinner.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers: Transfer cooled green beans to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed before serving.
Variations
Fresh Green Beans: Use fresh green beans for a slightly firmer texture. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before assembling the dish.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a touch of heat.
Maple Bacon Twist: Substitute the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetness and unique flavor profile.
Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the top before baking for an extra layer of indulgence.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and add sliced almonds or crispy fried onions for a crunchy topping.
Conclusion
Smothered Green Beans are a deliciously addictive side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich, caramelized sauce and smoky bacon topping, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re serving it as part of a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Prepare to wow your guests with this sweet and savory Southern classic!
Smothered Green Beans: A Sweet and Savory Side Dish
Ingredients
- 5 cans green beans 15 oz each, drained
- 6 strips bacon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the drained green beans into an ungreased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until almost done but still pliable (5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces and sprinkle over the green beans.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the green beans and bacon. Stir gently to coat. Bake for 40 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a side dish with roasted meats or holiday meals.