My classic Southern Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is all about cozy, down-home goodness. It’s got fresh string beans, tender red potatoes, and just the right touch of savory bacon, all cooked in butter and a rich broth. This comfort food side dish is a can’t-miss favorite on any holiday or Sunday supper table.
Want to make a delicious, heartfelt Southern meal? Serve these dish with Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham, Pineapple Casserole, and Skillet Cornbread.
Y’all, there are things in life that should not be messed with, and this recipe is one of them. I have the best memories of Sunday lunch at my Grandmother’s and her table loaded with fried chicken, slow-cooked roast, and a big pot of green beans and potatoes. It was glorious. This dish was always the first to go, and even though it is packed with rich, layered flavors, the ingredients are simple and easy to come by.
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
- Traditional Comfort Food – Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a holiday, or just one of those days when I’m craving something simple and homemade, this dish brings all the warmth of home to my table.
- One Pot – This recipe keeps it simple with fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- Great Leftovers – This dish is even better the next day. The flavors really come together, making each bite rich and satisfying. Plus, it reheats like a dream so that I can enjoy it all over again.
Southern Green Beans & Potatoes Ingredients
- Green beans are the star of the show here! Be sure to trim the ends off and wash them.
- To build flavors, we’ll start with bacon and then add an onion and garlic. These all get sauteed in the bacon grease – yum!
- The cooking broth is made with butter (unsalted or salted is fine), salt, black pepper, and chicken stock.
- Red potatoes are my potato of choice because they are small and quick to cut, and their bright colors are a nice contrast to the green beans.
Recipe Variations And Substitutions
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Skip the bacon and add vegetable stock; try smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
- Add Meat: For a heartier dish, add ham hocks, smoked turkey, or smoked sausage.
- More Vegetables: Add in more veggies like diced bell peppers or carrots.
- Swap Potatoes: If you don’t have red potatoes, Yukon gold or baby potatoes work well. You can also use sweet potatoes.
Donya’s Tips For The Best Green Beans And Potatoes
- Buy Fresh: Look for bright green beans that feel firm—skip any that look wilted or have spots. Fresh is best for flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: As seasoned home cooks say, “Always taste as you go.” Taste the stock before serving and tweak the flavors to make it just right.
Step By Step Directions
- Add the chopped bacon to a Dutch oven or large pot and cook over medium heat. When the bacon starts to cook, add the onion until softened (about 3 minutes). Then add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add in the green beans, chicken stock, butter, salt, and pepper and set to low. Cook for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the potatoes and cover.
- Cook for 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Bacon?
You can, but cooking everything in the bacon grease is so much better. If you use precooked or leftover bacon, you’ll need to add a splash of olive oil or butter to cook the onion and garlic instead of the bacon fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
I cut off each end to remove the hard stem. I also like to chop them in half or thirds so they are easier to eat.
Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
Like my Southern-style green beans, or maple green beans, this dish can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave or cook on the stovetop.
What To Serve With Southern String Beans And Potatoes
For a true comfort-food dinner, serve it with juicy brown sugar glazed pork roast or roasted lemon chicken – both perfect for soaking up those rich flavors. If you’re keeping things easy, crock pot chicken thighs are fantastic. Round out the menu with a few classic Southern sides like deviled eggs, honey glazed carrots and creamed corn.
Craving More Southern Sides? Try These Recipes
If you tried this Southern Green Bean & Potatoes Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 5- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- I lb fresh green beans trimmed
- 3 T butter
- 1 ½ Cup chicken stock or vegetable stock
- ½-3/4 lb red potatoes quartered
- ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a dutch oven (or similar pot) over medium heat.
- When bacon starts to cook, add the onion and cook until softened. About 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute.
- Add green beans, stock, butter, salt and pepper, and set to low; cook for 20 min, stirring occasionally.
- Add the potatoes, cover, and cook 15 minutes unti potatoes are softened.
- Taste, adjust the salt and pepper as needed, & serve.
Notes
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- Vegetarian and Vegan Option: Skip the bacon and add vegetable stock; try smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
-
- Add Meat: For a heartier dish, add ham hocks, smoked turkey or smoked sausage.
-
- More Vegetables: Add in more veggies like diced bell peppers or carrots.
-
- Swap Potatoes: If you don’t have red potatoes, yukon gold or baby potatoes work well. You can also use sweet potatoes.
Nutrition
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I know fresh green beans are best, but can I use canned green beans from the grocery store? It seems like the bacon grease would “doctor” them up pretty good for a better flavor.
Thank you for sharing these recipes, because nothing beats the way grandma cooked.
Yes, you can definitely use canned green beans in place of fresh, especially if you’re short on time or fresh beans aren’t available. While fresh green beans do have a firmer texture and brighter flavor, canned green beans can still taste fantastic when prepared well — and you’re absolutely right: bacon grease will work magic on them! ~Donya
These are just like granny made! Thank you for the memory this brought to me. Will make these along with your Pecan Pound Cake and Baked Ham when guest come for weekend. Thanks for so many great things you share.
Thank you, Sherry! You have made my day. I am so thrilled you are cooking with tme.
~Donya
We love these together. The ingredients are like magic. They flavor the green beans and potatoes so deliciously. They are definitely a holiday dish with ham or turkey You have the best recipes. Thanks for sharing them with the world.
Wonderful! Thanks so much, Cookee. You’ve made my day and I’m so glad you are cooking with me.
~Donya
I was wondering if I can use frozen Green Beans.
I’ve never tested it that way. Let me know if you do.
Enjoy,
~Donya
Delicious
Thank you Linda!
~Donya
I made it as an entree and it was delicious!
I like the way you think, Florence. I’d made this as a main dish many times myself. Thanks for cooking with me.
~Donya
This recipe is home cooking Southern style at its best!