Smothered Green Beans
These Smothered Green Beans are a family favorite! Canned green beans are smothered in a delicious sauce made from brown sugar, butter, and soy sauce, then topped with crispy bacon. This is the perfect southern dish for the holidays and takes only a few minutes to prepare!
For more delicious side dishes, be sure to check out my Sweet Potato Soufflé, Apple Sausage Stuffing, and Loaded Cheesy Potato Casserole.
Move aside green bean casserole, because Smothered Green Beans are here to take your spot at the holiday table!
Those might be bold words, but once you try this classic southern side dish, you’ll be a believer, too. I mean, tender green beans, smoky bacon, and a rich sauce that’s full of so much flavor; what’s not to love?
This is such an easy side dish, and it’s perfect for a potluck dinner, special occasions, or for preparing during the busy holiday season.
It’s literally my favorite way to enjoy a can of green beans, and has been a family favorite at my house for years.
So, if you’re looking for your new favorite southern style green beans recipe, that’s full of rich flavor, easy to prepare, and is sure to be devoured by the whole family, then you’ve come to the right place!
Ingredients for Smothered Green Beans
A full list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions are located in the recipe card below.
- canned green beans
- soy sauce
- light brown sugar
- unsalted butter
- garlic powder
- ground black pepper
- bacon
How to Make Smothered Green Beans- Step by Step
A full list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions are located in the recipe card below.
- Cook bacon until crispy in a large skillet, then drain grease on paper towels. Once bacon is cool, chop into small pieces.
- Spread the drained green beans in a greased casserole dish.
- Mix together the soy sauce, melted butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, and pepper in a small bowl, then pour over the green beans and mix everything carefully to combine.
- Top with the chopped bacon pieces and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes.
Tips and Notes
- Frozen green beans can be used instead of canned green beans, just allow them to thaw thoroughly first.
- Fresh green beans can also be used, just boil them for 10 minutes and drain before proceeding with the recipe.
- Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of the recipe.
- Making in advance: this is a great recipe to prepare in advance if you’re making it for a holiday meal. Prepare as directed, but don’t bake yet. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the fridge up to one day in advance. Remove the foil and bake as directed.
- Storing leftovers: any leftover Smothered Green Beans can stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
Preparing in the Slow Cooker
Especially during the holidays, it’s nice to be able to free up some space in the oven. This recipe is easily adaptable to making in the crockpot, if you need that option! Prepare the recipe as directed, except place everything in the bowl of your slow cooker instead. Cook over low heat for 3-4 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Smothered Green Beans go perfectly with almost any main dish and are easy enough to put together for a weeknight dinner. I love to serve them with a rotisserie chicken from Costco on busy nights, or with pork chops or Air Fryer Turkey Thighs when I have a little extra time.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy these smothered green beans, though, is to include them as a part of our holiday meal spread! We always start with some delicious appetizers like Garlic and Herb Baked Brie or deviled eggs before moving onto the main event of ham or turkey. Then we round it out with sides like smothered green beans and mashed potatoes before hitting all of the desserts!
More Green Bean Recipes You Should Try!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
Recipe: Smothered Green Beans
Ingredients
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans cut green beans, drained
- 5-6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 11×7 inch baking dish (or one of similar size).
- Add the drained green beans to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Pour over the top of the green beans, then stir carefully to coat the beans.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top, then bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes.
Notes
- Frozen green beans can be used instead of canned green beans, just allow them to thaw thoroughly first.
- Fresh green beans can also be used, just boil them for 10 minutes and drain before proceeding with the recipe.
- Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of the recipe.
- Making in advance: this is a great recipe to prepare in advance if you’re making it for a holiday meal. Prepare as directed, but don’t bake yet. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the fridge up to one day in advance. Remove the foil and bake as directed.
- Storing leftovers: any leftover Smothered Green Beans can stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
This is the best side dish for Thanksgiving! I make this every year and everyone always begs me for the recipe
This is such an amazing side dish! I’ve made it many times.
One of our favorites. It’s definitely a must make!
This is further proof that everything is better with bacon. Delicious.
Mmmm I really need to make this!! Thank you!