BEST Southern Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe Under 1 Hour

There’s nothing quite like a pot of Southern green beans and potatoes simmering on the stove. 

This classic comfort food brings back memories of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, where the kitchen smelled amazing and everyone gathered around the table. 

It’s one of those simple recipes that tastes like home.

What makes this Southern-style green bean and potato recipe so special? 

It’s all about slow cooking with bacon or ham, letting those flavors blend until everything is tender and delicious. 

The potatoes soak up all that savory goodness, and the green beans become perfectly soft – not crunchy like fancy restaurant vegetables, but the way Southern cooks have made them for generations.

This dish works great as a hearty side for fried chicken, pork chops, or country ham. You can also eat it as a light main course with some cornbread on the side. 

It’s budget-friendly, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better the next day. 

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this recipe will become one of your favorites.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Cuisine Type: Southern American
• Servings: Available for 2 people and 6 people
• Best Served With: Fried chicken, cornbread, pork chops, country ham, meatloaf, or baked fish

Ingredients List

For 2 People:

• Fresh green beans – 225g (8 oz / about 2 cups)
• Small red potatoes – 225g (8 oz / about 3-4 potatoes)
• Bacon strips – 3 strips (or 2 oz diced ham)
• Yellow onion – ½ small onion, diced (about ¼ cup)
• Garlic cloves – 2 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth – 1 cup (240 ml)
• Water – ½ cup (120 ml)
• Salt – ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Butter – 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra richness)
• Sugar – ½ teaspoon (optional, traditional Southern touch)

For 6 People:

• Fresh green beans – 675g (24 oz / about 6 cups)
• Small red potatoes – 675g (24 oz / about 9-12 potatoes)
• Bacon strips – 9 strips (or 6 oz diced ham)
• Yellow onion – 1 medium onion, diced (about ¾ cup)
• Garlic cloves – 6 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth – 3 cups (720 ml)
• Water – 1½ cups (360 ml)
• Salt – 1½ teaspoons (or to taste)
• Black pepper – ¾ teaspoon
• Butter – 3 tablespoons (optional, for extra richness)
• Sugar – 1½ teaspoons (optional, traditional Southern touch)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander for rinsing vegetables
• Small plate lined with paper towels (for bacon)
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Rinse the green beans under cold running water. Snap off the ends of each bean – you can do this by hand or trim them with a knife.

If the beans are really long, break them in half. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Wash the potatoes well and cut them into quarters.

If they’re tiny potatoes, you can cut them in half instead. Set everything aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Place your large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

You want them crispy but not burnt. The bacon fat will render out and flavor the whole dish. Once crispy, take the bacon out and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.

Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. If you’re using ham instead, you’ll add it later.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Keep the pot on medium heat with that bacon grease. Add your diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and smells wonderful.

Stir it around so it doesn’t stick. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Your kitchen will smell amazing right now! Don’t let the garlic burn – it should just become fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

Toss the quartered potatoes into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together so the potatoes get coated with that flavorful bacon fat.

Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps develop more flavor before we add the liquid.

Step 5: Add Green Beans and Liquid

Now add your prepared green beans to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water. The liquid should almost cover the vegetables – that’s perfect.

Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and add most of it back to the pot (save a little for garnish if you want). Add salt, black pepper, and sugar if you’re using it. The sugar helps balance the flavors the Southern way.

Step 6: Bring to a Boil

Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring everything to a boil. You’ll see bubbles forming around the edges first, then it’ll start bubbling all over. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Simmer Until Tender

Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Put a lid on the pot, but leave it slightly cracked so steam can escape. Let everything simmer gently for 30-35 minutes. Check on it every 10 minutes or so and stir it. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the green beans should be very soft – not crispy. That’s the Southern style!

Step 8: Final Seasoning

After 30-35 minutes, taste the liquid (it’s like a pot liquor). Add more salt and pepper if needed. If you want extra richness, stir in that optional butter now. It melts right in and makes everything taste even better. Let it cook for another 5 minutes with the lid off if there’s too much liquid. You want some broth left, but not a soup.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Ladle the green beans and potatoes into bowls, making sure everyone gets plenty of that delicious broth. Sprinkle the reserved bacon pieces on top if you saved some. Serve immediately while it’s hot and steaming.

Read More – Slow Cooker Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe

Chef’s Tips and Variations

Choosing Fresh Green Beans: Look for bright green beans that snap easily when you bend them. Avoid beans with brown spots or ones that feel limp. Fresh beans make a big difference in this recipe.

Potato Options: Red potatoes work great because they hold their shape, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes get too mushy, so I don’t recommend them for this dish.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil instead. You can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to give it that smoky flavor without meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper when you cook the onions. Some folks like to add a dash of hot sauce at the end, too.

Ham Instead of Bacon: You can use a ham hock or diced country ham instead of bacon. If using a ham hock, add it at the beginning with the liquid and let it cook the whole time. Remove it at the end, shred the meat, and stir it back in.

Know When It’s Done: The green beans should be very tender – you should be able to cut them easily with a fork. The potatoes should fall apart a little when you press them. If they’re still firm, cook for another 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Southern green beans and potatoes in shallow bowls so everyone gets some of that flavorful pot liquor. It’s delicious for dipping cornbread! Garnish with crumbled bacon on top and maybe a sprinkle of fresh black pepper.

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic Southern comfort foods. Try it alongside crispy fried chicken, country-fried steak with gravy, or baked pork chops. Add a pan of cornbread or buttermilk biscuits for soaking up the broth.

Complete Meal Ideas:

• Southern green beans and potatoes + fried chicken + coleslaw + cornbread
• Green beans and potatoes + meatloaf + mac and cheese + dinner rolls
• Green beans and potatoes + country ham + baked sweet potatoes + buttermilk biscuits

Nutritional Information (Per Serving for 2 People)

• Calories: approximately 280-320
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Fat: 14g
• Vitamin C: 35% of the daily value
• Vitamin A: 18% of the daily value
• Potassium: 820mg
• Iron: 2.5mg

Note: Values vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes this the best Southern green beans and potatoes recipe?

The mix of fresh green beans, tender red potatoes, and smoky bacon sets this Southern green beans and potatoes recipe apart. Slow cooking builds deep flavor, and the broth turns rich enough to serve with cornbread. This helps the dish stand out for readers who search for the best Southern comfort classics.

2. Can I make Southern green beans and potatoes without bacon?

Yes. You can skip bacon and cook the vegetables in oil. Add smoked paprika for that familiar Southern flavor. Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian. People often search for Southern green beans without bacon or meatless Southern sides, so this answer targets those terms.

3. Can I use canned or frozen green beans?

Fresh beans give the best flavor, but frozen beans work when you need a fast option. Canned beans turn too soft, so they don’t hold up well in this dish. Home cooks often search for Southern green beans and potatoes with frozen beans, so this helps them pick the right swap.

4. What type of potatoes work best in Southern green bean recipes?

Red potatoes hold their shape and soak up all the broth. Yukon Gold works too. Russet potatoes fall apart, so they don’t suit this style. This answers common searches for the best potatoes for Southern green beans and potatoes.

5. How do I store and reheat leftover green beans and potatoes?

Place leftovers in an airtight container with some cooking liquid. Refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water. Many readers search for how to store Southern green beans, so this clears it up for them.

6. Can I freeze Southern green beans and potatoes?

Yes. Once cooled, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. The flavor stays strong, and the vegetables keep their texture well. This answers searches for can you freeze Southern green beans and potatoes.

Conclusion

This Southern green beans and potatoes recipe is comfort food at its finest. It’s simple, hearty, and brings people together around the table. 

The combination of tender vegetables, smoky bacon, and flavorful broth creates something truly special that tastes like tradition.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Try it with ham instead of bacon, add your favorite seasonings, or throw in some extra vegetables. 

The beauty of Southern cooking is that every family has their own way of doing things. Once you make this a few times, you’ll develop your own perfect version.

I’d love to hear how your green beans and potatoes turned out! 

• Did you add any special touches? 
• Did your family love it?

 Leave a comment below and share your experience. If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends who love Southern cooking. 

Happy cooking, y’all!