Smothered Green Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon Recipe

Introduction

Smothered green beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. This recipe combines tender green beans with a savory-sweet sauce and crispy bacon for a comforting taste everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 72.5 ounces cut green beans, drained (five 14.5 ounce cans)
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup salted butter, melted
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 16 ounces smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled (454-gram package)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Evenly spread the drained cut green beans in the bottom of the sprayed baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over the layer of green beans.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the green beans. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Tips & Variations

• For a fresher taste, use fresh green beans and blanch them before baking instead of canned beans.
• Swap smoked bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Mix in some chopped onions or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover smothered green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through to retain the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans can be used. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain before layering them in the baking dish.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Smothered Green Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A deliciously rich and savory side dish, Smothered Green Beans combine tender canned green beans with a sweet and savory brown sugar and soy sauce glaze, topped with crispy smoked bacon and baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for bringing a comforting, flavorful touch to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Green Beans

• 72.5 ounces cut green beans, drained (five 14.5 ounce cans)

Sauce

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup salted butter, melted
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Topping

• 16 ounces smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled (454-gram package)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Green Beans: Evenly spread the drained cut green beans in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a uniform layer.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper until well combined and smooth.
4. Add Sauce to Beans: Pour the prepared brown sugar mixture evenly over the layer of green beans, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
5. Top with Bacon: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled smoked bacon evenly across the top of the coated green beans.
6. Bake: Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the beans are tender and the topping is hot and slightly caramelized.

Notes

• If fresh green beans are preferred, blanch them briefly before baking to achieve the right tenderness.
• For a lower sodium version, use reduced-sodium soy sauce or substitute with tamari.
• Bacon can be substituted with vegetarian bacon for a meat-free twist, but note this will change the flavor profile.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated covered in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern

Keywords: Smothered Green Beans, baked green beans, green bean casserole alternative, southern green beans, bacon green beans, holiday side dish