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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
Prepare Green Beans: Evenly spread the drained cut green beans in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a uniform layer.
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.
Add Sauce to Beans: Pour the prepared brown sugar mixture evenly over the layer of green beans, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
Top with Bacon: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled smoked bacon evenly across the top of the coated green beans.
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