If you love green beans but crave something bursting with smoky, creamy goodness, then you are going to adore this Smothered Green Beans with Bacon and Cream Recipe. It’s a delightful comfort dish that combines crisp-tender beans with savory bacon, sweet notes from onions, and a silky cream sauce that wraps everything in warmth. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or bringing a crowd-pleaser to the table, this recipe is the perfect mix of simple ingredients delivering big, soul-satisfying flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential to create that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy in your Smothered Green Beans with Bacon and Cream Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures you’ll love.
- Fresh green beans (1 lb): The star of the dish, fresh or frozen, adding a bright, crisp base for all the flavors.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Brings a delicious smokiness and crunch that makes the beans irresistibly tasty.
- Small onion (1, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the beans tender and flavorful as they simmer; easy to swap for vegetable broth to keep things vegetarian-friendly.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup, optional): For those who want extra creaminess and richness in every bite.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Just a touch to balance the flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to make all the flavors pop.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if needed): Helps sauté the onions if bacon drippings are not enough.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a subtle kick for spice lovers.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Smothered Green Beans with Bacon and Cream Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by warming a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the chopped bacon until it’s beautifully crispy. This step is crucial because crispy bacon bits add irresistible texture and a smoky punch. Once done, remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, but don’t toss the bacon drippings—they’re the secret base for so much flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
If your skillet looks a little dry because the bacon didn’t release enough fat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and cook them gently until they soften up and turn translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for just a minute more—pay close attention here so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its fragrant goodness.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans
Next, it’s time to introduce your green beans to the skillet. Whether fresh or frozen, toss them into the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring well so every bean gets coated in that tasty base. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough to start softening but still maintain some bite and snap.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the teaspoon of sugar along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let the flavors mingle for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow simmer takes the beans to tender perfection while infusing them with all those savory layers.
Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)
If you want your Smothered Green Beans with Bacon and Cream Recipe to dive into the luxurious side, stir in the heavy cream now. Let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes so the sauce thickens just a bit, turning velvety and comforting.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Once your beans are tender and silky, fold the crispy bacon back in and give everything a final taste. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. This finishing touch makes all the difference.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, scatter fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, and serve your Smothered Green Beans with Bacon and Cream Recipe hot. This dish is best enjoyed right away when the flavors and textures are at their peak.
How to Serve Smothered Green Beans with Bacon and Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic finish that adds a burst of color and a gentle herbal note that brightens the richness of the dish. For a little texture contrast and extra flavor, sprinkle a few toasted almond slivers or a dash of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a grilled steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice to soak up all the smothering sauce. Its versatility means it easily elevates any dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually striking presentation, serve the smothered green beans in a rustic casserole dish or individual ramekins for a dinner party. Drizzle a little extra cream on top just before serving, or garnish with crispy bacon bits for a tempting finish that will get everyone’s attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Smothered Green Beans with Bacon and Cream Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making for an excellent next-day side dish or quick lunch addition.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces sometimes change texture after freezing. To freeze, cool the beans completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and use within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to restore that luscious texture. Microwave reheating also works well—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work just as well and are a convenient option if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as frozen beans might need a bit longer to become tender.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to bacon in this recipe?
Yes. To keep it vegetarian, skip the bacon and use olive oil or vegan butter for sautéing. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor punch without meat.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Sure thing! Simply omit the heavy cream and use a dairy-free cream substitute, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, to keep the dish creamy without dairy.
What can I do if my sauce isn’t thickening?
If the sauce feels too runny after simmering, let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce. Alternatively, stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken quickly.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The amount of heat from red pepper flakes is completely adjustable. Start with a pinch and add more to taste until you find your perfect level of warmth. It adds a lovely layered flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Smothered Green Beans with Bacon and Cream Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for company, combining wholesome ingredients into a dish full of rich, layered flavors and comforting textures. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Print
Smothered Green Beans with Bacon and Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Smothered Green Beans is a comforting and flavorful side dish made by sautéing fresh green beans with crispy bacon, onions, and garlic, then simmering them in chicken broth. Optional cream and seasonings add richness and depth, making this dish perfect to accompany any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or frozen green beans)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Meat
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Liquids and Others
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional for a slight sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: If there isn’t enough bacon drippings, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the Green Beans: Add the fresh (or frozen) green beans to the skillet, and toss them with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream (Optional): For a richer, creamier dish, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Once the green beans are tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the crispy bacon. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Heavy cream is optional; leaving it out will keep the dish lighter but less creamy.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Frozen green beans can be used when fresh are not available but adjust cooking time accordingly.
