Smothered Green Beans is a savory and slightly sweet dish that brings together the fresh taste of green beans with the rich, smoky flavor of bacon and a delightful sauce made from brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it was a favorite at our family gatherings. I vividly remember the aroma that filled the kitchen as my mother prepared this dish, and the joy it brought to everyone at the table. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible side dish, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight dinner. The best part is, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
5 (15-oz) cans green beans, drained
6 strips bacon
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven will be at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the dish, allowing the green beans to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour the drained green beans into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread them out evenly to create a flat layer. This will help the sauce and bacon distribute evenly over the green beans, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Cooking the Bacon
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they are almost done but not too crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. The bacon should be browned and slightly crisp but still pliable. Cooking the bacon partially allows it to finish cooking in the oven, where it will infuse the green beans with its smoky flavor.
Chop the Bacon: Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces. Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the green beans in the baking dish.
Making the Sauce
Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter. If using a microwave, heat the butter in short intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 2/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and 1-1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Continue whisking until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This sauce is the key to the dish, providing a sweet and savory coating for the green beans.
Combining and Baking
Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the green beans and bacon in the baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir and ensure that the green beans are well-coated with the sauce. The sauce should seep down to the bottom of the dish, covering all the ingredients.
Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken and caramelize slightly, while the bacon will finish cooking and become crispy. The green beans will absorb the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and flavorful.
Serving
Serve Hot: Once the baking time is complete, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle. Serve the smothered green beans hot, straight from the baking dish. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or as part of a larger holiday spread.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce for a smoky flavor. You can also sprinkle the top with toasted nuts or seeds for added texture.
Healthier Option: Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon to reduce the fat content. You can also replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture if you prefer a bit of heat.
Fresh Green Beans: If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender-crisp before adding them to the baking dish. This step ensures they cook through in the oven without becoming too soft.
Different Cheeses: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, over the top of the dish before baking. This will add a rich, creamy element to the dish.
Conclusion
Smothered Green Beans is a versatile and delicious side dish that elevates the humble green bean to new heights. The combination of tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a sweet-savory sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a favorite in your home. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, creating a dish that is comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast or as part of a casual dinner, Smothered Green Beans is a recipe that you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table!
Smothered Green Beans
Ingredients
- 5 15-oz cans green beans (drained)
- 6 strips bacon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour drained green beans into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet, cook 6 strips of bacon over medium heat until browned but still pliable, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the green beans in the baking dish.
- Melt Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup butter.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder until smooth.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the sauce evenly over the green beans and bacon. Stir gently to coat.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving hot.
