Smothered Green Beans is a savory and slightly sweet side dish that combines tender green beans with smoky bacon and a rich sauce made from brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any comforting meal, this dish is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Prepare Baking Dish: Pour drained green beans into an ungreased 9x13-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.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add liquid smoke. Use turkey bacon for a healthier option or fresh green beans for a more vibrant flavor.