Green beans, crispy bacon, brown sugar, butter, garlic, and soy sauce come together in this sweet and savory smothered green beans recipe!
You know that dish you never expected to love? For me, it’s these Smothered Green Beans. I’ll be honest, green beans were never the thing I got excited about on the dinner table. Growing up, they were the vegetable that got pushed around on my plate until my mom gave me that look—you know the one.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Fast forward to last Thanksgiving. We were at Aunt Linda’s house (she always hosts, and somehow it’s never stressful for her—how?!), and there was this huge casserole dish sitting there, bubbling and golden. I thought it was another version of green bean casserole. Nope. One bite in, and I was hooked. Sweet, savory, smoky bacon magic. It was the kind of dish where you tell yourself you’re just going to have a little, and then… well, you know where this is going. Three helpings later, I was shamelessly asking for the recipe.
And now, I make these Smothered Green Beans whenever I want to impress people—or just need an easy win at dinner.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Smothered Green Beans Recipe?
Okay, so here’s why I think this recipe works every single time.
- First, it’s ridiculously easy. We’re talking one dish, toss it all together, and bake.
- Second, it’s got bacon. Do I even need to say more?
- Third, the combo of brown sugar and soy sauce makes the green beans taste almost like candy. Almost. But, you know, with vegetables, so you can tell yourself it’s healthy-ish.
- And it works. Every time. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal, a church potluck, or one of those family dinners where you just need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredient Notes:
I’m all about keeping things simple. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need and why it matters.
-
Green Beans: I use canned. Yup, canned. They soak up all the flavors better than fresh. I know someone will clutch their pearls at that, but trust me here. If you’re team fresh, blanch them first.
-
Bacon: The real MVP. You’ll want it crispy, but not too crispy, since it’s going back in the oven.
-
Brown Sugar: This is what gives it that sweet kick. I usually use light brown, but hey, if you’ve only got dark brown, go for it. It’ll be a little richer, but no one’s complaining.
-
Butter: Because when is butter not a good idea?
-
Soy Sauce: I like the low-sodium kind. Balances the sweet, and the salt factor isn’t overwhelming.
-
Garlic Powder: Because everything’s better with garlic. You could use fresh garlic, but I won’t tell if you’re not in the mood for chopping.
How To Make Smothered Green Beans?
This is where the magic happens, folks.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
350°F. Classic move. This gives everything time to heat evenly without burning the sugar.
Step 2: Layer the Green Beans
Drain your green beans (seriously, don’t skip this or you’ll have green bean soup), and spread them out in a 9×13 dish. No fancy layering technique needed.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Fry it up until it’s almost crispy. You want it to have some chew left because it’ll crisp up in the oven. Drain it on paper towels, then give it a rough chop.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 4: Mix Up the Sauce
Whisk the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl. It’ll smell so good, you’ll be tempted to taste it. Go ahead. I won’t judge.
Step 5: Assemble
Sprinkle the bacon over the green beans like you’re raining joy on them. Then drizzle the sauce all over. Make sure you get every inch covered.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the dish in the oven uncovered for about 40 minutes. When you pull it out, everything should be caramelized and bubbling in the best possible way.
Step 7: Serve
Give it a little stir (optional), and serve. Honestly, people will be hovering around the oven waiting for this.
Storage Options:
If (and that’s a big if) you have leftovers, they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, or warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Freezing? Eh, I wouldn’t. The texture gets a little sad.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Here’s how you can mix things up:
- Fresh or Frozen Beans: If you must. Blanch ‘em first so they’re not raw.
- Turkey Bacon: Sure. You do you.
- Maple Syrup: Swap it for brown sugar for a more fall-ish vibe.
- Add Some Heat: Crushed red pepper flakes, anyone?
- Nutty Vibes: Toasted almonds or pecans make it fancy.
What to Serve with Smothered Green Beans?
These green beans go with everything.
- Roast chicken? Check.
- Thanksgiving turkey? Absolutely.
- Meatloaf? Oh yeah.
- Just a big bowl on their own? Been there, done that. No regrets.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead?
Totally. Assemble it, stash it in the fridge overnight, and bake when ready. Add 5-10 minutes if it’s cold.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yup! Blanch them first. Otherwise, they’ll be a little too crunchy.
Do I have to use bacon?
I mean, no… but why wouldn’t you? If you’re veggie, skip the bacon and add smoked paprika for a little smokiness.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to smother some green beans in bacon and brown sugar goodness? I promise this Smothered Green Beans recipe will turn skeptics into believers. And if you bring it to a potluck, don’t be surprised if you come home with an empty dish—and a few recipe requests.
Try it out and let me know how it goes! Did you tweak it? Add a little heat? Forget the bacon (no judgment… sort of)? I’m all ears!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Smothered Green Beans
Ingredients
- 5 cans 15 ounces each green beans, drained
- 1 pound bacon
- 2/3 c brown sugar
- 1/4 c butter melted
- 1/4 c low-sodium soy sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven by setting it to 350°F (175°C).
- Grab a baking dish measuring 9x13 inches. Spread the drained beans evenly in it.
- Using a skillet, over high heat cook the bacon until it becomes nearly crispy. Afterward, place the bacon on a paper towel to remove grease and chop it into small pieces.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the beans in the baking dish.
- In a bowl combine well the sugar, melted butter, soy sauce and garlic powder by whisking them.
- Evenly drizzle the sauce mixture over the beans and bacon in the baking dish.
- Put the baking dish into your oven. Bake, without covering for approximately 40 minutes.
- Once finished take it out of the oven. If necessary give it a stir before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
