Southern Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe
Last Updated on February 11, 2026 by Barbara
Green beans and potatoes are two of the most popular vegetables in the world. They are both versatile and delicious, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. But what makes these two vegetables such a classic combination? There are a few reasons why. First, they have complementary flavors. The mild, slightly sweet flavor of green beans is balanced by the earthy, savory flavor of potatoes. Second, they have similar textures. Both are firm and starchy, which makes them a good match for each other. Third, they are both relatively low in calories and fat, making them a guilt free choice.
This Southern Recipe is a stable on every holiday table and most Soul Food Sunday dinners. I will walk you through the ingredients and instructions.
How to Make Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
Watch Me Make Southern Green Beans and Potatoes (Video Tutorial)
What You Will Need
- Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cooking Utensils
Ingredients for Green Beans and Potatoes:
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a crisp, vibrant texture and soak up all the delicious seasonings in this Southern dish.
- Red Potatoes: Red potatoes provide a creamy bite and hold their shape well during cooking, making them perfect for this hearty recipe.
- Bacon: Smoky bacon infuses rich flavor and adds a satisfying crunch when used as a topping.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth enhances the overall taste with a savory depth while keeping the green beans and potatoes tender and flavorful.
- Water: Water helps balance the saltiness while ensuring the ingredients cook evenly.
- Onion: Sweet, sautéed onion adds a rich, caramelized flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a bold, aromatic punch, deepening the dish’s savory complexity.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides the garlicky notes while helping to balance the entire dish.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder adds an extra layer of subtle sweetness and enhances the savory profile.
- Salt: Salt helps to highlight the natural flavors of the vegetables and bacon.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper brings a mild heat and earthy sharpness, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
Instructions for Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
1. Preparing the Green Beans and Cooking the Bacon
Rinse the green beans and break them in halves and set aside. Rinse the potatoes and cut them into quarters.
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon for 5 minutes until browned. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Green Beans and Liquids
Add the green beans, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a light boil.
4. Season the Green Beans
Season with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine. Cover the pot and allow the beans to cook for 30 minutes over medium heat
3. Add Potatoes and Bacon
After 30 minutes, add the quartered red potatoes, reserved bacon, and the remaining teaspoon of black pepper. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. After one hour, your Southern Green Beans and Potatoes are ready to serve. Enjoy warm!
What to Eat With Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
Green beans and potatoes are so hearty they can easily stand alone as a meal. But they also pair well with many other dishes. Southern green beans and potatoes are often paired with fried chicken, baked chicken or smothered chicken. If you are not in the mood for poultry, there are several beef options to choose from. Baked bbq short ribs, pot roast or beef tips are great alternatives. My air fried pork chops are a also great option. Green beans and potatoes is great for Soul Food Sunday dinner or an easy weeknight meal.
What to do with Leftover Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
Leftover green beans and potatoes can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure they are at room temperature before storing. Be certain to store in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place them in a pot over medium low heat. If you are low on liquid you can add a little broth or water.
To freeze your leftover green beans and potatoes, make sure they are at room temperature then store them in a freezer safe container. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can divide them into smaller meal sized portions before freezing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, place them in a pot over medium low heat and allow them to cook. If needed, add water or broth.
Other Great Recipes
- 15 Bean Soup Recipe
- Sausage, Green Beans and Potatoes
- Southern Fried Cabbage
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Chicken and Dumpling
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Ingredients
- 2lbs Green Beans
- 5 Red Potatoes
- 1 Cup Onion
- 1 clove Garlic
- 10 slices Bacon
- 3 ½ Cups Chicken Broth
- 2 Cups Water
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 ½ tsps Salt
- 2 tsps Black Pepper
Method
- In a Dutch oven cook the bacon for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside until later.
- Add the onion and garlic and saute for two minutes.
- Add the green beans, water and chicken broth then bring to a light boil.
- Season with the salt, onion powder, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Mix well then cover and allow it to cook for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes add the potatoes, bacon and the remaining teaspoon of black pepper.
- Cover the beans and allow them to cook for an additional one hour stirring occasionally.
- After one hour your beans are ready to serve.
