Name: Southern Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
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

3.0 from 8 votes

Green beans and potatoes are two of the most popular vegetables in the world. They are both versatile and delicious, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. But what makes these two vegetables such a classic combination?

There are a few reasons why these two go so well together. 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 healthy choice.

My Southern Recipe is a stable on every holiday table and most Sunday dinners. It is a great substitute for collard greens when I want something quick and easy. Here are the ingredients and instructions.

How to Make Southern Green Beans and Potatoes

Watch the Video Tutorial for Southern Green Beans and Potatoes

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What You Will Need

Pot or Dutch Oven
Cooking Utensils

Ingredient for Green Beans and Potatoes:

Southern Green Beans and Potatoes Ingredients

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, savory bacon infuses the dish with rich flavor and adds a satisfying crunch when used as a topping.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth enhances the overall taste with a savory depth, 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 reinforces the garlicky notes while evenly seasoning the entire dish.
Onion Powder: Onion powder adds an extra layer of subtle sweetness and enhances the savory profile.
Salt: Salt helps to draw out 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. Prepping Green Beans and Cooking the Bacon

Rinse the green beans and break them in halves then 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 crispy. Remove the cooked bacon from the pan and set it aside for later.

Bacon for Southern Green Beans and Potatoes

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon drippings and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Sautéed Onions for Southern Green Beans and Potatoes

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 it can sometimes stand alone as a meal. But It also pairs really well with so many other dishes. You can serve your Southern green beans and potatoes with fried chicken, baked chicken or smothered chicken. If you are not in the mood for poultry then there are several beef options to choose from. Baked bbq short ribs, pot roast or beef tips are great alternatives to chicken. For pork, air fried pork chops are a great option. Southern green beans and potatoes is great for Sunday dinner or a weeknight. Whenever you choose to make it and however you pair it, you will sure to be satisfied.

What to do with Leftover Southern Green Beans and Potatoes

Leftover green beans and potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure your green beans and potatoes 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. Green bean and potatoes 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.

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