There’s something wonderfully comforting about a simple pot of Southern-Style Potatoes & Green Beans. Tender potatoes and fresh green beans simmer slowly in a flavorful, savory broth until everything is perfectly tender and infused with delicious Southern-style seasoning.
This humble side dish is inexpensive, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare. Traditionally, green beans and potatoes are cooked together with onion and a smoky ingredient such as bacon or ham, creating a rich flavor that makes this dish taste like it has been simmering all day.
Serve it alongside fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, country-fried steak, or almost any hearty main course.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water, if needed
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. If using large green beans, cut them into smaller pieces.
Wash the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. If using baby potatoes, simply halve them. Peeling is optional; leaving the skins on adds texture and saves time.
2. Cook the Bacon
Place the chopped bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is browned and has released some of its fat.
If there is an excessive amount of grease, carefully remove some, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pot.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the bacon and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
The combination of bacon, onion, and garlic creates the savory base for the dish.
4. Add the Potatoes and Green Beans
Add the potatoes and green beans to the pot.
Pour in the chicken broth and enough water to nearly cover the vegetables.
Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and bay leaf.
Stir gently to combine.
5. Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and simmer for approximately 25–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans have reached your preferred level of tenderness.
For very tender Southern-style green beans, allow the mixture to simmer a little longer.
6. Finish the Dish
Remove the bay leaf.
Stir in the butter and, if desired, a small splash of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the bacon and broth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Serve warm with some of the flavorful cooking broth spooned over the potatoes and green beans.
Tips for the Best Southern-Style Potatoes & Green Beans
Choose similar-sized potato pieces: Cutting the potatoes into evenly sized chunks helps them cook at the same rate.
Don’t rush the simmer: Gentle cooking allows the potatoes and green beans to absorb the savory broth and seasonings.
Use fresh green beans when possible: Fresh beans provide a pleasant texture and fresh flavor, although frozen green beans can work when fresh ones aren’t available.
Watch the salt: Bacon and chicken broth can both contain significant amounts of sodium. Taste the dish near the end before adding additional salt.
Don’t overcook the potatoes: You want them tender but still holding their shape rather than turning into mashed potatoes.
Using Ham Instead of Bacon
For another traditional-style variation, replace the bacon with diced smoked ham.
You can also add a small ham hock to the pot while the vegetables simmer. Remove the ham hock before serving and shred any tender meat from it back into the dish.
Southern-Style Green Beans Without Meat
You can easily make this dish vegetarian.
Simply leave out the bacon and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add a little extra smoked paprika, black pepper, and butter for additional flavor.
For a completely plant-based version, use olive oil or a plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
Can I Use Canned Green Beans?
Yes. Canned green beans are already cooked, so they don’t need the same amount of simmering time as fresh beans.
Cook the potatoes in the seasoned broth first until they are nearly tender. Then add drained canned green beans during the final 8–10 minutes of cooking.
This helps prevent the beans from becoming excessively soft.
Slow Cooker Method
This recipe can also be adapted for a slow cooker.
Add the potatoes, green beans, onion, garlic, bacon or ham, seasonings, and broth to the slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
For the best texture, check the vegetables toward the end of cooking because smaller potatoes can become soft faster than larger pieces.
What to Serve with Southern-Style Potatoes & Green Beans
This hearty vegetable dish pairs beautifully with:
- Fried chicken
- Roasted chicken
- Meatloaf
- Pork chops
- Country-fried steak
- Roast beef
- Baked ham
- Cornbread
- Biscuits
- Grilled sausage
A warm piece of cornbread is especially delicious for soaking up the savory cooking broth.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To reheat, place the vegetables and some of the broth in a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat until heated through.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Frozen green beans are a convenient substitute for fresh ones. Add them according to their package cooking characteristics and avoid overcooking them.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
No. Baby potatoes and thin-skinned potatoes can be cooked with their skins on. If using older potatoes with thick or rough skins, peeling them may give you a smoother texture.
Why are my green beans tough?
Some fresh green beans naturally take longer to become tender. Older or larger beans may require additional simmering time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors often become even more developed after sitting for a while. Reheat gently before serving and add a splash of broth if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Southern-Style Potatoes & Green Beans proves that simple ingredients can make an incredibly satisfying dish. Tender potatoes, flavorful green beans, smoky bacon, onions, garlic, and seasoned broth come together to create a comforting side that’s perfect for family dinners and holiday meals.
Serve it hot with your favorite Southern-inspired main course and plenty of warm cornbread for a classic homestyle meal.