Comfort-Style • Smoky • High-Protein
Tender green beans cooked low and slow with smoky bacon, sweet onions, and savory broth—old-fashioned and deeply satisfying.
📊 Macros (per serving – approx, 4 servings)
- Calories: 260–310
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbs: ~10g
- Fat: ~14–18g
🧾 Ingredients
Base
- 1½ lb (680g) fresh green beans, trimmed
(or 2 lb canned green beans, drained) - 6 slices center-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein Boost
- 1 cup white beans or Great Northern beans, drained & rinsed
- 4 oz (115g) diced ham or smoked turkey (optional but very traditional)
Cooking Liquid
- 1½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- ½ tsp sugar or honey (very classic, optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce at the end
🔥 Instructions
- Render the bacon
In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until fat is rendered and bacon is just crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; leave grease in the pot. - Cook the onion
Add sliced onion to the bacon fat. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. - Build the pot
Add green beans, white beans, diced ham (if using), cooked bacon, broth, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes. - Slow simmer (the secret!)
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer:- Fresh beans: 45–60 minutes
- Canned beans: 25–30 minutes
Stir occasionally. Beans should be very tender, not crisp.
- Finish & taste
Adjust salt and pepper. Add vinegar or hot sauce if desired.
💪 Why This Is High-Protein
- Bacon + ham/smoked turkey
- White beans add plant protein + creamy texture
- Still classic Southern flavor, not “health food” tasting
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Fried or grilled chicken
- Pork chops or meatloaf
- Cornbread (classic!)
- Over mashed cauliflower for a low-carb plate
