Southern Smothered Green Beans

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon (chopped)
• 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced into rounds (e.g., andouille or kielbasa))
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 lb fresh green beans (trimmed and snapped)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered.

2. 2

   Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot with the bacon and bacon fat. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it has developed a nice sear on both sides.

3. 3

   Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté in the rendered fat until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

5. 5

   Add the snapped green beans to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

6. 6

   Stir everything together to ensure the beans are well-coated and the seasonings are distributed.

7. 7

   Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid.

8. 8

   Simmer the beans for 30-45 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. The beans should be soft and have absorbed the flavors of the broth and meats.

9. 9

   Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or Cajun seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

For a more traditional 'smothered' texture, you can cook the beans even longer (up to 90 minutes) on very low heat. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more broth or water.

Nutrition per serving

• side dish
• main dish
• Cajun
• Southern
• comfort food
• bacon
• green beans
• one-pot