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Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe

Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe

This Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe is a classic Southern-style side dish made with tender green beans, smoky bacon, onion, garlic, and savory broth. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with homestyle flavor, perfect for BBQ dinners or everyday meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds Fresh green beans Trimmed; frozen works too
  • 4 slices Thick-cut bacon Or ½ cup chopped ham
  • 1 medium Onion Diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 4 cups Chicken broth Low sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Start light adjust later
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika Optional adds smoky depth
  • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes Optional heat

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch oven or deep saucepan For slow simmering
  • 1 Cutting board Vegetable prep
  • 1 Sharp knife Chopping bacon and aromatics
  • 1 Wooden spoon Gentle stirring
  • 1 Measuring cups Measuring broth
  • 1 Measuring spoons Measuring seasonings
  • 1 Slotted spoon Optional, for serving

Method
 

Step 1
  1. Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
    Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe
Step 2
  1. Add the diced onion to the bacon drippings and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe
Step 3
  1. Add the green beans to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
    Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe
Step 4
  1. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender and flavorful.
    Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe
Step 5
  1. Stir the cooked bacon back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
    Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe

Notes

  • Don’t rush the simmering process; slow cooking helps the beans absorb flavor.
  • If using canned green beans, reduce simmer time to 10 minutes.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip bacon and use vegetable broth with extra smoked paprika.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.