If you’re looking to add a little southern charm and bold flavor to your dinner table, this Creole Green Beans Recipe is an absolute must-try. The combination of smoky bacon, tender green beans, and a tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering side dish that’s simple to make yet packed with depth. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing some authentic Creole flair to a holiday spread, these green beans will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creole Green Beans Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the savory bacon to the zing of Worcestershire sauce. Using simple pantry staples and fresh veggies, this dish proves fantastic taste doesn’t have to be complicated.
- 3 (14.5-oz) cans whole green beans: Drained green beans provide the tender, vibrant vegetable base with a great texture.
- 4 slices bacon, diced: Adds a smoky richness that infuses the dish with classic southern warmth.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Offers sweetness and a little bite, softening beautifully when sautéed.
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly grassy flavor and a pop of color.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the sauce for a luscious, saucy consistency.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the acidity with a mellow sweetness for depth.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard: Gives a subtle sharpness that brightens the sauce.
- 1 (14.5-oz) can stewed tomatoes, undrained: Creates the rich, tangy tomato base essential to Creole cooking.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami, boosting the overall savory profile.
How to Make Creole Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully crisp. This process releases flavorful bacon drippings, which will form the tasty foundation of your dish. Once cooked, remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon but keep the drippings in the pan to cook the veggies in.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Build the Sauce
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, add chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, sprinkle in the flour, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Stir continuously to combine, allowing the flour to cook slightly and blend with the seasonings. Next, pour in the stewed tomatoes along with their juices and stir in Worcestershire sauce for a savory punch packed with Creole character.
Step 3: Cook the Green Beans and Combine
Now it’s time to add the drained green beans to the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the beans are coated in the rich tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the green beans are heated through. Finally, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top for that perfect salty crunch.
How to Serve Creole Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions can add a burst of color and a fresh bite that complements the dish’s smoky, tomatoey flavors. For those who enjoy heat, a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños will bring a satisfying kick.
Side Dishes
Creole Green Beans Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern staples like fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even cornbread for soaking up any remaining sauce. It also makes a fantastic partner to grilled or roasted meats, especially chicken or pork.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these green beans in individual ramekins topped with crispy bacon and a small dollop of sour cream. You can also layer them atop a baked potato or use them as a vibrant side in a hearty Creole-inspired grain bowl. Presentation makes this humble dish feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Creole Green Beans Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient addition to your meal prep or ready-to-go side for the next few dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the green beans by placing them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. To maintain the best texture, use within 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without breaking down the beans. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce luscious and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans offer a crisp texture and vibrant color. Just blanch them briefly before adding to the sauce so they cook evenly and remain tender but not mushy.
Is this dish spicy?
This Creole Green Beans Recipe is flavorful but mild by default. If you like your food spicy, feel free to add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable oil or vegan butter for sautéing. You might also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor bacon provides.
How long does it take to cook?
The entire recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy side dish for busy weeknights or holiday meals.
What other vegetables could I add?
Feel free to toss in chopped celery or some diced carrots for extra crunch and sweetness. Just sauté them along with the onions and peppers for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Creole Green Beans Recipe is one of those gems that turns simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying dish full of flavor and character. Whether you’re new to Creole cooking or a longtime fan, it’s sure to bring warmth and zest to your dinner table. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough — once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever made green beans without it!
Print
Creole Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
Description
A flavorful and hearty Creole Green Beans recipe combining tender green beans with sautéed bacon, onions, bell peppers, and a savory tomato-based sauce, perfect as a comforting side dish with a Southern twist.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 (14.5-oz) cans whole green beans, drained
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 (14.5-oz) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
Meat
- 4 slices bacon, diced
Seasonings and Others
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp dry mustard
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon pieces from the skillet and set them aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet for flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper over medium heat until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and dry mustard until well combined. Then pour in the undrained stewed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, stirring thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Green Beans: Add the drained green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them with the tomato mixture. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the green beans are heated through, approximately 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the cooked crispy bacon on top before serving. Enjoy this delicious Creole-style green bean dish as a flavorful side.
Notes
- Using canned green beans and tomatoes helps to speed up this recipe without compromising on flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when adding the seasonings.
- If preferred, substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Ensure to cook the bacon thoroughly for crispness and optimal flavor infusion into the dish.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
