This smothered green beans recipe is one of those cherished dishes that just feels like home. It's a delightful combination of tender green beans, savory bacon, and sweet onions, all cooked together in a skillet until they meld into pure comfort food. Grandma used to serve this up during family gatherings, and it quickly became a beloved staple at our dinner table. It's one of those recipes that's perfect for a cozy family meal or a potluck with friends. The smoky bacon and caramelized onions bring out the natural sweetness in the green beans, making it a dish that's both simple and incredibly flavorful.

These smothered green beans pair wonderfully with just about any main course, but they especially shine alongside roasted chicken or a hearty meatloaf. If you're looking to keep things on the lighter side, consider serving them with grilled fish. For a truly comforting meal, try adding some mashed potatoes or cornbread to the mix. And don't forget a light, crunchy salad to balance out the richness of the bacon and onions.

Servings: 6 servings

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it's crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.

2. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it's softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until it's fragrant.

4. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure the green beans are well coated.

5. Cover the skillet and let the green beans cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the cooked bacon back into the skillet just before serving.

7. Serve warm and enjoy!

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use a tablespoon of olive oil to cook the onions and garlic instead. If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. For those who prefer a bit more sweetness, a teaspoon of brown sugar added with the onions can enhance their caramelization. And if you have picky eaters who aren't fans of green beans, feel free to substitute with broccoli or snap peas.

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