How to Make Smothered Green Beans

Start by trimming the ends off the green beans and cutting them into uniform pieces, about 2-3 inches long. This ensures even cooking.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the bacon is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet as it will be used to cook the onions and garlic.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onions. Sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The aroma of garlic and onions cooking together is one of the highlights of this dish.
4. Add the Green Beans:

Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the bacon fat, garlic, and onions. Sauté the beans for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
5. Simmer in Chicken Broth:

Pour in the chicken broth, making sure it covers the green beans. If needed, add a bit more broth or water. This will help soften the beans and infuse them with flavor.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the beans cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. Stir occasionally to ensure the beans cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
6. Add Butter for Extra Richness:

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