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Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe

Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe

This Bill Miller green bean recipe makes tender, savory green beans with bacon, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and broth. The beans simmer gently until they absorb the rich, smoky flavors, making an easy barbecue-style side dish for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cans 14.5–16 oz each regular-cut green beans, drained
  • 6 –8 oz bacon chopped
  • ½ medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 14–15 oz diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 to 1½ cups beef broth
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Serving spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon: Add chopped bacon to a large pot over medium heat. Cook until the fat renders and the bacon is lightly browned.
  2. Soften the onion: Add the chopped onion to the bacon and drippings. Cook for about 3–5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  3. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Build the tomato base: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes so the tomato flavor blends with the bacon and onion.
  5. Add the green beans: Stir in the drained green beans and about 1 cup of beef broth. Add the black pepper and mix gently.
  6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the green beans simmer gently for about 15–25 minutes.
  7. Check the texture: Taste a green bean. Continue simmering for a few more minutes if you prefer a softer, more tender texture.
  8. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the cooking liquid and add salt only if needed. Bacon and broth can already contain plenty of sodium.
  9. Rest before serving: Turn off the heat and let the green beans rest for about 5 minutes so they can absorb more of the seasoned cooking liquid.

Notes

For the best texture: Regular-cut canned green beans work especially well when you want tender, restaurant-style green beans.
For fresh green beans: Trim and cut them into bite-size pieces, then allow additional cooking time until they become tender.
For less salt: Use low-sodium broth and wait until the end to season.
For more smoky flavor: Cook the bacon slowly until well browned or add a small pinch of smoked paprika.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a small splash of broth or water if the cooking liquid has thickened.