Smothered green beans and smoked sausage are a hearty, flavorful dish that captures the essence of Southern comfort food. This recipe is a perfect blend of tender green beans, savory smoked sausage, and a medley of spices that create an irresistible flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction.
Here, we’ll answer common questions about how to make the best smothered green beans and smoked sausage, provide a step-by-step recipe, and give tips on enhancing flavors to suit your taste buds.
Southern Style Green Beans with Smoked Sausage
Southern style green beans are known for being rich in flavor, often cooked with smoked meats like sausage or ham to create a deep, savory taste. In this version, we pair smoked sausage with fresh green beans to bring out the best of both ingredients. The slow cooked method allows the beans to absorb all the savory goodness from the sausage, making it a traditional Southern staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create a delicious batch of smothered green beans and smoked sausage, you’ll need the following:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed & cut
- 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into rounds
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional for added moisture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
These basic ingredients are easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the spices to your liking or add vegetables like potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.
Smothered Green Beans and Smoked Sausage Recipe
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to make this classic Southern dish:
Step 1. Prepare the Green Beans
Wash, trim & cut the green beans into bite sized pieces. Fresh green beans are best, but you can use frozen if needed. Be sure to thaw them before cooking.
Step 2. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3. Saute Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 4. Add the Green Beans
Add the prepared green beans to the skillet with the onions & garlic. Stir them around to coat them in the flavorful oil and cook for about 5 minutes.
Step 5. Add the Smoked Sausage and Broth
Return the browned smoked sausage to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. If you like your dish saucier, you can add more broth. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6. Season and Serve
Before serving, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Give everything a good stir, then serve warm.
Smothered Green Beans and Smoked Sausage in the Oven
While the stovetop method is popular, you can also make smothered green beans and smoked sausage in the oven for an even richer flavor. Baking this dish helps caramelize the sausage while allowing the green beans to become tender and infused with the smoky flavors. Simply prepare the ingredients, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Variations of Smothered Green Beans and Smoked Sausage
Adding Potatoes for Extra Heft
A popular variation of smothered green beans and smoked sausage includes adding baby potatoes to the mix. Potatoes absorb the savory flavors and added texture to the dish. Simply quarter the potatoes and add them at the same time as the green beans, ensuring they have enough time to cook through.
Cajun Style Smothered Green Beans
For a spicier version, consider making Cajun style smothered green beans. Swap out the olive oil for bacon fat and add Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning. You can also toss in some bell peppers and celery for a more traditional Cajun flavor profile.
Stovetop Sausage, Green Beans, and Potatoes
For a heartier meal, you can add potatoes to the stovetop version of this dish. Stovetop sausage, green beans, and potatoes is a popular variation that adds starchy potatoes to soak up the delicious juices. Simply dice the potatoes and add them at the same time as the green beans, allowing everything to cook together until tender. This version is perfect for a full meal in one pot.
Italian Sausage and Green Beans
If you’re looking to switch up the flavors, try using Italian sausage in place of smoked sausage. Italian sausage and green beans add a slightly spicy and aromatic flavor to the dish. The fennel and herbs in the sausage pair wonderfully with the freshness of the green beans. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to finish the dish with a bit of Italian flair.
Nutritional Benefits of Smothered Green Beans and Smoked Sausage
Despite being a comforting, hearty dish, smothered green beans and smoked sausage can be part of a balanced diet. Green beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and folate. Smoked sausage, while higher in fat, provides a good source of protein. To make the dish lighter, you can opt for turkey sausage or chicken sausage, which contain less fat than traditional pork sausage.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect companion to smothered green beans.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a truly Southern meal, serve this dish with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Rice: A simple side of white or brown rice helps soak up the savory sauce.
Why Smothered Green Beans and Smoked Sausage Is a Southern Staple?
The combination of tender green beans and flavorful smoked sausage is more than just a meal; it’s a representation of Southern cooking at its finest. This dish has been passed down through generations, bringing back memories of Sunday dinners and family gatherings. The simplicity of ingredients and the depth of flavor make it a go to comfort food in many Southern households.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, smothered green beans and smoked sausage should be at the top of your list. With its rich flavors and customizable options, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Additionally, the nutritional benefits of green beans combined with the protein from the sausage create a balanced meal. Give it a try and savor a taste of Southern comfort!
FAQs
Can I Make Smothered Green Beans and Smoked Sausage in a Crockpot?
Yes, brown the sausage first, then add everything to the Crockpot. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
What Type of Smoked Sausage Should I Use?
Andouille or kielbasa work great, but you can use any smoked sausage. Choose spicy or mild based on your preference.
Can I Use Canned Green Beans?
Yes, but fresh is better for texture. If using canned, drain and rinse them, and reduce the cooking time.
How Can I Add More Flavor?
Try Worcestershire sauce, paprika, or hot sauce. A bay leaf can also add extra aroma.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
