INTRODUCTION
Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans are a simple, warm side dish that many families love. This recipe uses smoked ham hocks to give the beans deep, savory flavor. The dish is naturally gluten free and low calorie when served in proper portions. The beans add fiber and vitamins, and the smoked meat gives a little protein. If you like classic, homespun meals, you may enjoy my old fashioned vegetable beef soup recipe as another take on comfort food.
This article will walk you through a clear, easy method to make these tender southern green beans. You will also find notes on health benefits, meal prep tips, storage, and simple changes for a lighter option or a higher protein meal.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans because they are simple to make and full of flavor. This recipe is a great candidate for a healthy version of a comfort dish. It is a lighter option compared with heavy sides that use large amounts of butter or cream. The low calorie nature of green beans makes this dish good for weight loss plans when you control portion size. The beans add fiber and the shredded ham adds some protein so it can be part of a balanced meal. This dish is also diabetic-friendly when you watch added salt and portions.
This recipe is easy to fit into weekly meal plans and is great for meal prep. Make a big batch, portion it, and you have ready sides for several dinners. If you love old-fashioned flavors, try pairing it with other classic dishes like the hearty vegetable beef soup for a full, homestyle meal.
HOW TO MAKE Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans
This method keeps the flavors deep and the beans tender. Use smoked ham hocks, or pick a lighter smoked turkey option to cut calories. The slow simmer brings out the meat flavor without strong spices.
For a lower-sodium finish, reduce the salt called for and taste before adding extra. If you need a lighter option, choose smoked turkey legs or wings instead of ham hocks. For a higher protein meal, add more shredded smoked meat or serve alongside a lean protein like grilled chicken.
One more note: low carb and gluten free diets work with this recipe as written. The beans are naturally low carb compared with starchy sides, and there is no gluten in the basic ingredients. If you want a low calorie or heart healthy version, trim visible fat from the meat and use a smaller amount of seasoning meat.
For more classic soup and side ideas, I also like a bowl of old fashioned vegetable beef soup to go with these beans.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Colander for washing and draining beans
- Plate for cooling shredded meat
- Measuring spoons
Keep equipment simple. A good, heavy pot helps keep a steady simmer and prevents burning.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 pound smoked ham hocks ((or equal weight of bacon, smoked turkey wings, or smoked turkey legs)), 3 pounds fresh green beans (washed, trimmed and cut in 2” pieces), 2 teaspoons salt
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Place the ham hocks (or other choice of seasoning meat) in a large pot with just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
While the ham hock simmers, prepare the green beans by removing the “tips and tails.” Snap the beans into approximately 2" pieces or leave whole if desired.
Add the beans and salt to the pot. Bring the contents to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
Remove the ham hocks to a plate and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Remove and shred the meat from the ham hock, discarding the skin and bones. Add the shredded meat back to the pot and stir it into the beans.
HOW TO SERVE Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans
Serve these green beans hot as a side or a light main when you add extra shredded meat. For healthy serving ideas, portion one cup per person as a side (about one cup cooked green beans). This gives a good balance of vegetables without too many extra calories. If you want to make it a high protein meal, serve one cup of beans with a palm-sized portion of lean meat or add more shredded smoked meat to the beans. For those watching carbs, pair the beans with a green salad or roasted non-starchy vegetables.
If you want to keep the dish diabetic-friendly, use steamed brown rice or a small sweet potato as your carb choice and measure your portions. For an overall heart healthy plate, limit added salt and trim fat from the smoked meat before adding it back in.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans
To store leftovers, cool the bean mixture to room temperature for up to two hours, then transfer to airtight containers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until hot throughout.
To freeze, portion the beans into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible and label with the date. Frozen beans will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes the recipe great for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Balanced and healthy side: Serve the beans with grilled or baked chicken breast and a side salad for a low calorie, filling plate.
- Lighter option: Swap ham hocks for smoked turkey wings to reduce fat and calories.
- High protein meal: Mix in extra shredded smoked turkey or ham and serve over a bed of quinoa or with a boiled egg.
- For a gluten free meal: The dish is naturally gluten free. Just ensure any smoked meat you buy has no added gluten-containing ingredients.
For more old-fashioned side ideas that match this flavor, consider pairing with classic vegetable beef soup for a hearty dinner that stays balanced.
VARIATIONS
-
Healthier version:
Use smoked turkey wings or legs instead of ham hocks and reduce the added salt to 1 teaspoon or less. Remove visible skin and fat from the turkey before shredding. This gives a healthy version that keeps deep smoky flavor but cuts saturated fat and calories. -
High-protein or low-carb version:
Add extra shredded smoked turkey or diced cooked chicken to the beans. Serve on a bed of sautéed greens instead of rice to keep carbs low. This turns the side into a higher protein meal that fits low carb plans. -
Air fryer or oven-baked version:
While the classic method simmers on the stove, you can make a roasted style dish using an oven. Toss trimmed green beans with a touch of olive oil and small pieces of smoked turkey or ham. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until beans are tender and slightly charred. For extra crispness, cook the meat pieces in an air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes before tossing with beans. The air fryer version will give a smoky, roasted finish and is a good lower-fat way to prepare the beans.
FAQs
Q: Are these green beans good for weight loss?
A: Yes. Green beans are low calorie and high in fiber. If you control portion size and use a lighter smoked meat option, this recipe can be part of a meal plan that supports weight loss. Serve with a lean protein and non-starchy vegetables for a balanced plate.
Q: Is this recipe diabetic-friendly?
A: The beans are naturally low in sugar and high in fiber, which helps control blood sugar. It is diabetic-friendly when you watch portion size and reduce added salt and fatty meats. Choose smoked turkey for a leaner, lower-fat option.
Q: How long do cooked green beans last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten free?
A: Yes. The basic recipe is naturally gluten free. Always check labels on smoked meat you buy to make sure it has no added gluten-containing ingredients.
Q: Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
A: You can, but fresh beans give better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain and add them near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking. Reduce overall cook time.
Q: How can I lower the sodium in this dish?
A: Use smoked turkey instead of ham hocks, reduce the added salt, and rinse any packaged smoked meat if needed. Taste before adding more salt.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans
- Make a large batch and cool completely. Divide into single-meal portions for quick reheating during the week. This makes the recipe great for meal prep.
- Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for a fast, warm side.
- Prepare the smoked meat ahead of time by simmering and shredding it. Store shredded meat in the fridge and add to freshly cooked beans when ready to serve.
- For time-saving, trim and cut the beans the night before and store them in water in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Try these tips to save time and keep dinners easy. The dish stores and freezes well, so it fits busy schedules and meal prep routines.
Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Place the ham hocks (or other choice of seasoning meat) in a large pot with just enough water to cover.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- While the ham hock simmers, prepare the green beans by removing the tips and tails, then snap the beans into approximately 2" pieces or leave whole if desired.
- Add the green beans and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
- Remove the ham hocks to a plate and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Remove and shred the meat from the ham hock, discarding the skin and bones. Add the shredded meat back to the pot and stir it into the beans.