I cook green beans a big pot with bacon and potatoes all the time. I also use onions and a little garlic.
You chop the bacon, put it in the pot on med/high heat to sweat a little, and when it's starting to brown just a little, add the onions, cooking and stirring on medium heat until onions are soft. Add green beans and water and/or broth and a small had of salt, and let cook until beans are starting to get tender. Add the potatoes and a few shakes of pepper, and cook until all is tender. A few tablespoons of real butter, added at the last, makes it really special.
Serve with anything, but you can make a meal of it with a pan of cornbread on the side.
*You can replace the bacon with a ham hock or ham bone.
Is this what you're thinking of?