Heat a large heavy bottom pot over medium heat. Place bacon in the pot and cook stirring occassionally. Cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from pot, drain on a paper towel.
Reduce heat to medium-low, saute onions stirring occasionally until they are translucent.
Add green beans (liquid and beans) to the pot.
If you have ham base, add 1 teaspoon of it to the pot.
Add salt, ground black pepper, sugar, and two tablespoons of butter.
Cook on medium-low until the beans are heated through.