Easy Green Beans Recipe with Bacon & Garlic

Servings: 8 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
A Flavorful Green Bean Dish with Bacon & Garlic
Cooked green beans mixed with tender bacon pieces served in a white bowl, showcasing a hearty and flavorful dish. pinit

This Easy Green Bean Recipe with bacon, garlic, and butter is a perfect side dish for any meal. Fresh, frozen, or canned beans all work great! Try this simple, tasty recipe today.

Green beans are a popular side dish in many households thanks to their versatility and easy preparation. This recipe is an easy take on the classic green bean dish, adding a touch of butter, crispy bacon, and the savory depth of garlic. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or canned green beans, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 4 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 4 strips of bacon
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of steak seasoning
  • 2 cups of chicken broth

Special Tips:

  • If you’re using fresh beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes before cooking to keep them tender.
  • For extra flavor, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version.

Directions To Make Green Beans:

1. Prepare the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside. Leave the bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.

Crispy bacon slices sizzling in a frying pan with glistening grease on a stovetop.
Freshly cooked bacon strips frying in a pan, showcasing their golden brown texture and savory appeal.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft in the same skillet with the bacon fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Chopped onions sautéing in a frying pan with light golden caramelization and gentle steam rising.
Chopped onions gently cooking in a frying pan, softening and caramelizing for a rich, savory flavor.

3. Cook the Green Beans

Add the green beans to the skillet, stirring well to coat them with the butter, onions, and garlic. If you’re using canned or frozen beans, drain them first.

Fresh green beans sautéing with chopped onions and garlic in a large skillet on a stovetop with steam rising.
Green beans sautéing with onions and garlic in a skillet, creating a fresh and healthy side dish, with steam rising gently from the pan.

4. Add Seasoning and Sugar

Sprinkle in the sugar, pepper, and steak seasoning. Stir until everything is well combined.

5. Pour in Chicken Broth

Add the chicken broth to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the beans to absorb the flavors. If you like a bit softer green beans, cook for 10 minutes.

A measuring cup pouring broth into a skillet of green beans and onions, steaming on a stovetop.
Broth being poured from a measuring cup into a skillet of fresh green beans and onions, creating a flavorful dish with rising steam.

6. Add Bacon and Serve

Finally, add the crumbled bacon back into the pan and mix. Serve immediately while hot.

Steamed green beans topped with crispy chopped bacon bits in a stainless steel bowl, ready to be served.
Freshly steamed green beans garnished with a generous portion of crispy, golden-brown bacon bits for a savory side dish.

Tips for Variation, Substitutions, Modifications:

  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of butter.
  • Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • For Extra Crispness: Try roasting the green beans in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a crispy finish before mixing them with the bacon and broth.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content in this dish.

What to Serve With:

  • This green bean dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled steak, smoked ribs, or baked ham. It also complements mashed potatoes or a warm, cheesy bread roll.

Storage:

  • In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the best texture. If you must freeze it, reheat it in a pan to preserve flavor.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Tongs or a spatula for stirring
  • A ladle to serve
Cooked green beans mixed with tender bacon pieces served in a white bowl, showcasing a hearty and flavorful dish. pinit
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Easy Green Beans Recipe with Bacon & Garlic

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins
Servings: 8 Calories: 180
Best Season: Spring, Summer, Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Easy Green Bean Recipe with bacon, garlic, and butter is a perfect side dish for any meal. Fresh, frozen, or canned beans all work great! Try this simple, tasty recipe today.

Ingredients

Directions

    1. Cook bacon until crispy, crumble, and set aside.
    2. Sauté onion and garlic in bacon fat for 2-3 minutes.
    3. Add green beans and seasonings and stir to combine.
    4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
    5. Add bacon back in and serve!
Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 180kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g22%
Sodium 350mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Protein 3g6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Green beans, skillet green beans, easy recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
1. Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, frozen green beans work just as well as fresh ones. Thaw them and drain any excess water before cooking.

2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth makes this recipe vegetarian-friendly while still offering great flavor.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat it before serving.

4. Can I make this without bacon?

Yes, you can skip the bacon and use olive oil as a vegetarian alternative. Adding mushrooms or nuts can add some savory flavor.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover green beans?

Keep the green beans in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days.

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