Easy Green Beans Recipe with Bacon and Garlic

This Easy Green Beans 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 with bacon and garlic is a classic dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of crispy bacon, the sharpness of garlic, and the freshness of green beans. This dish has its roots in traditional home cooking, where green beans are commonly paired with bacon to bring out their rich flavor. The bacon adds a crispy texture, while the garlic provides a delightful garlicky bite, making it a favorite in many family recipes. You can sauté the green beans in butter or olive oil, giving them a beautiful golden color and slightly crisp.

The bacon adds a salty kick, making this side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special holiday meals. I personally remember my grandmother preparing this dish as comfort food, always served on the holiday table with the perfect balance of flavor and texture. With its simple yet rich taste, Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic remain a staple in steakhouse meals and family dinners across generations.

Why You Will Love It

Perfect Flationavor Combin

• Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic combine rich and savory flavors that will keep you returning for more.
• The crispy bacon adds an irresistible salty kick.
• The garlic delivers a delightful garlicky bite in every bite.

Great Texture Balance

• The green beans remain fresh, vibrant, and crunchy.
• The crispy bacon complements the beans' natural crunch, creating a balanced texture.
• When sautéed in butter or olive oil, the green beans develop a gorgeous golden color and a slightly crisp exterior, making them visually appealing.

Ideal for Any Occasion

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or special holiday meals.
• Quick and easy to prepare, yet packed with flavor.

Comforting and Nostalgic

• The combination of bacon, garlic, and green beans makes it a comforting and nostalgic favorite.
• A great addition to your holiday table.

Simple Yet Impressive

• Whether you're after a hands-off method or a dish that will impress, Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
• A staple in many family recipes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

6. Add Bacon and Serve

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

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 Will Need:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Tongs or a spatula for stirring
• A ladle to serve