Take your side dishes up a notch with this Green Beans with Bacon recipe. Crispy bacon, tender green beans, and a hint of garlic make this a quick, flavorful dish ready in just 20 minutes.
This green beans and bacon recipe is one of my favorites when I want a simple yet standout side. Fresh green beans get coated in savory bacon drippings and sautéed with onions, garlic, and a touch of paprika for that perfect balance of flavor. It's an easy way to make your meal feel special while keeping things simple and stress-free.
Looking for more ways to enjoy fresh green beans? Check out our sheet pan sausage with green beans and potatoes, or this chicken green bean stir fry recipes to see how to make fresh green beans a delicious part of your meals.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This green beans with bacon recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, ideal for weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Packed with Flavor: Savory bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of paprika make every bite of these bacon green beans irresistible.
- Fresh and Wholesome: Uses fresh green beans for a healthy, flavorful addition to your plate.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cook everything in one skillet for an easy cleanup, making this one of the simplest green bean recipes around. For another one-pan favorite, try our beef and broccoli recipe.
Ingredients
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. Chopping it into ½-inch pieces ensures even cooking and crispy bites. If you love bacon, don't miss our bacon and asparagus recipe for another delicious way to enjoy it.
- Green Beans: Choose fresh, bright green beans, trim the ends, and wash well. They provide a crisp, fresh base that balances the richness of the bacon.
- Onion: Yellow onions work best for sauteing as they become sweet and tender. Dice evenly so they cook at the same rate as the green beans.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy, umami flavor that complements the bacon.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add cooked, diced chicken or turkey to the fresh green beans with bacon to make this a more substantial, one-pan meal.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the green beans just before serving for a sweet and tangy flavor boost. It would pair great with our balsamic pasta salad.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the green beans just before serving for added crunch and flavor.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta at the end for a creamy, savory addition.
How to Make Fresh Green Beans and Bacon
This simple green beans and bacon recipe is ready in no time and packed with flavor. Before starting, gather all your ingredients and have a large skillet ready for cooking.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon. Add the chopped bacon to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, then remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving just a little bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Cook the Green Beans. Toss the green beans into the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Bacon. Sprinkle in the garlic, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce, then stir to coat. Return the bacon to the skillet and sauté everything together for 1 more minute before serving.
Expert Tips
- Choose Fresh Beans: Select bright green beans with firm stems and no brown spots to ensure crisp-tender results.
- Don't Overcook: Cook the green beans just until fork-tender to avoid mushy beans.
- Flavor Boost: Let the green beans sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the bacon and seasonings to meld, enhancing the flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
- These green beans are the perfect weeknight dinner side. Pair them with our skillet chicken thighs for a quick, flavorful meal.
- Green beans and bacon are a simple yet elegant addition to holiday spreads, potlucks, or dinner parties. They pair well with our baked ham with brown sugar glaze or our sausage stuffing, for a festive and flavorful touch.
- This savory side is perfect for brunch, adding freshness and flavor to the table. Serve alongside a hashbrown breakfast casserole for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! If using frozen green beans, thaw and pat them dry before cooking. Keep in mind they may cook a bit faster, so check for tenderness to avoid overcooking.
This recipe is freezer-friendly. Let the green beans and bacon cool completely, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture and flavor.
More Delicious Side Dishes
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Green Beans With Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook for 5-7 minutes or until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet, then remove all but ¼ cup of the bacon drippings.
- Add the onion and cook until translucent and soft. About 5-6 minutes.
- Add green beans and toss to coat in the bacon drippings. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes, and the beans are fork tender.
- Sprinkle garlic, salt, paprika, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce over the beans, then toss to coat. Return the bacon to the skillet and saute for 1 minute.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon and cook it until just crispy, leaving a little fat in the skillet to sauté the onions and green beans for extra flavor.
- Choose fresh green beans that are bright green with firm stems, and trim the ends to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the green beans until they are fork-tender but still slightly crisp, maintaining both texture and color.
- Add the spices and Worcestershire sauce at the end so the beans are evenly coated without burning the spices.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
These green beans are the ultimate side dish for the holidays or just a week night dinner.