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Green beans with bacon is a favorite side dish recipe for so many people because bacon makes green beans taste better!
With this easy recipe you only need 2 ingredients and less than 20 minutes of cooking time. Serve with air-fryer whole roasted chicken and cornbread for an easy weeknight dinner.
Bacon lovers are going to love these green beans. Green beans sautéd in bacon fat is the best way to enjoy your veggies. It's southern style!
These green beans make a great side dish for just about any dinner, whether it includes steak, chicken or pork. They pair well with other side dishes such as roasted rutabaga, scalloped potatoes or slow cooker mac and cheese.
Ingredients needed
- fresh green beans
- bacon
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
Tip: When choosing fresh green beans, look for ones that are a bright green color and easily snap in half when you bend them.
Here are a few ways to modify this recipe if needed.
- fresh green beans - Use 3 cans of cut green beans that have been drained. Remove as much excess liquid as possible before adding them to the pan. There's no need to boil them first.
- onion powder - A small onion can be cooked along with the bacon instead of using onion powder.
- garlic powder - 2 cloves of minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder. Add them to the skillet with the green beans. If they are added earlier, you run the risk of the garlic burning in the pan.
Equipment needed
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You'll need a large stockpot and a large saucepan to make green beans with bacon. For the stockpot, we use a 5 quart enameled dutch oven.
For the skillet we like to use a 12" cast iron skillet but a stainless steel saucepan or non-stick saucepan works too.
Step by step instructions
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and return to a boil. Boil for 5-6 minutes and drain in a colander. Keep the green beans in the colander while you move to the next step.
TIP: Don't boil the green beans for longer than 7 minutes. They will end up turning a brownish color and become mushy after they are sautéd in the bacon fat.
Cook the bacon in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium and drain all but about 2 tablespoons of grease from the pan.
Add the green beans to the pan, along with the seasonings and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes or until the green beans are heated through.
How to store
If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Green beans can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More side dish recipes
Green Beans with Bacon
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs. green beans (ends trimmed)
- ½ lb. bacon (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and return to a boil. Boil for 5-6 minutes and drain in a colander. Keep the green beans in the colander in order for them to dry off while you move to the next step.
- Cook the bacon in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium and drain all but about 2 tablespoons of grease from the pan.
- Add the green beans to the pan, along with the seasonings and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes or until the green beans are heated through.
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