Sautéed Green Beans with Bacon — Quick Skillet Recipe (Video)

Sautéed green beans are a simple, flavorful side made with crisp bacon, minced garlic, and fresh green beans. Ready in about 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to accompany a holiday spread.

If you need more vegetable side dish ideas, consider roasted cauliflower, maple-braised butternut squash, roasted Parmesan asparagus, or chili-lime corn on the cob.

Sauteed Green Beans With Bacon

Green beans are often overlooked, but when cooked simply and well they shine. This sautéed version with bacon brings out a savory, slightly smoky flavor that highlights the beans’ natural freshness. Even people who think they don’t love green beans usually change their minds after trying this preparation.

Ingredients Needed To Make A Sauteed Green Bean Recipe

This recipe uses mostly pantry staples and comes together quickly. You can usually pull it together on a whim for weeknight dinners or to round out a holiday plate.

• 1 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
• 4 slices thick-cut raw bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup diced onion (frozen works fine)
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste

How To Prepare Green Beans

For this recipe use fresh green beans for the best texture. Most grocery-store green beans are stringless; simply wash and trim the stem ends. If you prefer to save time, pre-trimmed or bagged green beans are a convenient option.

How To Cook Green Beans With Bacon

(Printable recipe summary follows below.)

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is almost crispy. Add the diced onion to the skillet and continue cooking until the bacon is fully crisp and the onion is translucent. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon and onion to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Reduce heat to medium and add the trimmed green beans to the bacon drippings in the skillet. Sauté the beans, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and tender-crisp, about 7–8 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, the reserved bacon and onions, and the lemon juice. Toss and cook for about 1 minute to blend flavors. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then serve warm.

What To Serve With This Sauteed Green Bean Recipe

This classic, versatile side pairs well with many mains. For weeknights try pork tenderloin, a simple Italian salad, and crusty bread. For holiday meals, serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, roasted turkey, or glazed ham.

Tips For Making The Best Sautéed Green Beans

• Use fresh green beans. Fresh beans give the crisp-tender texture this recipe relies on; frozen or canned won’t produce the same result.
• Bacon is optional. If you prefer a vegetarian version, sauté the beans in about 1 tablespoon of olive oil instead of bacon fat.
• Store leftovers properly. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheated beans may lose some of their bright color.
• Flavor matters. A bit of bacon fat and the right seasoning—lemon, garlic, and red pepper—elevate the dish, so don’t skimp on those finishing touches.

More Side Dishes For Any Occasion!

Try other easy sides like baked Parmesan risotto, pull-apart garlic bread, pecan-glazed carrots, acorn squash mashed potatoes, or slow-cooker stuffing to round out your menu.

Tools used to make Sauteed Green Beans With Bacon

A large skillet (preferably cast iron or enameled), a slotted spoon, and a sharp knife for trimming the beans make this recipe easiest to prepare.

Sautéed Green Beans With Bacon

Yield:
4 servings

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

These sautéed green beans combine bacon, garlic, and fresh beans for a quick, flavorful side ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
• 4 slices of thick-cut raw bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup diced onions (frozen is fine)
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until almost crispy. Add the diced onion and cook until the bacon is crisp and the onion is translucent. Remove bacon and onion with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add green beans to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the beans are lightly browned and tender-crisp, about 7–8 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, reserved bacon and onions, and lemon juice. Toss and cook about 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 73
Total Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g