There’s something about the combination of fresh green beans sautéed with crispy bacon that always hits the spot. Made with simple ingredients, this Easy One-pan Green Beans dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Green beans have always been one of my favorite veggies. I love the crisp bite you get when they’re cooked just right—and the bacon? It takes them over the top. The bacon not only adds incredible flavor but also serves as the cooking fat—no extra oil needed. Just be sure to pour off any excess so the beans don’t get greasy. A little minced garlic brings warmth, tying everything together.
And the best part? They’re so easy to make, which makes them a perfect quick side dish for any night of the week. Plus, they look beautiful on a holiday dinner table—simple, vibrant, and full of flavor. They pair beautifully with just about anything—chicken, steak, or fish.
Of course, we need more than one delicious side to go with any main dish. If you’re planning a full spread, try my brown sugar honey glazed carrots and honey cinnamon sweet potatoes too—they’re just as easy and packed with flavor.
How do I prevent the bacon from becoming too crispy?
Remove the bacon when it’s just turning golden and slightly crisp around the edges, but still has a bit of give in the center. Removing it from the pan while it’s still slightly tender allows it to crisp up a bit more as it cools. Be cautious not to overcook, as bacon can quickly go from perfectly crispy to overly hard.
Is it necessary to add additional fat or oil when cooking the green beans?
No, the bacon will render plenty of fat as it cooks — about 1 to 2 tablespoons is sufficient to sauté the string beans. You don’t want them to be too oily, if there’s more than that in the pan, you can spoon out the excess before adding the beans.
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Helpful Kitchen Tools:
KitchenAid 9x13in Nonstick Aluminized Steel Baking Sheet, Contour SilverReynolds Kitchens Pop-Up Parchment Paper Sheets, 10.7×13.6 Inches, 30 Count
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Splatter Screen with Folding Handle, Silver
Mfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy Clean
OXO Steel Serving Tongs
Main ingredients needed for this easy one pan green beans with bacon recipe:
Fresh string beans – The star of the show!
Bacon – Adds smoky, savory richness and a bit of crunch.
Garlic – Balances the saltiness of the bacon with a soft bite.
Salt and black pepper – Salt enhances all the natural flavors (but go easy—bacon is already salty). Black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the richness of the bacon.
Want to make these green beans your own? Try sprinkling in some crumbled feta for a salty, creamy finish, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. If you’re craving even more crunch, toss in a handful of sliced almonds—they add great texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
Step by step Instructions:
Cook the chopped bacon until ends start to turn crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from pan and place on a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
Add in the green beans and stir to coat them in the bacon fat. Cover the pan and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re crisp-tender. Add in the minced garlic, stir and cook for 1 minute.
Add the cooked bacon back to the pan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together to heat through.
Serve warm, Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately!
Storing Leftovers:
Let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Add a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 4 minutes). If the bacon was crispy, this method helps it crisp back up a bit.
Easy One Pan Green Beans With Bacon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 - 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: side dish
- Method: stove-top
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
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5 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cook the bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp, about 5–6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan (drain excess if needed). -
Sauté the green beans:
Add the green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat. Cover the pan and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and slightly caramelized in spots. Add garlic, stir and saute for 1 minute. Add bacon back to the pan and toss everything together. -
Season and serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste (go light on salt if your bacon is very salty). Serve warm.
