These classic sautéed green beans are even better with addition of crispy bacon bits! This easy veggie side dish is garlicky, full of warm spices from the Cajun seasoning, and just overall delicious.
Why Everyone Loves Easy Sautéed Green Beans with Bacon
Skeptical about ‘green beans’ and ‘bacon’ in the same recipe? No worries! A little fat equals tons of flavor. Here are the top reasons why you need to add this recipe to your arsenal:
- Flavor, Flavor, Flavor: Green beans with garlic, warm Cajun spices, and a lovely sauté in bacon fat, packs a real flavor punch.
- Plays Well: Whether you carry the Cajun spices through the rest of the meal or serve with another protein, these beans go with just about everything. See my favorite serving suggestions below!
- Quick and Easy: This bacon green beans recipe is so simple. Ready in just under 30 minutes, monitor them easily on the stovetop while making the rest of the meal.
- Picky Eater Friendly: Thank the bacon! Even die-hard veggie resistors fall for this flavorful side.
Looking for other great green bean side dish recipes? You’ll love this traditional easy green bean casserole too! It’s the perfect complement to any poultry. You’ll also want to try crockpot green bean casserole or cheesy green bean casserole!
Ingredients Needed for Sauteed Green Beans
Gather just a few items and you’re good to go! Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.
- Bacon: Dice thick sliced bacon. Regular bacon works too.
- Onion
- Garlic: Pull about 3 cloves off the bulb and mince.
- Green Beans: Use fresh green beans with the ends trimmed.
- Cajun Seasoning: Choose your favorite brand for a little heat. Add a large pinch of red pepper flakes for even more of a kick. Swap regular seasoned salt if sensitive to spice.
- More Seasoning: Use a bit more salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
- Olive Oil: You may need a drizzle to prevent sticking.
How to Make Green Beans with Bacon
Make these green beans anytime you crave an easy, but delicious vegetable side dish. With practically no prep work, these are truly a one-pan wonder! See the overview below for how to saute green beans with bacon. For full detailed directions see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Bacon: In a large heavy bottomed skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until the fat begins to render. Sauté about 2 minutes.
- Onion: Add onion and continue to sauté until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook: Add green beans and toss to coat with bacon and onions. Lower heat to medium and cover with lid, stirring often. Cook until green beans are softened, about 20 minutes.
- Season: Once green beans are soft and tender, season with Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Here are some extra tips that will help you get the best results with your beans:
- Rinse the Green Beans: This will ensure that you are working with clean green beans. More importantly, if you cook these green beans while slightly damp, they will end up with a nice brown sear.
- For Firm Green Beans: If you like firmer green beans, shorten cooking time to about 15 minutes.
- Excess Grease: You definitely need some fat in which to cook the beans, but a couple of tablespoons in the pan is enough. If the bacon is extra juicy, drain off some of the excess.
- Too Little Grease: If the bacon is leaner, like a center-cut product, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil. This prevents everything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Extra Bacon: Top with extra crispy bacon crumbled over the top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
What should you serve with your sautéed green beans? So many delicious, almost endless options! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Grilled Meat: Try pork chops, chicken breasts, or steaks. Serve these flavorful green beans on the side. No grill? These green beans with bacon taste great alongside slow cooker Cajun chicken and sausage or my best baked chicken recipe.
- Pasta Salad: Keep dinnertime light and simple with green beans and pasta salad! Try something like this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad or this Greek Pasta Salad. Love the slightly spicy angle? Whip up Cajun Chicken Pasta today.
- Seafood: Green beans with bacon are fantastic with seafood, too. I definitely recommend trying them with Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Crusted Salmon or Salmon Patties!
Storage and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store sautéed green beans in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or toss in a skillet on top of the stove to warm through.
More Flavor-Packed Sides
Looking for more quick and easy side dishes to make with dinner? Try out some of these:
- The Best Baked Beans (also made with bacon!)
- Green Bean Casserole
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Candied Carrots
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Dirty Rice
The Best Sautéed Green Beans with Bacon
Ingredients
- 6 strips thick sliced bacon, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning, optional
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 – 2 tablespoons olive oil, if needed
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottomed skillet, like a cast iron skillet, sauté bacon over medium-high heat until the fat begins to render, about 2 minutes.
- Add onion and continue to sauté until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add green beans and toss to coat with bacon and onions. Lower heat to medium and cover with lid and cook, stirring often, until green beans are softened, about 20 minutes. Depending on how much fat is in your bacon, you may need to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil as you cook the green beans to prevent everything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once green beans are soft and tender, season with cajun seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
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