If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate way to dress up green beans, stop right here. These Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon Recipe are a total show stopper. We’re talking crisp-tender green beans, sweet sautéed onions, a splash of beef broth, a drizzle of cream, and of course—the star of the show—crispy, smoky bacon.
It’s the kind of side dish that makes people who “don’t like vegetables” suddenly rethink their life choices. And let’s be honest—bacon has that magical power. It takes a humble veggie and transforms it into something you’ll fight over at the dinner table.
Braised until perfectly tender while still keeping a little snap, these green beans are the side dish you didn’t know you needed. Serve them up at your holiday potluck, Thanksgiving dinner, or even on a lazy Tuesday night, and watch them disappear.
👉 Related: Sous Vide Green Beans (Italian Style)
Why This Recipe Works
- The bacon gets cooked first so it stays crispy and doesn’t get soggy while the beans braise.
- A splash of cream brings richness that coats every green bean.
- Beef broth = flavor bomb. It deepens the dish and makes the beans taste like they’ve been cooking all day.
Bacon. Is there anything it can’t do? I mean, really. Bacon can turn bland into brilliant and boring into bring me seconds, please. I don’t know about you, but I firmly believe that if bacon had a fan club, I’d be president. These green beans with bacon? Proof of bacon’s superpowers.
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What is My Take on Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon Recipe?
These are the green beans I want on my table every time I need an easy but impressive side. They’re fast enough for weeknights, but fancy enough for a holiday dinner spread. Comforting, creamy, smoky, savory—it’s basically green bean perfection.
Make it a Meal
Pair these bacon-y green beans with some of these incredible mains:
- Chicken Paprika;
- Roast Duck or Roast Goose;
- Honey Baked Ham Recipe;
- Linguine with White Clam Sauce;
- Instant Pot Coq Au Vin.
Easy Side Dishes
Or keep it simple with one of these Easy Side Dishes:
- Parmesan Roasted Asparagus;
- Calabacitas Recipe (Sauteed Squash and Vegetables);
- Oven Fried Squash;
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus;
- Roasted Winter Vegetables.
Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to turn those humble green beans into a dish everyone will rave about? Don’t worry—this recipe is super simple. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have smoky, creamy, bacon-loaded green beans on the table in no time!
Step1: Cook the bacon and crumble it in pieces. Fry on the stove or cook in the oven (Learn how to cook bacon in the oven). Reserve 1 tbsp. of bacon grease and add it to a skillet.
Step2: Heat the skillet over medium heat (with the bacon fat) and add the onions. Saute until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Step3: Add the green beans (fresh or frozen) and cook, covered, about 3-5 minutes, stirring periodically.
Step4: Add the beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step5: Add the bacon, salt, pepper and cream and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid has cooked off and the green beans are tender.
Expert Tips
- Fresh beans will taste better, but frozen works great in a pinch.
- Bacon adds salt—taste before adding more!
- Swap in salt pork or pancetta if you want a twist (just cook first before adding).
- Stir periodically while cooking to prevent burning.
Common Questions
Yes! Make up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
Totally. Fresh is ideal, but frozen is a weeknight lifesaver (I use them all the time).
About 3 days in the fridge. You can freeze them, but honestly—they get mushy.
Either they’re past their prime (too mature when picked), or they weren’t cooked long enough.
Yep. The ends can be stringy and unpleasant.
Technically yes (up to 3 months in an airtight container), but I don’t recommend it since they go mushy when reheated.
Storing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can freeze up Technically yes (up to 3 months in an airtight container), but I don’t recommend it since they go mushy when reheated.
Did you make these Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon Recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how they turned out!
Recipe
Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pounds green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 6 oz. bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease
- ½ small onion diced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 4 oz. heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon and crumble it in pieces. Fry on the stove or cook in the oven (Learn how to cook bacon in the oven). Reserve 1 tbsp. of bacon grease and add it to a skillet.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat (with the bacon fat) and add the onions. Saute until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the green beans (fresh or frozen) and cook, covered, about 3-5 minutes, stirring periodically.
- Add the beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the bacon, salt, pepper and cream and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid has cooked off and the green beans are tender.
Expert Tips:
- Fresh or frozen green beans can be used. Fresh will have a better flavor, but frozen work great in a pinch as well;
- The bacon is salty, so be careful not to add too much salt;
- Substitute salt pork or pancetta for the bacon if desired. Cook it before hand and add it when you add the bacon.
- Stir the green beans periodically when cooking to avoid any possible burning.
Nutrition
Natalie says
Love green beans but I never paired them with bacon. Which sounds absolutely yummy. This goes on my to try list. I bet my boys will love this too... although they are not fan of greens, but because of the bacon, of course 😉
Danielle says
Of course 🙂
Byron Thomas says
Green beans - yum. But pairing them with bacon is even yummer!!! 🙂 It's smack-dab in the middle of winter here, so frozen green beans are my go-to for this recipe. To be honest, I prefer frozen because it cuts out the washing and trimming time.
Danielle says
I like fresh, but I use frozen all the time too - I'm totally with you on the cleaning!
Ramona says
I could have this beans and bacon every day - a great idea for my green beans to make tonight. Thank you so much for sharing and for the inspiration 😉
Danielle says
Hope you love them ramona!
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
I love green beans and buy them most weeks. Bacon makes everything better, so I am definitely trying these as they look sublime!
Danielle says
Hope you love them!
Whitney says
Yes!!! The only way to eat green beans is with bacon! That's how my dad always made them too, it tastes delicious!
Danielle says
I totally agree!
Joanie says
This was so easy to make and absolutely delicious! Thank you for a wonderful recipe.
Danielle says
I'm so glad you liked it!
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter says
That's a great side dish for any supper! Thank you for the recipe. I like how quick and easy it is.
Danielle says
You're welcome!
Ashley says
My dad just loved this recipe! He said it reminded him of how his mom used to make green beans when he was as a child! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Danielle says
I'm so glad he liked it!
layla says
Love bacon with vegetables!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
Green beans with bacon and corn souffle are the two favorite sides at my house. I love these! I can eat the whole thing as a meal!
Danielle@wenthere8this says
Oooh corn souffle just sounds so delicious!