If you love a side dish that’s as fast as it is flavorful, you’re in for a treat with these 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic. Vibrant green beans are sautéed to perfect tenderness, then tossed with crispy bacon and rich garlic in under half an hour. This recipe packs in bold flavors and is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday tables, or anytime you need a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fast & Effortless: You’ll have a vibrant, restaurant-worthy side dish on the table in just 20 minutes—minimal prep and maximum flavor!
- Satisfyingly Crispy Bacon: Smoky bacon not only adds crunch but also infuses the green beans with irresistible savory goodness.
- Fresh & Garlicky: Minced garlic brings a punch of flavor that complements the green beans’ natural sweetness and the richness of the bacon.
- Perfect for All Occasions: These 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic work just as beautifully for holiday feasts as they do for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple—just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each packing a big punch in terms of color, taste, and texture. Here’s what you need and why each one really matters:
- Bacon (6 slices, diced): Provides smoky flavor, added richness, and those glorious crispy bits that make this dish truly irresistible.
- Fresh Green Beans (1 lb, trimmed): The star of the show—choose bright, firm beans for a beautiful crunch and vibrant green color.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Don’t be shy! Loads of garlic infuse every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Cracked Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and elevates all the flavors in the pan.
- Sea or Kosher Salt (to taste): You may not need much thanks to the bacon, but a pinch at the end sharpens things up perfectly.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make these 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic your own! This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to tweak it based on your mood, family preferences, or what’s in your pantry.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a touch of gentle heat.
- Lemon Zest Finish: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest right before serving adds brightness and a lovely zingy lift.
- Nutty Twist: Toss in a handful of toasted sliced almonds for extra crunch and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Vegetarian Swap: Skip the bacon and sauté the green beans in olive oil, then top with grated parmesan for a savory touch.
How to Make 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden and crisp—about 6 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, but keep about 2 tablespoons of that lovely bacon fat in the skillet. This is your secret weapon for ultimate flavor!
Step 2: Prep and Steam-Sauté the Green Beans
Rinse your trimmed green beans in a colander and give them a good shake—leave a little water clinging to them (it helps with quick steaming!). Return the pan with the bacon fat to medium-high heat, add the green beans, and toss to coat. Cover the skillet and sauté, giving them a stir every now and then. In about 6 minutes, you’ll notice the beans becoming vibrantly green and just-tender with some lovely caramelized spots.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Throw in the minced garlic and keep things moving! Sauté the garlic with the green beans, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute—just enough for that irresistible garlicky aroma to bloom without burning.
Step 4: Finish with Bacon and Season
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and toss everything together for one final minute, letting all those flavors mingle. Take the pan off the heat, add cracked black pepper, taste, and add a sprinkle of salt if you’d like. That’s it—your 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic are ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
- The Bacon Fat Sweet Spot: Drain off excess bacon grease, but leave just enough (about 2 tablespoons) to coat the beans–this is key for flavor without greasiness.
- Slightly Damp Beans: Don’t dry the green beans all the way—the clinging water helps them steam and sauté at the same time for perfect tenderness and color.
- Timing the Garlic: Add the garlic near the very end, allowing it to cook for just a minute to release its flavor without risk of burning.
- Customize Your Crunch: Prefer more bite? Simply cut a minute or two from the green bean sauté time for extra firmness.
How to Serve 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
Garnishes
For an inviting finish, sprinkle your 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving. A twist of fresh black pepper or even a hint of lemon zest will add a pop of color and an extra splash of flavor that brings the whole dish to life.
Side Dishes
This dish is so versatile—it shines alongside practically any main course! Serve with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, or baked salmon for a well-rounded meal. It also complements holiday entrees like glazed ham or turkey beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the green beans on a long platter, topped with scattered bacon and a dusting of microgreens for a dramatic effect. Or, nestle the beans in a shallow white bowl and drizzle with a bit of pan juices for a rustic, family-style presentation that everyone can dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic (though it’s rare!), transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for next-day lunches.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, the green beans may lose some of their signature snap and become a bit softer upon reheating. For best results, freeze in portioned containers and enjoy within one month for maximum quality.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the green beans and bacon in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, stirring gently. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but a skillet will best restore their lovely texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes! If using frozen green beans, don’t thaw them first—add them straight to the hot skillet. They may need 1–2 minutes longer to cook, and the texture will be slightly softer than fresh, but they’re still absolutely delicious with the bacon and garlic.
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How can I make 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic paleo or Whole30?
Just use sugar-free, nitrite/nitrate-free bacon (there are plenty of great choices out there!). No other changes are required—this recipe already aligns beautifully with both paleo and Whole30 diets.
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Can I prepare the bacon in advance to save time?
Absolutely! You can crisp the bacon and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reserve the bacon fat in the fridge, then reheat both together when you’re ready to make the green beans.
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Are 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic gluten-free?
They sure are! Just double-check your bacon ingredients to ensure there are no added fillers that contain gluten—most varieties are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic, you’ll see why they’re such a hit in my kitchen and beyond. They’re quick, full of flavor, and the kind of side dish that makes every meal feel extra special—even on the busiest weeknights. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to favorite too!
Print
20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 as a side dish 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic are a quick and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. The smoky bacon and fragrant garlic elevate simple green beans to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Bacon:
- 6 slices bacon, diced
Green Beans:
- 1 lb green beans, ends trimmed
Other:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Sea or kosher salt, to taste, if needed
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook diced bacon until crisp, about 6-7 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
- Sear the Green Beans: Rinse and drain green beans. Add them to the skillet and sauté until charred and tender, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Return bacon to the skillet and sauté for another minute.
- Season and Serve: Remove from heat, add cracked black pepper, and toss. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use sugar-free, nitrite/nitrate-free bacon for paleo and Whole30 compliance.
- Rinsing green beans with residual water helps with steaming while sautéing.
- Drain excess bacon fat to avoid greasiness. For firmer beans, sauté for 4 minutes instead of 6 in step 2.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
