These easy 4-ingredient Green Beans with Bacon and Onion are a simple and old-fashioned side dish full of big classic flavor perfect for any everyday or special occasion.
There are some recipes that have been a staple on our family table for as long as I can remember, and these Green Beans with Bacon and Onion are one of them. Quick to make with just a few simple ingredients that lend big flavor, this is one of those easy side dishes that can be served for holidays, on busy weeknights, for Sunday dinner, and everything in between.
Made with just 4 simple ingredients, fresh green beans are sautéed in smoky bacon fat with sweet onions until perfectly tender and full of flavor. These Green Beans with Bacon and Onions are an old-fashioned comfort food that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes and pair well with almost anything.
If you like this side dish, try some of our other classic favorites. Like this Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes and my grandmother’s Southern Tomato Pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients with Big Flavor: These beans are made with just a handful of ingredients but have big, comforting flavor. Less is more here.
- Ready in About 20 Minutes: This tasty side comes together fast, with minimal tools or kitchen equipment.
- Classic Old-Fashioned Flavor: Smokey bacon, savory onions, and tender green beans are a classic flavor combination that pairs well with almost any main dish.
- Great Year-Round Side Dish: Serve these anytime of the year on weeknights or holidays. They’re simple enough for daily dinner, or special enough for nice occasions.
Ingredients
- Green Beans: Use canned or fresh, either work.
- Bacon: For that nice smokey flavor, use thick cut for the best flavor and texture.
- Yellow Onion: Savory aromatic flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste and adjust as needed.
- Paprika & Dry Parsley: For extra flavoring.
How to Make Green Beans with Bacon and Onion
1. Start by frying your bacon in a pan, you want them crispy and brown. Next add in your diced onion and seasonings.
2. Add in your green beans with the juices (if using a can), if you are using fresh green beans add about a cup of water and let the beans simmer an hour.
3. Serve with your favorite meats or dishes (try my pot roast!)
Expert Tips
- Blanch the Beans First: Boiling them briefly, then shocking in ice water keeps them bright green and crisp-tender before they go into the skillet.
- Reserve a Couple Tablespoons of Bacon Fat: Remove some, too much can make the dish greasy.
- Let Onion Cook until Soft and Lightly Caramelized: Sauté for a bit until they become translucent then lightly browned for the best sweet-savory flavor.
- Roast or Air Fry Method: This recipe can also be roasted — place in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes in bacon fat, or air-fried instead of sautéed on the stovetop for a slightly different texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use Shallot: In place of the sweet onion for a more subtle onion flavor.
- Roast the Green Beans: Do this in bacon fat at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of boiling and sautéing.
- Air Fry the Green Beans: For a different, shorter cook time and a slightly different texture.
- Add a Splash of Vinegar: Mix it in at the end for a tangy, Southern-style finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. Reheat the beans in a skillet over medium low heat, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need to, but you certainly can. Blanching them would keep the beans bright green in color and with a tender-crisp texture.
Yes, you can. Just be sure to thaw and/or drain well before using.
Definitely. Roast at 400° for 15-20 minutes in bacon fat, or use the air fryer for a slightly different texture.
These beans are best enjoyed fresh, right after cooking, but you can prep them in advance and sauté an hour or so ahead of time, then reheat right before serving.
More Easy Vegetable Side Dishes
Green Beans with Bacon and Onion
Ingredients
Method
- Start by frying your bacon in a pan, you want them crispy and brown. Next add in your diced onion and seasonings.
- Add in your green beans with the juices (if using a can), if you are using fresh green beans add about a cup of water and let the beans simmer an hour.
- Serve with your favorite meats or dishes (try my pot roast!)
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. Reheat the beans in a skillet over medium low heat, or in the microwave until warmed through.