Description
A quick, 15-minute weeknight side dish featuring tender-crisp green beans sautéed in crispy bacon grease, rich butter, and aromatic garlic. This flavor-packed recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a savory, kid-approved comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5–6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash green beans and trim off the woody ends by snapping them. Set aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add chopped bacon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered grease in the pan.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add green beans to the hot bacon grease. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If dry, add a splash of water and cover for 1 minute to steam, then uncover to evaporate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return bacon bits to the pan. Toss to coat beans in the garlic butter mixture. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and crack of black pepper. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Do not overcook the beans; they should remain tender-crisp. Add garlic last to prevent burning. If using frozen green beans, do not thaw and cook for 1-2 minutes longer. For a lighter version, use half the butter and omit bacon, substituting olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: garlic butter green beans, bacon green beans, quick side dish, weeknight dinner, easy vegetables, kid-friendly recipes