Name: Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup diced onion; 5 slices bacon (diced); 6 cups green beans (halved); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 cup water

Jump to Recipe

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, yearning for a side dish that’s both unbelievably delicious and ridiculously easy to make? Well, get ready to high-five your Instant Pot, because we’re about to introduce you to a game-changer: Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon! Forget soggy, bland green beans of yesteryear. We’re talking vibrant, tender-crisp green beans infused with the smoky, savory magic of bacon and the sweet whisper of onion, all whipped up in a flash. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a flavor fiesta that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect blend of speed, flavor, and effortless elegance, making it an ideal companion for any meal, from a busy weeknight dinner to a festive holiday spread. So, let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible dish your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon Recipe

Lightning-Fast & Fuss-Free: Your Instant Pot is the ultimate kitchen hero, transforming fresh green beans and bacon into a mouth-watering dish in mere minutes. Less time cooking, more time enjoying!
Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: The smoky, salty crispness of bacon perfectly complements the tender, fresh snap of green beans, all elevated by the aromatic sweetness of sautéed onions. It’s a symphony for your taste buds!
Healthy-ish & Hearty Side: Packed with fresh vegetables and just enough savory bacon, this dish offers a delightful balance. It’s a fantastic way to get your greens in, making it a side you can feel good about.
One-Pot Wonder, Easy Cleanup: Who doesn’t love minimal dishwashing? Everything cooks right in your Instant Pot, which means less scrubbing and more relaxing after a delicious meal.

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather your simple yet powerful ingredients to create this culinary masterpiece:

🧅 1 cup diced onion
🥓 5 slices bacon, diced
🟢 6 cups green beans, halved
🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt
🧂 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
💧 1/4 cup water

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions How to Make Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon

Get ready for some Instant Pot magic! Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon:

Bacon Bliss Begins: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Once it’s hot, add your diced bacon. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it’s wonderfully crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon bits and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Don’t discard the bacon fat in the pot – that’s flavor gold!
Onion Aromatic Action: Now, add your diced onion to the leftover bacon fat in the Instant Pot. Sauté the onions, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent. This should take another 3-5 minutes, infusing the pot with sweet aroma.
Green Bean Gathering: While your onions are doing their thing, quickly chop your fresh green beans into halves. Once the onions are ready, add the halved green beans, along with the water, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, directly into the Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Pressure Perfection: Carefully seal the lid of your Instant Pot, making sure the vent is in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 4 minutes on high pressure.
Quick Release & Ready to Serve: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully turn the vent to the “Venting” position and stand back as the steam escapes. Once the float valve drops, open the lid. Taste your glorious green beans and adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon bits right before serving for maximum crunch and flavor!

Different Ways You Can Present and Serve Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon

Your Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon are more than just a side dish; they’re a canvas for culinary creativity! Here are some delightful ways to present and serve them:

Classic Comfort Side: Simply spoon them into a beautiful serving bowl, ensuring each portion gets a generous sprinkle of those irresistible crispy bacon bits. Perfect alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a juicy steak.
Holiday Feast Star: Elevate your holiday table! Transfer the green beans to an elegant platter and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme, and perhaps a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds for extra texture. They’re a fantastic alternative to traditional green bean casserole.
Gourmet Garnish: For an extra touch of sophistication, drizzle a hint of balsamic glaze over the top just before serving. The sweet and tangy notes complement the savory bacon and fresh beans beautifully.
With a Kick: If you love a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the dish. It adds a lovely warmth and visual appeal.
Bowl Food Bliss: For a more casual, rustic feel, serve them directly from a charming cast iron pot or a large, communal bowl, inviting everyone to dig in.

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

Got leftovers of your amazing Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious for later enjoyment:

Cool Down: First, allow the cooked green beans to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain their quality.
Airtight Container is Key: Transfer the cooled green beans and bacon into an airtight container. This protects them from absorbing other odors in the fridge and keeps them fresh longer.
Refrigeration: Store the sealed container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon will last for 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave (stirring halfway through) or gently warm them in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, you might add a tiny splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Freezing (Optional): While green beans can be frozen, the texture might become slightly softer upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, store in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs Sections

Q1: Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can! You may not need the full 1/4 cup of water as frozen beans release some liquid. Keep the cooking time the same, or reduce slightly to 3 minutes, and quick release.

Q2: Can I omit the bacon to make it vegetarian?

A2: Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and sauté the onion in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter instead.

Q3: What type of bacon works best?

A3: Any regular cut of bacon works great. Thick-cut bacon will yield larger, chewier bits, while regular cut will be crispier.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?

A4: Yes, you can easily double the ingredients. The cooking time will remain the same, but the Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure.

Q5: My green beans are too soft/mushy. What went wrong?

A5: This usually means they were overcooked. Next time, reduce the pressure cooking time by 1 minute (e.g., to 3 minutes) for a firmer texture.

Q6: Can I add other seasonings or herbs?

A6: Definitely! A pinch of garlic powder, a dash of onion powder, or some fresh dill or parsley added at the end would be delicious.

Q7: Do I need to deglaze the pot after cooking the bacon?

A7: If there are significant browned bits stuck to the bottom, it’s a good idea to scrape them up with a wooden spoon after sautéing the onions and adding the water. This prevents a “burn” notice.

Q8: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

A8: You can make a similar version on the stovetop! Sauté bacon and onion as directed, then add green beans, water, and seasonings. Cover and simmer until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Q9: How can I make the bacon extra crispy for garnish?

A9: After cooking, you can drain the bacon further on paper towels or even dab it dry. For ultimate crispiness, you could also bake extra bacon separately in the oven.

Q10: Is this recipe good for meal prep?

A10: Yes, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and portion it out into containers for healthy, delicious sides throughout the week.