Skillet Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic are a Thanksgiving Side that can hold their own next to the casseroles, potatoes, and stuffing.
They’re savory, a little smoky, and ready in 30 minutes, which is especially useful when oven space is already spoken for.
Fresh green beans keep this side lighter than a traditional green bean casserole, but the bacon still gives it plenty of holiday flavor.
Garlic, onion, and smoked paprika keep things simple without making the beans bland. They’re cooked until tender rather than soft, so they still have some bite when they reach the table.
This is also a practical choice for smaller Thanksgiving dinners since it makes six servings and doesn’t require a casserole dish or oven time.
It’s WW Friendly, too, at an estimated 2 Points per serving.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
Keeps the Oven Free
Thanksgiving oven space disappears quickly. This entire side dish is finished on the stovetop, so it won’t compete with turkey, stuffing, or casseroles.
Ready in 30 Minutes
The beans only need a short boil followed by a few minutes in the skillet. It’s a useful option when another side needs to be added without creating a long cooking schedule.
Bacon Makes Green Beans More Interesting
A small amount of bacon gives the whole skillet a savory, smoky flavor without turning this into an especially heavy side dish.
Works Beyond Thanksgiving
These green beans also work well with roasted chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon can replace the regular bacon. Since it produces less fat, add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet before cooking the onion if needed.
Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth can replace the chicken broth without changing the cooking method.
Regular Paprika
Regular paprika works if smoked paprika isn’t available. The flavor will be a little less smoky, but the seasoning still works well with the bacon and garlic.
Frozen Green Beans
Frozen green beans can work in a pinch. Skip the boiling step and add them directly to the skillet, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
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Skillet Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic
Recipes are written with one action per step for accessibility. Short lines. Fewer rereads. A calmer kitchen on mobile or desktop.
Ingredients
- 1½ pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- ½ cup yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4 minutes, until bright green and just beginning to soften. Drain the green beans and set aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the green beans, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to coat the beans. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender and the broth has mostly evaporated. Stir in the cooked bacon and serve warm.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Watch the green beans closely – The first boil is short. Cooking them too long at this stage can leave them overly soft after they finish in the skillet. Keep some bacon drippings – About 1 tablespoon is enough to cook the onion and carry the bacon flavor through the dish. Use evenly trimmed beans – Green beans that are similar in size will cook more evenly. Wait to add the bacon back – Stirring it in at the end helps it stay crisper.Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Skillet – Reheat over medium-low heat for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Microwave – Reheat individual portions in short intervals until hot.Nutrition
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