1-Getting started with Green Beans With Bacon is as simple as heating up your skillet, and this step-by-step guide will walk you through it all. First, focus on mise en place: trim and rinse 1 lb fresh green beans, then shake off most of the moisture without drying them completely this helps with steaming later. Dice 6 slices of bacon and mince 4 cloves of garlic to streamline the process, especially if you’re prepping for a quick weeknight meal.

2-Next, crisp the bacon by heating a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the diced bacon until it’s crisp, about 6 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for flavor. For plant-based swaps, have smoked tempeh ready if needed. This step builds the smoky foundation of your Green Beans With Bacon.

3-Sautéing the Green Beans: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and let the bacon fat warm for about 30 seconds before adding the green beans. Toss them to coat in the fat, then cover and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they’re charred and almost tender, around 6 minutes. If you prefer firmer beans, cut the time to about 4 minutes for that perfect snap.

4-Once the beans are ready, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. This timing ensures the garlic doesn’t overcook and adds a wonderful aroma to your dish.

5-Finishing and Serving: Stir the cooked bacon back into the skillet and combine everything for another minute. Remove from heat, season with 1 teaspoon of cracked black pepper, and add salt to taste if needed, then toss well before serving. The total time is just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy parents or working professionals. For more garlic-infused ideas, try our garlicky chicken pasta as a main course pairing.