Description
A comforting and flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans smothered in a savory bacon, onion, and garlic sauce with a rich, creamy finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed (or frozen green beans)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Meat
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Oils & Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional for a slight sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: If there isn’t enough bacon fat in the skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the Green Beans: Add the fresh or frozen green beans to the skillet. Toss them with the sautéed onions and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the green beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream (Optional): For a richer dish, stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Stir the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot as a tasty side dish.
Notes
- You can use frozen green beans if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw before cooking.
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Heavy cream is optional—omit it to keep the dish lighter but still flavorful.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as part of a holiday meal spread.
