Instant Pot Green Beans (Southern-Style with Bacon)

Make tender southern green beans in the Instant Pot in no time at all! An easy green bean recipe flavored with bacon and onions.

Today, I’m making southern style green beans in the pressure cooker! My inspiration for this delicious recipe was to recreate the fresh beans that my maternal Grandma used to make, which I’ve always referred to as “Grandma Beans.” My grandma used to make her fresh green beans with onion and bacon (or ham), depending on what she had at home! This added SO much flavor to the simple vegetable, and even as a picky kid I would eat the heck out of these green beans! 

Instead of slow cooking this easy side dish on the stove top, I decided to use the quick cooking power of my electric pressure cooker. Using the high pressure cooker reduced my cook time by more than half, and left the green beans infused with the most amazing flavor. The result? Southern comfort food with a very short cook time that tastes like it’s been slow simmering for hours! 

I love serving these yummy green beans with comforting meals like this Panko Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod or Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops!

Recipe Tips

For this easy dish, you need just need five main ingredients. I did use fresh green beans, which you can grab at the grocery store or from your local farm at the farmer’s market! And, you will also need diced onion, and some chicken broth or stock. I do think using smoked bacon is a good move to infuse the tender green beans with a nice smoky flavor, but I think it’s always best to use what you  have on hand rather than make a special trip to the store! 

In regards to trimming the fresh green beans, your personal preference comes into play! You will need to wash the green beans and trim off the stems. From there, you can choose to leave them long, halved, or cut them down into 1-inch pieces. It’s completely up to you! 

They’re the perfect side dish for any cozy dinner at home, and delicious enough for special holiday dinners! This southern green beans are truly one of the easiest side dishes you can make. 

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

These country green beans have plenty of substitutions available so you can make this dish your own! Here are a few suggestions. 

• Substitute leftover ham slice (cubed) for the bacon. You can also put a leftover ham shank or ham bone in the IP to add even more flavor, if you have it! 
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. 
• Substitute yellow onion for the white onion.
• There is no need to use high quality bacon for this recipe! Use jowl bacon, or fatty end pieces and it will be find. 
• Add a handful of diced new potatoes (I like red potatoes) for a more complete side dish!
• You can substitute cups of water for the chicken broth, but I really recommend using the broth for the best flavor.

Love your Instant Pot? Try these other Instant Pot recipes! Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce | Instant Pot Greek Yogurt | 20 Incredible Instant Pot Chicken Recipes | Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes | Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup | Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Chicken | Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Chicken

Serving Suggestions

These green beans make for a low carb, great side dish for Sunday supper or a holiday dinner! I recommend pairing them with a main dish of Beer Braised Pork Ribs for an comforting, easy dinner. They also make for a flavorful side dish alongside Pan Fried Chicken Legs or Smoked Chicken Drumsticks. 

And, I think this green bean recipe is special enough to serve at holiday dinner! If you need more ideas for your holiday meal, check out my list of Thanksgiving recipes.

Saving Leftover Green Beans

If you have leftovers, just save them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days! I think they are even better the next day. 

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. 

Instant Pot Green Beans

Instant Pot Green Beans are green bean perfection! Made with onions, garlic and bacon, you'll never want to make them a different way again!

4.80 from 15 votes

Print Pin Rate

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 161kcal

Author: Michelle

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans washed and ends cut off
• ¼ pound bacon chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic minced
• ½ small onion chopped
• 2 cups chicken stock/broth
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• Add bacon, onion, and garlic to the pressure cooker. Saute for 5 minutes, while occasionally stirring.
• Add remaining ingredients. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing.
• Set for a high-pressure cooking time of 15 minutes.
• Do a quick release at the end of the cooking time, removing the lid when the pressure has completely gone down.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/2 cup | Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 671mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g

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