These Instant Pot green beans are incredibly simple to make and will remind you of eating at Grandma's house for Sunday dinner.
I can't believe I'm about to say this, but here it goes. Green beans are a vegetable that I prefer canned rather than fresh. I'm not sure what happens when they're canned, but I love the texture. My guess is because I love them cooked "to death" in a very porky broth! There's a time and place for al dente haricots vert (that’s French for barely cooked green beans), but these Instant Pot green beans are not that at all. These remind me of Sunday dinner at Mom's house.
Why This Recipe Works
- Canned green beans allow for perfectly cooked potatoes without sacrificing the tenderness and flavor of the green beans.
- Rendering the bacon directly in the Instant Pot adds a rich, savory depth to the dish.
- It captures the essence of Southern comfort food, with tender green beans, hearty potatoes, and smoky bacon in every bite.
- Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that balances the bacon's richness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
More Southern Style Pressure Cooker Sides
Ingredients for Instant Pot Green Beans
How to Make Instant Pot Green Beans
And this is the AMAZING result…
Expert Tips
- Don't rush the rendering process by cooking the bacon on the stove at a higher heat. The steady temperature of the sauté function is perfect for this step. Cooking the bacon at a higher heat could burn it before all of the fat is rendered out, which means ruined bacon and less bacon fat to use for flavor. Still not sure about the rendering process? This article from Bon Appétit has more information.
- Don't drain the bacon grease! This recipe is intentionally written so that the bacon fat will be rendered and included in the recipe. It adds an incredible richness.
- If you're making a smaller portion, remember that the cooking time remains the same.
- For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and delicious meal.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned ones? While this recipe is specifically designed for canned green beans, you can experiment with fresh ones. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version? You can skip the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil or butter to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.
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Southern-Style Instant Pot Green Beans
These green beans are incredibly simple to make, but will remind you of eating at Grandma's house for Sunday dinner.
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Servings: 12
Calories: 161kcal
Ingredients
- 8 oz. bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup yellow onions diced
- 2 Tbsp. garlic paste or minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 100 oz. canned green beans with liquid
- 2 tsp. sea salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1.5 lbs. red potatoes roughly chopped
Instructions
- Using the sauté setting on your Instant Pot, cook the bacon until it's almost crispy, taking care not to rush this step. It may take up to 10 minutes to render out all the fat.
- Add the diced onions to the pot and cook for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot to infuse the dish with extra flavor.
- Add the canned green beans (including the liquid) and the chopped potatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine everything.
- Lock the lid and cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release to release the pressure.
Video
Notes
EXPERT TIPS
- Don't rush the rendering process by cooking the bacon on the stove at a higher heat. The steady temperature of the sauté function is perfect for this step. Cooking the bacon at a higher heat could burn it before all of the fat is rendered out, which means ruined bacon and less bacon fat to use for flavor. Still not sure about the rendering process? This article from Bon Appétit has more information.
- Don't drain the bacon grease! This recipe is intentionally written so that the bacon fat will be rendered and included in the recipe. It adds an incredible richness.
- If you're making a smaller portion, remember that the cooking time remains the same.
- For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop for a quick and delicious meal.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned ones? While this recipe is specifically designed for canned green beans, you can experiment with fresh ones. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy. Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version? You can skip the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil or butter to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly.Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 461mg | Potassium: 564mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 820IU | Vitamin C: 20.3mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1.8mg
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Becky
Finally someone posts a recipe using canned green beans. I bypass so many recipes that call for fresh which I never had much luck with. ( I can't seem to get all the strings off.) I tried these last night as I had all the ingredients and boy were they good! Easy and came out perfect!
Melissa
Anytime I see a recipe with fresh green beans I use canned. Never a problem.
Mari
This was so easy and good.
Eleanor Fetter
Step 2: "Add onions to pot (including liquid from can)" What? "Liquid from can," what liquid, what can? I think that belongs in step 3, after "Add green beans to pot." Other than that, it sounds good.
Gary
Oops, thanks for the heads up!
Cj Kolb
That is 5 stars ......just like Moms, Grandmothers, and every woman in this family
Sharon
Used this recipe except used one pound of fresh green beans and 3/4 c. water. Never had green beans and potatoes that were this GREAT! YUMMY!
jan mackinney
Do you pour off the fat from the bacon?
Gary White
Noooo!!! That's where all the flavor is. Fat equals flavor!
Olla
I don't want to add onion.
Connie Hamby
I canned green beans in the summer. I already have saved bacon grease. Can I just heat that up on saute mode? My green beans have liquid from canning. Can I use that juice?
Gary White
Yes to both of your questions!
Tricia
YUM! YUM! and YUM! Making this right now for like the 8th time!!!
Samina
This is absolutely, amazingly delicious. It will be in steady rotation in our house. I'm delighted to find your site. Many thanks!
Gregg V Rasor
Wow! That is amazing! Four of us had some and everyone loved it! Saying I have to make it again!
Tricia
This recipe is so good. I've made it several times.
Linda
Help! My daughter LOVES green beans and LOVES potatoes but is vegetarian 😐.
Can I use that morning star farm fake bacon? Or Bac'n bits? I know it won't be nearly as good but maybe good to her?
Gary White
I wish I could help, but cooking this without bacon, or with a bacon substitute, would yield a be a completely different result. The bacon fat is what makes this recipe come to life. It would most likely in your best interest to find a similar recipe that is written to be vegetarian.
We do have a delicious vegetarian potato soup she may enjoy: https://thefoodieeats.com/instant-pot-vegan-potato-soup/
Tricia
Making this for like the 7th or 8th time. Luv it and so simple. I never knew either of my grandmothers (dad's mom died when he was just 3 & my mom's mom died when I was only 6 months). So, I would like to think that they would have made something like this had they been around. Thank you for sharing this great recipe.
Gary White
Glad you enjoyed it!
Tricia
This is so good. Don't recall how many times I've made this. If you have not tried making it yet, believe me, it's a keeper and makes a good amount for family gatherings.
Lis
I made a vegan version by omitting the bacon, and used vegan butter to saute the onions. I also added a bit of liquid smoke to the mix. When serving, I sprinkle the bacon flavored bits to compensate for the lack of real bacon. My husband is from the Southeast and thinks that it tastes pretty southern to him. Thank you for the recipe!
Sandy
Green beans are so good for my husbands diabetes and this recipe is delicious ❣️ Easy and uses items I have on hand!