Easy Instant Pot Southern Green Beans with Bacon: A Quick & Flavorful Family Favorite
Transform your weeknight dinners or holiday feasts with this incredible recipe for Instant Pot Southern Green Beans with Bacon. If you’ve ever savored the rich, savory taste of slow-simmered green beans, you know the comfort they bring. Traditionally, achieving that depth of flavor takes hours on the stovetop. But with the magic of the Instant Pot, you can replicate that beloved Southern taste in a fraction of the time, making this classic side dish accessible any day of the week. Forget waiting all day for that perfect tender bite; your pressure cooker delivers fall-apart tender green beans infused with smoky bacon, aromatic onions, and savory spices in minutes. This recipe is so good, it tastes like it’s been simmering on Grandma’s stove all day!
If you’re a fan of green beans, be sure to also explore our Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans for a crispy texture, and our classic Southern Green Beans with Bacon made on the stovetop. Today, however, we’re diving into the unparalleled convenience and flavor provided by the Instant Pot for this comforting side dish.
The Heart of Southern Cuisine: A Look at Classic Green Beans
Southern Green Beans are more than just a side dish; they are a culinary cornerstone, deeply rooted in family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and holiday traditions across the American South. What sets them apart is their signature slow-cooked approach, allowing flavors to meld and deepen over hours. The key ingredients typically include fresh green beans, smoky pork (often bacon, ham hocks, or salt pork), onions, garlic, and a flavorful broth, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. The result is a dish where the beans are incredibly tender, almost melting in your mouth, and utterly imbued with a rich, savory essence that only time can traditionally create.
Growing up, many of us remember the enticing aroma wafting from Grandma’s kitchen as a pot of green beans simmered for what felt like an eternity. That patience was rewarded with a dish that embodied comfort and togetherness. The long cooking process breaks down the fibers in the green beans, transforming them from crisp to succulent, while also allowing them to absorb all the savory goodness from the smoked meat and aromatics. This deep flavor profile is what makes Southern green beans so uniquely satisfying and a beloved part of countless family meals.
However, in our modern, fast-paced lives, finding several hours to dedicate to a single side dish can be challenging. We often crave that same authentic taste but simply don’t have the luxury of time. This is precisely where the Instant Pot steps in, offering a brilliant solution to enjoy authentic Southern flavors without the extensive cooking time. It’s about honoring tradition with a convenient twist, bringing those nostalgic flavors to your table faster than ever before.
Why the Instant Pot is a Game-Changer for Southern Green Beans
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, especially for dishes that traditionally require long simmering times. For Southern Green Beans, it’s not just about speed; it’s profoundly about flavor. Here’s why your Instant Pot will become your new best friend for preparing this classic side dish:
- Unbeatable Speed and Efficiency: What once took hours to achieve tender, flavorful green beans on the stovetop, the Instant Pot accomplishes in a mere 15 minutes of active pressure cooking. This dramatically cuts down on preparation and cooking time, making this hearty side viable for even the busiest weeknights. You can enjoy a truly comforting dish without planning your day around it.
- Intense Flavor Infusion: The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot is a marvel for flavor. It forces the smoky bacon, sweet onions, pungent garlic, and savory broth deep into the green beans’ cellular structure. This creates an incredibly rich and integrated flavor profile that genuinely tastes like it has been slow-cooked all day. The sealed environment prevents aromatic compounds from escaping, effectively concentrating all the deliciousness within the pot.
- Perfect Texture Every Time: Say goodbye to crunchy, undercooked green beans or mushy, overcooked ones. The Instant Pot consistently delivers tender, yet not disintegrated, green beans. They retain their appealing shape but possess that melt-in-your-mouth quality that is characteristic of truly authentic Southern-style green beans. It’s a perfect balance that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods in such a short timeframe.
- Hands-Off Cooking for Convenience: After a quick initial sauté, you simply set the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and walk away. There’s no need to constantly monitor a simmering pot, stir periodically, or worry about liquids evaporating. This allows you to focus on preparing other parts of your meal, spend time with family, or simply relax while your Instant Pot works its magic.
- One-Pot Wonder for Easy Cleanup: The Instant Pot’s sauté function allows you to cook the bacon and aromatics directly in the inner pot, eliminating the need for extra pans. Everything happens in one versatile appliance, from building the flavor base to pressure cooking the beans, simplifying your cooking process and significantly minimizing cleanup.
Embracing the Instant Pot for this classic dish means you no longer have to choose between authentic Southern flavor and a practical cooking schedule. It truly offers the best of both worlds, making it an indispensable tool for modern Southern cooking enthusiasts.
Key Ingredients for Instant Pot Southern Green Beans
Creating these incredibly flavorful Instant Pot Southern Green Beans requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature taste profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Bacon: The undisputed star of Southern green beans! Bacon provides that essential smoky, savory depth and renders flavorful fat that becomes the aromatic base for sautéing. For the best results and a bolder flavor, opt for good quality, thick-cut bacon, which also yields more delicious rendered fat.
- Onions: Chopped white or yellow onions add a foundational sweetness and aromatic complexity. As they sauté in the bacon fat, they soften, caramelize slightly, and release their natural sugars, creating a delicious and indispensable flavor foundation for the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is indispensable for its pungent, aromatic qualities. It complements the bacon and onions beautifully, adding another layer of savory goodness that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Green Beans: While frozen green beans can work in a pinch (see FAQ for tips), fresh green beans are highly recommended for the best texture, vibrant green color, and crispness that transforms beautifully under pressure. Ensure they are thoroughly washed, trimmed, and snapped or cut into bite-sized pieces for optimal cooking and eating.
- Broth: Chicken broth is typically used to provide moisture and a rich, savory liquid base for the beans to cook in. It infuses the green beans with even more flavor as they pressure cook. For a poultry-free option, high-quality vegetable broth can be substituted without sacrificing much flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but absolutely essential. These fundamental seasonings enhance all the other flavors, bringing balance, brightness, and depth to the dish. Always remember to taste and adjust to your personal preference before serving.
- Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor (Optional): For an extra boost of concentrated chicken flavor, a spoonful of Better Than Bouillon is a fantastic secret weapon. It’s an optional addition, but it truly takes the savory notes up a notch, mimicking that long-simmered taste even more effectively and adding an umami richness.
With these fresh, high-quality ingredients and the power of your Instant Pot, you’re well on your way to creating a truly authentic and incredibly delicious Southern-style side dish that will become a staple in your home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Southern Green Beans
Making Southern Green Beans in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward and yields impressively flavorful results. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly tender, smoky, and seasoned green beans every time. Remember, the full recipe card with exact measurements is located further down this post for your convenience.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you even begin cooking, ensure all your ingredients are prepped. This means slicing the bacon into small pieces, finely chopping your white onion, mincing the garlic cloves, and washing and trimming the stems off your fresh green beans. Having everything ready streamlines the cooking process.
- Sauté the Bacon: Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode (the “Normal” setting is usually sufficient). Add the sliced bacon to the hot inner pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes. The goal here is not just to cook the bacon, but to render out that precious, smoky fat that will infuse the entire dish with flavor. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove most of the bacon bits, setting them aside. Leave about a teaspoon of the rendered fat in the pot to cook the aromatics. (You can save the crispy bacon for garnish or mix it back in at the end.)
- Sauté the Aromatics: With the reserved bacon fat coating the bottom of the pot, add the chopped onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring periodically, until they soften and begin to turn translucent and slightly golden. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be vigilant here, as garlic can burn quickly, which would impart a bitter taste. This step is absolutely crucial for building a deep and aromatic base for your green beans.
- Deglaze the Pot with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Immediately use a sturdy wooden spoon or a heat-safe silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot’s inner pot. This process, known as deglazing, is vital. It not only releases concentrated, delicious flavors from the bacon and aromatics, but it also helps prevent the dreaded “Burn” error on your Instant Pot by ensuring no food particles are directly contacting the heating element.
- Add the Green Beans and Seasonings: Carefully add the fresh green beans to the pot. Give them a gentle stir to coat them thoroughly with the flavorful broth, bacon fat, and aromatics. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’re incorporating the optional Better Than Bouillon for an extra layer of richness and umami, stir it in now until it’s fully dissolved into the liquid.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid onto your Instant Pot, ensuring that the sealing ring is properly seated. Rotate the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” (the exact button name may vary slightly depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time to 15 minutes on High Pressure.
- Quick Release the Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep to signal it’s done. Immediately perform a Quick Release (QR) by carefully turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Be sure to stand clear of the steam as it escapes, as it will be hot. Once all the pressure has been safely released and the float valve drops down, you can safely open the lid.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the green beans a good stir to distribute all the wonderful flavors. Taste them and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might find they benefit from a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash more broth for extra moisture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the tender, flavorful Southern green beans into a serving bowl. Drizzle with some of the delicious, savory broth from the pot, and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon bits if desired. Serve them warm and watch them disappear – these are truly a crowd-pleaser!
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To make these delicious Instant Pot Southern Green Beans, you’ll need just a few key pieces of kitchen equipment. Ensuring you have these on hand before you begin will make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable:
- Instant Pot: The star of this recipe! Any model or size will work, but a 6-quart or 8-quart is ideal for preparing family-sized portions and accommodating all the ingredients comfortably.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for efficiently preparing your bacon, onions, garlic, and trimming the green beans.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of broth, seasonings, and optional ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Crucial for sautéing ingredients and, importantly, for deglazing the pot without scratching the non-stick coating of your Instant Pot’s inner pot.
- Slotted Spoon: Useful for removing crispy bacon bits from the pot while leaving the rendered fat behind.
- Serving Bowl: To beautifully present your finished, flavorful green beans.
Having these tools ready before you begin cooking will ensure a smooth and enjoyable culinary experience, allowing you to focus on bringing those amazing Southern flavors to life.
Recipe Card: Instant Pot Southern-Style Green Beans
These Instant Pot Southern Green Beans capture the soulful essence of a slow-simmered, comforting side dish, but are ready in a fraction of the time thanks to your pressure cooker. Infused with smoky bacon, aromatic onions, and savory spices, every forkful delivers that cherished Sunday dinner flavor. This accelerated method ensures tender green beans brimming with a rich, seasoned broth that even grandma would approve of – once she tastes it, of course!
Author: Brandi Crawford
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Instant Pot to Pressure: 5 mins (approximate)
Total Time: 25 mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 5
Calories: 78 kcal
Ingredients
- 4 slices uncooked bacon, sliced into small pieces
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound fresh green beans, stems removed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor (Optional for enhanced flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot on the sauté function. Add the 4 slices of uncooked bacon. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bacon crisps.
- Drain most of the excess fat from the Instant Pot, reserving about a teaspoon of fat in the pot for flavor.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pot with a spatula, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the Better Than Bouillon (if using), fresh green beans, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook for 15 minutes on Manual (High Pressure Cooking).
- When the cooking cycle is complete, quick release the steam immediately.
- Stir and cool slightly before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
If you are serving the dish for a larger crowd, feel free to double or even triple the ingredients. The cooking time for the green beans will remain the same (15 minutes on High Pressure), as the volume of liquid and beans doesn’t significantly impact the pressure cooking duration for tender vegetables. However, the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure might increase slightly with more ingredients.
For an extra touch of flavor and texture, you can crisp up additional bacon separately and crumble it over the green beans just before serving. A dash of hot sauce can also be added for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 78 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 4g
Nutrition data is provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is typically calculated using third-party tools like MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for your specific recipe, we recommend calculating it with the actual ingredients and brands you use, utilizing your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for verifying the accuracy, completeness, and usefulness of any nutritional information provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
How long does it take green beans to cook in the Instant Pot?
For perfectly tender Southern-style green beans, I recommend cooking them for 15 minutes on High Pressure followed by a Quick Release (QR) of the pressure. This duration ensures they are soft and infused with flavor, mirroring a slow-simmered quality, without becoming overly mushy. The time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure can add an additional 5-10 minutes, but this is hands-off time.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can use frozen green beans, especially if fresh ones aren’t readily available. While I personally prefer the slightly firmer texture and vibrant color of fresh green beans, frozen ones work very well in this recipe and are a convenient alternative. The cooking time will remain the same at 15 minutes on High Pressure. However, do be aware that the Instant Pot might take a few extra minutes to come to pressure when starting with frozen vegetables, as it needs more time to thaw and heat them.
How are Southern green beans traditionally cooked?
Southern green beans are a staple side dish, a true comfort food steeped in culinary tradition. Traditionally, they are cooked low and slow for several hours on the stovetop. This long simmering time allows the green beans to become incredibly tender and absorb all the rich, smoky flavors from the pork product (bacon, ham hocks, or salt pork) and aromatics like onion and garlic. For everyday meals, canned green beans were sometimes used for convenience, but fresh green beans were always reserved for special occasions and holidays to achieve that authentic, deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What can I use besides bacon for Southern green beans?
While bacon is a classic and beloved choice for its smoky, salty contribution, you have many delicious options to impart that signature savory flavor:
- Ham Hocks: A very traditional Southern choice, ham hocks provide incredible depth of flavor and a rich, smoky essence.
- Salt Pork: Similar to bacon, salt pork is cured pork belly that adds a distinct salty and savory depth.
- Smoked Turkey: For a leaner option, smoked turkey legs or wings can be used. They still offer a wonderful smoky flavor without as much fat.
- Smoked Sausage: A good quality smoked sausage, sliced or crumbled, can add another layer of savory richness and a hint of spice.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: You can omit the meat entirely and use vegetable broth. To replicate some of the savory depth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of liquid smoke (use sparingly for a natural smoky flavor), or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for an umami boost.
The sky is truly the limit when it comes to customizing the smoky flavor base to your preference or dietary needs!
Can I freeze the cooked Instant Pot Southern Green Beans?
Yes, these flavorful green beans freeze beautifully! To retain the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend freezing them along with some of their savory cooking broth. This liquid helps to protect the beans from freezer burn and preserves their moisture. Store them in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might find that adding a splash of extra broth or water during reheating helps to maintain their moisture and consistency.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These Instant Pot Southern Green Beans are a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses, especially those with a Southern or comfort food theme. Their rich, smoky, and tender qualities make them an excellent addition to almost any meal. Here are some perfect pairings to complete your delicious spread:
- Classic Southern Mains:
- Instant Pot Cabbage: A natural and incredibly delicious pairing for a truly authentic Southern vegetable spread.
- Fried Chicken or Pan-Seared Pork Chops: The savory, tender beans offer a wonderful contrast to crispy fried meats, cutting through the richness.
- Roasted Chicken or Turkey: Ideal for holiday meals, a comforting Sunday roast, or any time you want a hearty, home-cooked feel.
- Instant Pot Brisket: A match made in heaven for a robust, smoky, and deeply satisfying meat-and-three meal.
- Hearty Weeknight Dinners:
- Instant Pot Low Carb Tuscan Chicken Thighs: The creamy, herb-infused chicken and zesty green beans make for a beautifully balanced and flavorful plate.
- Instant Pot Chicken Marsala: The rich mushroom sauce of the Marsala finds a refreshing and grounding counterpart in the savory green beans.
- Meatloaf or Pot Roast: These classic comfort food mains are elevated by the deep flavors of these pressure-cooked green beans.
- Other Delicious Combinations:
- Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice: Combine for a full, authentic Creole-inspired meal that’s both hearty and flavorful.
- Instant Pot Risotto: Add a vibrant green vegetable side to a creamy, rich risotto for textural and flavor contrast.
- With a side of warm, buttery Southern Style Homemade Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious, seasoned broth!
No matter what you serve them with, these Instant Pot Southern Green Beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing a taste of Southern hospitality and comforting flavors to your table with minimal effort.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Explore
Unlock the full potential of your Instant Pot with these other amazing recipes that simplify your cooking and bring delicious, quick meals to your table. From holiday staples to weeknight dinners, the Instant Pot makes it all easier:
- Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole: A beloved holiday favorite made incredibly easy and fast in the pressure cooker.
- Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce: Achieve fresh, vibrant cranberry sauce with perfect consistency without the stovetop fuss.
- Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Enjoy incredibly creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes in record time, perfect for any meal.
- Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes: Perfectly tender sweet potatoes that are versatile as a side dish or for further baking and mashing.
- Instant Pot Collard Greens: Another soulful Southern classic, made effortlessly tender and flavorful in the pressure cooker.
- Instant Pot Southern Baked Beans: Rich, sweet, and smoky baked beans ready significantly faster than traditional methods.
- Instant Pot Louisiana Gumbo: Experience authentic Gumbo flavors without the all-day simmer, thanks to the Instant Pot.
More Southern Style Recipes for Your Table
If you have a craving for more authentic Southern flavors, explore these cherished recipes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage and comforting traditions of the South. From hearty mains to classic sides, these dishes embody true Southern hospitality:
- Southern Style Homemade Cornbread: The quintessential accompaniment to almost any Southern meal, perfect for soaking up savory liquids.
- Southern Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible comfort food that’s a staple at gatherings.
- Southern Mustard Greens: Flavorful and tender, these greens are cooked down with smoky pork for a deeply satisfying side.
- Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: A sweet and decadent dish, often featured during holidays, with caramelized brown sugar and spices.
- Southern Baked Beans: A classic side, slow-cooked to perfection with a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce.
- Southern Green Beans (Stovetop Version): The traditional way to make this beloved dish, if you have the time to let those flavors truly simmer and meld.
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