Green Beans with Bacon Gravy is a comforting and flavorful side dish that has been a beloved staple in my family for generations. Passed down through the years, this green bean recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Tender green beans are coated in a rich, smoky bacon gravy, making it a versatile side dish that works for everything from weeknight meals to holiday dinners. With its balance of fresh, savory, and smoky flavors, this classic recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table too.
Why You Should Make This Green Bean Recipe
- A Classic Side Dish: Green Beans with Bacon Gravy is a classic side dish that pairs with almost any meal. It’s a comforting and familiar choice that’s sure to please guests and family alike.
- Rich, Smoky Flavor: The combination of thick-cut bacon, beef stock, and onions creates a deep, savory flavor that elevates this side dish from simple to sensational.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this green bean recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This classic side dish is a fantastic compliment to various proteins and sides, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: Easily substitute with frozen or canned green beans. For frozen, thaw before blanching; for canned, skip the blanching step and drain thoroughly.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Substitute with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter or vegetarian option. If using plant-based bacon, add a bit of olive oil for additional fat.
- Yellow Onion: Replace with white onion, shallots, or even leeks for a milder flavor.
- Beef Stock: Substitute with chicken stock, vegetable stock, or mushroom broth for a vegetarian option.
- Flour: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free alternative. Mix with water to create a slurry before adding to the pan.
- Potatoes: Although not called for in this recipe, add tiny diced parboiled potatoes for a heartier side dish.
How to Prepare Green Beans with Bacon Gravy
- Blanch the green beans in salted, boiling water for about 3 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath.
- Start crisping the diced bacon in a large cast iron or sauté pan. Once crisp, remove about 1/3 of the bacon and all but two tablespoons of the bacon fat.
- Add the onions to the pan and sauté for a few minutes to soften.
- Dust the bacon and onions with the flour. Cook off the raw flour taste for a few minutes.
- Pour in the stock. Scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan and allow the gravy to slightly thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the beans and add them to the pan. Toss to coat. Cook for another few minutes.
- Serve in a bowl garnished with cracked black pepper and the reserved crisp bacon pieces.
How to Serve and Store Green Beans with Bacon Gravy
- Main Dishes: This side pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, pork chops, baked ham, or salmon.
- Other Sides: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef stock if needed to loosen the gravy.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More to Green Bean Recipes to Love
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Green Beans with Bacon Gravy
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Green Beans with Bacon Gravy is a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans coated in a rich, smoky bacon gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, minced
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Blanch the green beans in salted, boiling water for about 3 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath.
- Start crisping the diced bacon in a large cast iron or sauté pan. Once crisp, remove about 1/3 of the bacon and all but two tablespoons of the bacon fat.
- Add the onions to the pan and sauté for a few minutes to soften.
- Dust the bacon and onions with the flour. Cook off the raw flour taste for a few minutes.
- Pour in the stock. Scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan and allow the gravy to slightly thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the beans and add them to the pan. Toss to coat. Cook for another few minutes.
- Serve in a bowl garnished with cracked black pepper and the reserved crisp bacon pieces.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- If you do not have access to fresh green beans, substitute with frozen (thaw first) or canned (drained).
- Once the bacon is crisp, remove about a third to reserve for garnish, along with all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat.
- Easily add parboiled tiny diced potatoes.
- If the gravy seems too thick, add in a touch more stock.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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