Fresh Green Beans in the Instant Pot

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Instant Pot Green Beans are an easy Southern-style side dish made with fresh green beans, smoky bacon, onion, and simple seasonings — all cooked quickly in the pressure cooker. There’s no need for long stovetop simmering or canned shortcuts here; everything comes together in the Instant Pot in a fraction of the time. The result is tender, bacon-seasoned beans, perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday suppers.

Fresh green beans always take me right back to growing up on the farm — sitting under the shade trees in our front yard, breaking bushels of beans with my family, and helping my grandmother “put up” plenty of quart jars for the year ahead.

She cooked her green beans the old-fashioned way, seasoning them with a hunk of salt pork and letting them simmer low and slow for hours until they were tender and full of flavor.

These green beans bring that same savory, Southern side dish to the table using fresh green beans in the Instant Pot, but in a fraction of the time. You still get that rich, comforting flavor — just with a quicker, more practical approach for everyday cooking.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Instant Pot green beans:

• Fresh green beans | Trimmed and broken into 1-inch pieces — these hold their texture better than canned and give you the best flavor.
• Bacon | Adds a rich, smoky base; cooking the onions in the drippings builds depth.
• Onion | Softens and sweetens as it cooks, balancing the savory flavors.
• Sugar (optional) | Just a small amount (about 2 teaspoons) helps balance the savory flavors.
• Liquid | Use water or chicken broth to create enough liquid for even pressure cooking. If you like, use broth for extra flavor.
• Seasonings | Simple salt and pepper are all you need here. Adjust to taste after cooking, since the bacon and broth already add some saltiness.

Variations and Substitutions

• No Bacon? Swap in diced ham or a small piece of smoked sausage for a similar savory flavor. You can also use a bit of olive oil or butter for a meatless version.
• Use Salt Pork. For a more traditional Southern flavor, substitute a small piece of salt pork instead of the bacon — just like my grandmother’s old-fashioned method.
• Make It Vegetarian. Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth along with a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil at the end for richness.

• Adjust the Sweetness. The sugar is completely optional. Leave it out for a more savory dish, or add just a touch if you like a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Try Frozen Green Beans. Frozen green beans can be used in a pinch—just reduce the cook time slightly since they’re already partially softened.
• Add Garlic or Red Pepper Flakes. For a little extra flavor, stir in minced garlic, garlic powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.

How to Make Fresh Green Beans in an Instant Pot

Follow these simple steps to build flavor as you pressure cook the beans —this easy southern recipe will be ready in no time!

STEP 2 | Sauté the bacon

Cut bacon strips into 1-inch pieces. Set your Instant Pot to Saute. Once it’s preheated, add the bacon and cook while stirring, until it’s crispy.

STEP 3 | Bring in the onion and water

Add the onion to the bacon and cook for another minute until the onion is translucent. Pour the water in and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden or silicone spoon to release any tasty browned bits.

STEP 4 | Add the rest of the ingredients

Cancel the Saute function, then put the green beans, salt, pepper, and sugar (optional) into the Instant Pot. Stir everything together to combine. Cover with the lid and lock into place.

STEP 5 | Time to cook

Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook for 4 minutes. When the cook time is finished, manually release the pressure, remove the lid once the valve drops, and serve.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• To store: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 – 6 days.
• To reheat: Warm in the microwave or slowly on the stovetop until hot and steamy.
• To freeze: Cool completely, then store in freezer bags for about 2 months tops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve With Instant Pot Green Beans

Instant Pot Greens Beans make any dinner more delicious. Pair them with:

• Smoked Meatloaf
• Barbecue Chicken
• Balsamic Pork Chops
• Mississippi Pot Roast

Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon

Author: Sheila Thigpen

Easy Instant Pot green beans made with fresh green beans, bacon, and simple seasonings. A tender, flavorful side dish ready in about 35 minutes.

3.92 from 37 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Additional Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Vegetables & Sides

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 67 kcal

COOKING MODEPrevent screen from going dark.

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 ½ lbs. fresh green beans
• ▢ 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• ▢ ⅔ cup diced onion
• ▢ 1 cup water
• ▢ 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 2 teaspoons sugar optional

Instructions

 

• Place the green beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cool water to remove any debris. Break off the stems and tip, remove any tough strings along the sides, and break or cut into the desired length.
• Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces (kitchen shears work great!). Set the instant pot to SAUTE. Once it is preheated, add the bacon. Cook and stir until crisp, about 5 minutes.
• Add the diced onion to the instant pot and cook another minute, until translucent. Pour in the water and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
• Cancel the SAUTE function. Add the green beans, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) and stir to combine. Cover with the lid and lock.
• Set the instant pot to PRESSURE cook and set the time for 4 minutes (it will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure).
• When finished cooking, manually release the pressure and serve.

Notes

• Use a natural release. Let the pressure release on its own for tender, soft green beans with that classic, old-fashioned texture.
• Build flavor first. Sauté the bacon and onions before pressure cooking to create a rich, savory base.
• Season at the end. Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed, since the bacon and broth add saltiness.
• To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 to 6 days.
• To reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
• To freeze: Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 344mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Keyword bacon, fresh, green beans, instant pot, pressure cooker, vegetable