Long-Cooked Green Beans with Onions & Bacon: The Ultimate Frozen Side Dish
Transform humble frozen green beans into an unforgettable side dish with this incredibly flavorful recipe for long-cooked green beans with onions and bacon. By allowing them to simmer a bit longer than fresh beans, about 15-20 minutes, they become wonderfully tender and absorb all the rich, savory notes from the rendered bacon and caramelized onions. This simple, three-step recipe consistently surprises with its depth of flavor and is guaranteed to become a family favorite, especially when fresh green beans are out of season.
Some links in this article are affiliate links and if you click on them I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.
This recipe for long-cooked green beans with savory onion and crispy bacon is a cherished staple in our household, particularly during the cooler months of winter and spring. It’s a brilliant way to utilize a freezer full of green beans, turning a simple ingredient into a profoundly satisfying dish that complements a wide array of meals.
We absolutely love the convenience and flavor that our frozen unblanched green beans bring to the table. With a well-stocked freezer, these delicious beans are a possibility all season long, providing a burst of garden-fresh taste even when the garden itself is dormant. While summer is dedicated to quick-cooking fresh, in-season green beans—whether pan-fried or grilled with garlic, or sautéed with tomatoes—the cooler months call for heartier, longer-cooked preparations like this one. Any leftover fresh beans from the summer harvest are perfectly preserved and saved for these comforting off-season meals, finding their way into warming soups, robust stews, hearty casseroles, and, of course, this wonderfully simple pan-cooked method.
Despite the name “long cooked,” this recipe only requires a modest 15 to 20 minutes of simmering time! This is indeed longer than the brief 3 to 5 minutes typically needed for fresh beans, but it’s precisely this extended cooking that allows the frozen beans to develop their wonderfully tender texture and soak up all the incredible flavors from the bacon, onion, and broth. This slight increase in cooking time makes all the difference, transforming them into a side dish that truly shines.
Maximizing Flavor: Cooking with Unblanched Frozen Green Beans
One of the most frequently discussed topics on our blog is how to freeze green beans without blanching them first – and importantly, why this method is so effective. It’s no surprise this preserving technique garners so much attention; it’s incredibly easy and, in the opinion of many, myself included, yields a superior product compared to conventionally blanched beans, even if it goes against traditional “expert” advice.
Over the years, while I’ve received countless questions about the unblanching technique itself, by far, the most common question remains: “how do you actually cook with them?” This is a crucial point, as frozen green beans, regardless of whether they were blanched or not, undergo a textural change during the freezing process. This means they truly benefit from a longer cooking time or being cooked directly in a flavorful liquid, allowing them to rehydrate and become wonderfully tender.
Frozen green beans, particularly unblanched ones, are incredibly versatile. Their robust nature makes them ideal for dishes where they can simmer and absorb flavors. Here are some fantastic recipes where frozen green beans, whether blanched or unblanched, truly shine:
- Thai Inspired Turkey or Chicken Vegetable Curry: Adding frozen green beans to curries allows them to soak up the aromatic spices and creamy sauce.
- Cheesy Crust Ham Pie: Green beans offer a nice texture and color contrast in savory pies.
- Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken Vegetables: The slow cooker is perfect for breaking down the beans to tender perfection in a rich sauce.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner: A complete meal where green beans can cook alongside other ingredients, infusing every bite with flavor.
- Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup: Soups are excellent for frozen green beans, as they contribute body and nutrition.
- Italian Vegetable Beef Soup: Another soup option where frozen green beans hold up well and add wholesome goodness.
- Quick Bone Broth Chicken & Vegetable Soup: Even in quicker soups, the right cooking method makes frozen beans a delicious addition.
And now, we add this simple yet profoundly flavorful side dish to the list. It truly allows the natural goodness of the green beans to shine, enhanced by a few key ingredients. It’s one of those recipes that appears deceptively simple, yet every time I make it, I’m genuinely surprised by just how incredibly delicious it is!
Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Flavorful Green Beans
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, utilizing readily available ingredients to create a sophisticated side dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Frozen Green Beans (about a 16-ounce bag or 1 pound): The star of our dish! You can use either unblanched frozen green beans or blanched ones. The key here is that freezing changes their texture, making them ideal for a longer simmer, which this recipe perfectly accommodates. No need to thaw them beforehand; they go straight from freezer to pan!
- Bacon (2 slices, chopped): A little bacon goes a long way in providing a rich, smoky depth of flavor. The rendered fat also serves as the perfect cooking medium for the onions. If you’re looking for an alternative, turkey bacon can be used, though it will offer a milder flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onions, perhaps adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- Onion (1/2 large, chopped): Absolutely essential for this recipe! As the onion cooks in the bacon fat, it softens and sweetens, creating a foundational layer of savory deliciousness. Yellow, white, or even sweet onions work beautifully here, adding a wonderful aroma and complementary flavor to the green beans.
- Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): This small amount of liquid is crucial for braising the beans to tender perfection and infusing them with extra flavor. Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred for better control over the saltiness. Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for a vegetarian version, or in a pinch, water combined with a half teaspoon of bouillon or a touch more seasoning can work. Remember to taste and adjust the salt if using water.
- Salt and Pepper (1/4 teaspoon of each, to start): These basic seasonings enhance all the other flavors. Always start with the recommended amount and then taste before adding more. Individual preferences vary, so adjust to your liking after the beans have cooked.
- Optional Ingredients for Customization:
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): For those who appreciate a gentle kick! We’re big fans of a little heat, and a dash of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth without overpowering the dish. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.
- Red Bell Pepper (1 sweet red pepper, chopped): Adds a beautiful pop of color and a mild, sweet flavor. This is particularly delightful during the holidays or when you want to elevate the visual appeal of the dish. Add it alongside the onions for best results.
- Fresh Minced Garlic (1 to 2 cloves): Garlic is a fantastic addition, especially if you’re omitting the bacon. The combination of green beans, onions, and fresh garlic is incredibly aromatic and delicious. Add it during the last minute or two of cooking the onions to prevent burning.
- A Splash of Vinegar or Lemon Juice: A small drizzle of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the very end can brighten the flavors and add a subtle tang.
- A Pat of Butter: Stirring in a knob of butter at the end can add extra richness and a silky finish.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf could be added during the simmering stage for an herbaceous note.
Essential Equipment for Effortless Cooking
You don’t need a lot of specialized gear for this recipe, which makes it even more appealing. Just a couple of key items will ensure a smooth and successful cooking experience:
- Large Skillet or Sauté “Everything Pan”: A generously sized pan with a lid is crucial. It needs to be large enough to comfortably hold all the green beans without overcrowding, allowing them to cook evenly. A lid is essential for simmering, as it traps the steam and helps tenderize the beans. This stainless steel pan is similar to the one pictured, offering excellent heat distribution and durability. Alternatively, a good quality non-stick everything pan also works wonderfully for easy cleanup.
- Large Bamboo Spoon: I’ve found that bamboo spoons are incredibly durable and gentle on cookware surfaces compared to traditional wooden spoons. They’re perfect for stirring and serving this dish. A large bamboo spoon is ideal for handling the volume of ingredients.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For safely and efficiently chopping your bacon and onion.
Effortless Steps to Delicious Cooked Green Beans with Onions and Bacon
As I’ve highlighted, despite being called “long cooked,” this recipe comes together remarkably quickly in just 15-20 minutes of active cooking time. Its simplicity is truly its strength, breaking down into three straightforward steps, all performed in a single pan for minimal cleanup. (You’ll find detailed quantities and precise instructions in the comprehensive recipe card below.)
- Step 1: Crispy Bacon Foundation. Begin by dicing your bacon into small pieces. Place these in a large saucepan or deep skillet (ensure it has a lid!) over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it renders its fat and becomes almost crispy. This step not only cooks the bacon but also creates a flavorful base of rendered fat that will infuse the entire dish.
- Step 2: Sauté the Sweet Onions. Once the bacon is almost done, add your chopped onions directly into the pan with the bacon and its flavorful drippings. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another minute or two. The onions will soften, become translucent, and begin to absorb the rich bacon flavor. This brief sauté allows them to release their sweetness and aromatic qualities. If you’re adding red bell pepper or minced garlic (and not using bacon), this is the ideal time to incorporate them, allowing the garlic to cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Simmer to Tender Perfection. Now, add the frozen green beans directly to the pan – there’s no need to thaw them first! Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in your initial seasonings of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover the pan and bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low (or low, to maintain a gentle simmer) and continue to cook, covered, for about 15 minutes. The goal is for the green beans to become wonderfully soft and tender, and the onions fully translucent and sweet. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Three simple steps, all in one pan – it doesn’t get much better than that for an easy, yet incredibly flavorful, side dish!
Indeed, the best recipes are those that are both easy to prepare AND taste utterly delicious – and this dish certainly delivers on both fronts. The magic truly happens when minimal effort yields maximum flavor.
Simple ingredients + simple cooking = amazing flavor.
That equation perfectly encapsulates this recipe. The tender, savory green beans, combined with the sweet, caramelized onions and the irresistible smoky crunch of bacon, create a harmonious blend that makes this side dish a true standout. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients, when treated with a little love and the right cooking method, can produce something truly extraordinary.
Tips for Success & Variations
- Optional Liquid Reduction: After the beans are tender, you can remove the cover and raise the heat to medium for a few minutes to evaporate any excess liquid, if desired. This concentrates the flavors slightly, though I often find it unnecessary as the beans typically absorb most of the broth.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Easily make this recipe meat-free by omitting the bacon. Instead, start by sautéing the chopped onions (and optional red bell pepper/garlic) in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter until softened and fragrant. A pinch of smoked paprika can be added for a smoky note.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables. Thinly sliced carrots, mushrooms, or even diced potatoes (added earlier to cook through) can be great additions.
- Spice It Up: Beyond red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder could add another layer of warmth.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf added during the simmering stage can infuse the beans with delightful herbal aromas.
- Finish with a Flourish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of good quality balsamic vinegar just before serving can brighten the flavors beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives also adds a fresh finish.
More Easy Side Dishes to Explore
If you love simple yet incredibly flavorful side dishes, you’ll want to check out these other popular recipes:
- Amazing Garlic Green Beans Recipe (with Skillet or Grill Options): Perfect for fresh beans, this recipe highlights vibrant garlic flavor.
- Simple Corn, Pepper and Onion Sauté: A colorful and quick sauté that brings out the natural sweetness of summer vegetables.
- Green Beans with Caramelized Onions & Tomatoes: Another fantastic way to enjoy green beans, especially with fresh produce.
What Our Readers Are Saying:
“We made this recipe last night using unblanched green beans from last summer. It was super yummy! The sauce almost seemed to caramelize a bit and had tons of flavor. We will definitely make this again!” -Megan
“These were the best green beans ever! Now I know what to do with all my frozen beans, thank you, the whole family loved them!” -Sandy S.
“Great recipe! I’ve disliked our frozen green beans for years because they never taste good like fresh ones. They needed this recipe! I followed the directions perfectly, and they turned out fabulous!” -Lani
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
SaveSaved!
Long Cooked Green Beans with Onions & Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound frozen green beans or 1 quart bag
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Optional Ingredients:**
- 1 sweet red pepper, chopped
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
-
Cook bacon in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium-high heat until almost cooked; add onion and cook another minute.
-
To the pan add frozen green beans, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cover and bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low (or low, to keep them gently cooking) and cook, covered, for 15 minutes or until desired doneness.
-
Optional: Remove cover & raise heat to medium to evaporate some of the liquid (I don’t usually bother).
Notes
Make Ahead: Cook the beans a few hours or the day before and then gently reheat over low until warmed through.
Storage: keep in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
This recipe has been thoughtfully updated to provide even more detail and tips, building upon its original publication in September of 2015.
Disclosure: affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn’t change your price. Click here to read our full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.