Instant Pot Green Beans

There’s nothing quite like fresh green beans cooked to perfection, and this Instant Pot Green Bean Recipe delivers just that! Packed with flavor from savory bacon, aromatic garlic, and diced onion, these southern-style green beans are tender and delicious with every bite. Using the electric pressure cooker, this easy side dish is ready in no time, making it a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or even a quick Sunday dinner.

What makes this recipe truly shine is the cooking process. The Instant Pot locks in the flavor of the main ingredients—including the broth, bacon, and seasonings—ensuring that every bite is rich and satisfying. With just a few minutes of prep and the simplicity of pressure cooking, you’ll have southern green beans that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. 

Whether you’re using chicken broth for added depth or looking to make a low-carb side dish, this recipe is as versatile as it is flavorful. Let’s take a look at how to make it, shall we?

Instructions

1. Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. Place them in the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
2. Add the cup of water, diced onion, minced garlic, and cooked bacon. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, set it to manual high pressure, and cook for 7 minutes.

1. Perform a quick release and carefully remove the lid.
2. Season with garlic salt and black pepper.
3. Serve warm and enjoy this southern comfort food!

Garlic Salt vs. Garlic Powder: What’s the Difference?

Though they may look similar on your spice rack, garlic salt and garlic powder are quite different in composition and usage.

• Garlic Powder: Made from dehydrated garlic that’s been finely ground, garlic powder delivers a concentrated garlic flavor without any added salt. It’s a great choice when you want to control the seasoning levels in your dish. Because it’s pure garlic, it blends well in recipes where you want the garlic taste without the texture of minced or fresh garlic.
• Garlic Salt: Garlic salt is a pre-mixed blend of garlic powder and salt, typically at a ratio of about 1 part garlic to 3 parts salt. It’s both a seasoning and a salt substitute, making it a convenient option when you need to add flavor and saltiness at the same time.

Do You Need Extra Salt if Using Garlic Salt?

If you’re using garlic salt in this Instant Pot Green Bean Recipe, there’s generally no need to add extra salt, especially if you’re already using ingredients like bacon or broth, which are naturally salty. The garlic salt will season the dish with both the garlic flavor and the saltiness it brings.

When substituting garlic powder for garlic salt, you’ll need to add salt separately to achieve the desired flavor. On the flip side, if you’re using garlic salt, taste the green beans after cooking before adding additional kosher salt to avoid over-salting the dish.

Tips for the Best Results

• Trim the green beans: Be sure to remove any brown spots and trim the ends of the green beans before cooking.
• Add more flavor: For even more richness, use the bacon grease from cooking the bacon to sauté the onion and garlic using the sauté mode before pressure cooking. You can even use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water to elevate the flavor profile.
• Customize the seasonings: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

• This recipe is perfect as a holiday meal side or a quick weeknight southern side.
• Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth.
• If you like to use organic green beans, head to the refrigerated section at Sam’s Club. You can buy a 28-ounce bag for approximately $6.00. It’s the perfect quantity to make this recipe.

Looking for more delicious recipes like this? Save this Instant Pot Green Bean Recipe for your next meal! Be sure to try it out and leave a comment below, letting me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—it’s the perfect side dish for any occasion!

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