Cast-Iron Skillet Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Everyone at the table will love this green beans with bacon and shallots recipe. It’s a favorite for Thanksgiving and Christmas, yet simple enough for weeknight dinners.

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

One-pan prep – Green beans, shallots (or onion), and bacon cook in a single skillet for easy cleanup.

Loaded with flavor – Bacon and a simple seasoning of salt and pepper turn plain green beans into a crave-worthy side.

Versatile – Elegant enough for holiday meals, quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

🧂 Ingredients

This is an overview. Full measurements and step-by-step instructions are provided in the recipe card below.

• Bacon (diced)
• Fresh green beans (washed and trimmed)
• Small onion or shallots (minced)
• Chicken broth or stock
• Salt and pepper

🥣 Equipment

• Large cast-iron skillet with lid (or another heavy skillet)
• Paper towels
• Serving dish

🍴Instructions

Step One

Cook diced bacon over low heat in a large, heavy skillet until it’s crisp and browned. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the minced onion and cook on medium-low until softened and slightly browned, about 4–6 minutes.

Step Two

Add the green beans and toss or stir-fry until they brighten in color. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and cover the skillet for a few minutes to steam the beans. For crisp-tender beans, simmer about 2–3 minutes; for softer beans, cook an additional 2–5 minutes to your preference.

Step Three

Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, stir to combine, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve directly from the hot pan.

🥫 Storage instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert tips

• Trim and wash the green beans before you start so they’re ready when the bacon is done.
• Use the freshest beans available for the best texture and color.
• For extra brightness, add a splash of lemon juice just before serving or toss in a clove of minced garlic with the onions.
• If you prefer not to dice the bacon, cook whole slices and crumble them after cooking.

🔍 FAQs

🍽 Serve it with

• Traditional Thanksgiving or holiday mains
• Roasts, grilled meats, or baked chicken
• Any entree that benefits from a flavorful green side

📘 Related Recipes

• Bacon Brussels sprouts
• Cast-iron home fries
• Pressure-canned green beans
• Cast-iron baked beans

📖 Here’s the recipe

Homestyle Green Beans In a Cast-Iron Skillet

Bacon and onion add lots of flavor to fresh green beans in this easy one-skillet side dish.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Servings: 1 pound

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1/4 cup onion, minced
• 1 pound fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Crisp the bacon. Cook diced bacon on low heat in a large, heavy skillet until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
2. Cook the onion. Add minced onion to the skillet and cook on medium-low until translucent and lightly browned, about 4–6 minutes.
3. Cook the beans. Add green beans and stir until they brighten. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and cover for 2–3 minutes until beans are crisp-tender. For softer beans, cook 2–5 minutes longer.
4. Finish and serve. Stir the bacon back in, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve immediately.

Notes

Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the onion if you like a little heat.

Nutrition

Approximate per serving: Calories 213; Carbohydrates 36 g; Protein 9 g; Fat 7 g; Sodium may be high depending on bacon and stock.

Hope you enjoy this recipe!