Southern Green Beans In Instant Pot

Southern Green Beans In Instant Pot  — Introducing Southern Green Beans prepared in the Instant Pot!

If you’re a classic Southern comfort food fan, you’re in for a treat. These green beans, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, offer all the rich, savory goodness of the traditional Southern-style dish but in a fraction of the time. 

If you are looking for the perfect side dish to go with any of my meals, this is it; they go really well with Instant Pot Chicken Marsala, Air Fryer Steak, or even a simple Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Breast.

Tender and flavorful, these Instant Pot Southern Green Beans are the perfect side dish to accompany your favorite Southern meals or any occasion where you crave that irresistible combination of fresh vegetables, savory seasonings, and a hint of smokiness. Whether you’re new to Southern cuisine or a longtime fan, these green beans will bring the heartwarming flavors of the South straight to your table with the ease and convenience of modern cooking technology. Get ready to savor a taste of Southern hospitality with this quick and delicious dish.

What Are Southern Green Beans?

Southern green beans, often called “Southern-style green beans,” are a classic Southern American side dish. They are made using fresh green beans (snap beans or string beans) that are typically slow-cooked with a few key ingredients to infuse them with rich flavor.

Making them in the Instant Pot is incredible. The result is a side dish with tender green beans that have absorbed the savory, slightly smoky flavors from the seasoning and fat. They are often served with Southern classics like cornbread, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes.

Southern green beans are a comforting and down-home addition to a Southern meal, showcasing the region’s love for slow-cooked, flavorful dishes. They are enjoyed for their simplicity and the depth of flavor from hours of slow simmering.

If you want more southern-inspired recipes, try my easy side dish, Instant Pot Collard Greens, perfect for a Sunday dinner or Christmas dinner, with my Air Fryer Turkey Leg recipe. With so much flavor! 

Ingredients Needed For Southern Green Beans In Instant Pot

These carefully selected ingredients come together in the Instant Pot to create Southern Green Beans that are both flavorful and tender while preserving the beloved taste of traditional Southern cuisine.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information. 

• Fresh Green Beans: The star of the dish, fresh green beans, provides a crisp and vibrant base for the recipe.
• Bacon or Salt Pork: Adding a savory and smoky depth of flavor, bacon or salt pork is a common ingredient in Southern green beans.
• Onion: Sliced or diced onion adds a sweet and aromatic element to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth or chicken stock serves as the cooking liquid, infusing the beans with savory richness.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the taste of the green beans and the broth.
• Garlic: Minced garlic cloves contribute a mild, aromatic, garlicky note to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat, some recipes include red pepper flakes to add a subtle spiciness to the green beans.
• Butter (Optional): A pat of butter at the end of cooking can provide a creamy richness to the dish.

How To Make Instant Pot Southern Style Green Beans

These Instant Pot Southern Green Beans are the perfect side dish for a Southern-inspired meal or any occasion where you want to savor the savory, smoky flavors of the South in a fraction of the time.

​Prepare Ingredients: Start by cleaning and trimming the fresh green beans, and discard the ends of the green beans. Chop the bacon into small pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.

Sauté Bacon and Onion: Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the chopped bacon pieces and diced onion. Sauté them together until the bacon becomes crispy and the onion turns translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Deglaze Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step is important for preventing the “Burn” notice.

Add Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the Instant Pot and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.

Pressure Cook: Place lid, on top, and lock into place. Ensuring the vent is in the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual High Pressure” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure with a cook time of 3-4 minutes (3 minutes for crisp-tender beans, 4 minutes for softer beans).

Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick pressure release by turning the vent to “Venting” position. Be cautious of the hot steam. Remove the lid when all of the remaining pressure has been released and the cooking process has been completed.

Finish with Butter (Optional): If desired, stir in the butter to add extra richness.

Serve: Transfer the Instant Pot Southern Green Beans to a serving dish and enjoy them while they’re hot.

​Pro Tips For Southern Green Bean Recipe​

Here are some pro tips to help you make the best Southern Green Beans:

• Use Fresh Green Beans: Opt for fresh green beans rather than canned or frozen ones whenever possible. They have a crisp texture and fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
• Trimming and Snapping: Take the time to trim the ends and snap the beans. Removing tough ends and breaking them into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking and a more appealing presentation.
• Bacon Selection: Choose quality bacon with good flavor. Thick-cut bacon works exceptionally well, rendering more fat and providing a smokier taste. You can also use jowl bacon, turkey necks, or ham hock.
• Render Bacon First: When sautéing the bacon and onions, allow the bacon to render its fat and become crispy before adding the onions. This adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Onion and Garlic: Don’t skimp on the onion and garlic. They contribute a sweet, aromatic essence that complements the savory elements.
• Seasoning: Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to achieve the desired flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth instead of water adds richness and depth to the cooking liquid. It’s worth it for the flavor it imparts to the beans.
• Pressure Cooking Time: Be cautious not to overcook the green beans in the Instant Pot. Cooking for 3-4 minutes under pressure is typically sufficient for tender yet slightly crisp beans.
• Quick Release: When cooking time is up, quickly release pressure to prevent overcooking. Overcooked green beans can become mushy.
• Butter Finish (Optional): Adding a small amount of butter at the end can give the beans a creamy richness. It’s an optional step, but it adds a delightful finishing touch.
• Spice It Up (Optional): If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beans for a subtle kick.
• Serve Promptly: Green beans are best when served immediately while hot and still crisp-tender.

By following these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Southern Green Bean recipe to a flavorful and satisfying side dish that captures the essence of Southern comfort food.

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

While fresh green beans are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. However, remember that frozen beans may release more moisture during cooking, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

How long should I pressure cook the green beans for a softer texture?

If you prefer your green beans softer, increase the pressure cooking time to 5-6 minutes instead of 3-4. Experiment to find the texture that suits your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a vegetarian or vegan diet. Omit the bacon and use a plant-based fat source like olive oil or vegan butter. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to keep it vegetarian or vegan.

Can I make a larger batch of Southern Green Beans in the Instant Pot?

You can scale up the recipe to make a larger batch. Just ensure you don’t exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot to prevent overfilling.

How do I store and reheat leftover Southern Green Beans?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, microwave them until heated through or warm them in a pan on the stove with a bit of additional broth if needed.

Can I use ham instead of bacon?

Yes, you can substitute diced ham for the bacon in this recipe. It will add a different but equally delicious flavor to the dish.

What other seasonings can I add for variety?A7: You can experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, or a pinch of sugar for different flavor profiles. Serve with a few dashes of hot sauce right before serving. Instant Pot Green Beans are versatile, so get creative with your seasoning choices.

How To Store Leftover Green Beans

To store leftover green beans properly and keep them fresh, follow these steps:

• Cool Down: Allow the cooked green beans to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the beans soggy.
• Transfer to an Airtight Container: Place the cooled green beans in an airtight container. If you don’t have an airtight container, you can use a resealable plastic bag, but try to remove as much air as possible before sealing it.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Store the container or bag of green beans in the refrigerator. Ideally, they should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety.
• Label and Date: If you’re not planning to use the leftovers within a day or two, it’s a good practice to label the container or bag with the date when you cooked the green beans. This helps you keep track of freshness.
• Keep Moisture at Bay: If the green beans have a lot of liquid or sauce, use a slotted container or place a paper towel at the bottom of the container or bag to absorb excess moisture. This helps maintain the texture of the beans.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t pack the container too tightly. Give the green beans some space to prevent them from getting crushed or overly compressed, which can affect their texture.
• Use a Separate Container for Sauces: If you’ve cooked the green beans with a sauce, consider storing the sauce separately from the beans. This prevents the beans from becoming too saucy and losing their texture during storage.
• Reheat with Care: When reheating leftover green beans, do so gently to prevent them from becoming mushy. Use methods like microwaving, steaming, or sautéing, and add a touch of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftover green beans can typically stay fresh for 3-5 days. If you need to store them for a more extended period, consider freezing them. Place the green beans in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag, and they can last for several months in the freezer.

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