Mission BBQ Green Beans and Bacon Recipe (Easy Copycat)

If you’ve eaten at Mission BBQ, you know the green beans aren’t an afterthought. They’re tender, smoky, a little sweet, and loaded with bacon and onion. Plenty of people order them as a second side just so they don’t have to share.

The good news: you can make a copycat version of Mission BBQ green beans and bacon at home in about 45 minutes. No smoker required. This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and it tastes just as good next to backyard ribs as it does on a Thanksgiving table.

Why this copycat recipe works

The secret to restaurant-style BBQ green beans is building flavor in layers, then giving it time to soak in.

• Bacon fat is the base. Rendering the bacon first and cooking the onions in that fat gives every bean a smoky, savory coating.
• A slow simmer in broth. Simmering the beans in chicken broth makes them soft and Southern-style, not crisp like a stir-fry.
• A touch of sweetness. A spoonful of brown sugar balances the salty bacon, the way a good BBQ side should.
• A hint of smoke and tang. Smoked paprika and a splash of apple cider vinegar give that pit-cooked flavor without a smoker.

Note: This is an unofficial copycat recipe inspired by the restaurant’s side dish. It is not the official Mission BBQ recipe.

Ingredients Needed

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these copycat Mission BBQ green beans. Here’s what to grab and why each one matters.

• Thick-cut bacon: The star of the dish. Hickory or applewood smoked bacon gives the beans that pit-smoked BBQ flavor, and its rendered fat becomes the base of the sauce.
• Fresh green beans: Trim the ends and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Short on time? Canned green beans, drained, work too.
• Yellow onion: Diced and cooked in bacon fat, it adds a mellow sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds depth. Jarred garlic is fine in a pinch.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: The beans simmer in broth until tender and soak up flavor. Low-sodium keeps the salty bacon in check.
• Light brown sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the smoke and salt, like a classic BBQ side.
• Smoked paprika: The secret to a smoky flavor without a smoker.
• Black pepper and red pepper flakes (optional): A little bite and gentle heat.
• Apple cider vinegar: A small splash at the end brightens everything up.
• Butter: Stirred in at the end for a rich, glossy finish.
• Salt: Taste before adding. Between the bacon and broth, you may not need much.

How to make Mission BBQ green beans and bacon

Step 1: Cook the bacon. In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon for 8 to 10 minutes until crispy. Move about a third of it to a paper towel for garnish. Leave the rest, plus 2 tablespoons of fat, in the pot.

Step 2: Soften the aromatics. Add the diced onion and cook 4 to 5 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

Step 3: Season. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute so the sugar melts into the fat.

Step 4: Add beans and broth. Add the green beans and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to coat, then bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes for fresh beans (10 minutes for canned), until very tender.

Step 5: Finish. Uncover and cook 3 to 5 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly. Stir in the butter and apple cider vinegar. Taste and add salt if needed.

Serve. Top with the reserved crispy bacon and serve hot.

Tips, variations, and storage

Tips for the best flavor

• Use thick-cut, hickory or applewood smoked bacon. It stays meaty and adds more smoke.
• Don’t rush the simmer. Southern-style green beans should be soft, not squeaky.
• Make them a day ahead. Like most BBQ sides, they taste even better the next day.

Easy variations

• Extra smoky: Add a few chopped pieces of leftover brisket or pulled pork.
• Slow cooker: Cook the bacon and onions on the stove, then move everything to a slow cooker on low for 4 to 6 hours.
• Instant Pot: Sauté the bacon and onions, add the remaining ingredients, and pressure cook 4 minutes with a quick release.
• Spicier: Add diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
• Lower sugar: Skip the brown sugar or swap in a sugar-free sweetener.

Storage and reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave. You can freeze them for up to 3 months, though the texture will soften a bit more.

What to serve with green beans and bacon

These smoky green beans go with just about any BBQ main. Pile them next to your favorite meats and sides and you’ve got a Mission BBQ-style plate at home.

• Pulled pork: Tender, saucy Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork on a toasted bun is a classic match for bacon green beans.
• Ribs: These fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs in the Oven give you smokehouse flavor without a smoker.
• Mac and cheese: Rich, creamy Paula Deen-Style Crockpot Mac and Cheese rounds out the plate.
• Smoked brisket or chicken: Sliced brisket or smoked chicken soaks up the bacon flavor on the plate.
• Cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans: Classic BBQ sides that balance the smoky, savory beans.
• Holiday mains: Roast turkey or glazed ham turn these beans into a holiday side dish.

Need more ideas? Browse these 28 easy side dishes for ribs to build out your BBQ spread.

Frequently asked questions

What is in Mission BBQ green beans?

Mission BBQ green beans are a Southern-style side cooked with bacon and onion. This copycat version uses green beans, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, brown sugar, and smoked paprika to recreate that smoky, slightly sweet flavor.

Can I use canned green beans?

Yes. Use four 14.5 oz cans, drained, and cut the simmer time to about 10 minutes so they don’t fall apart.

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes. Add them straight from frozen and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until tender.

How do I make them without bacon?

Use 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil, swap in vegetable broth, and add extra smoked paprika plus a few drops of liquid smoke.

Are these green beans gluten-free?

They usually are, as long as your bacon and chicken broth are labeled gluten-free. Always check the package.

How far ahead can I make them? Up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently and add the crispy bacon topping just before serving.