Easy Keto Green Beans with Bacon

I know those bright green, crunchy green beans look pretty, and certainly, there is a time and place for them, but just not for this recipe. This is the cooked-down version that you would get if invited over for Sunday dinner at my house type of situation. Today I have the perfect string beans recipe for any day but will be a great addition to this year’s Thanksgiving table! So this week we are cookin’ up a simple version of southern style keto green beans.

Simple Southern Style Green Beans

Although there are many approaches to what southern-style green beans are, this is one of my versions and in fact, my go-to version because it’s quick and easy. Though when I have some time a ham hock will make an appearance. However, I’ll save that version for another time!

You may ask are green beans keto? You bet they are! This recipe is the same recipe in keto and out of keto! So aunt Jackie ain’t even got to be all up in your business asking why you are on a diet for Thanksgiving even though your plate might look a little light! Keto green beans are fit for all!

String Beans vs. Green Beans

Where I’m from we call them string beans but they seem to be more commonly referred to as green beans, so that’s what we will mostly use throughout this post. Whatever you call them, know that you can use either name interchangeably. 

How To Cook Keto Green Beans

There are various ways to cook green beans. You can blanch, sauteed, stir fry, and add a variety of flavors. There are many possibilities to get a really flavorful dish, but here I’m going to share what I know as a classic side yet simple dish to add to weekly meal prep or a great keto Thanksgiving side. That is, steamed down with bacon and basic pantry ingredients! YES AND AMEN from the southern soul food pew in the back!

Some like green beans with potatoes but we never did them that way and thank goodness for keto sake because that wouldn’t work for keto. Know that you can also remove the bacon and use ham hocks, turkey tails, or any smoked meat of your choice for that FLAVA and seasoning. I chose bacon because that’s how I most often make them these days and this is the simple version in fact.

I did measure everything for y’all so that this is a foolproof way to flavor but adjust as necessary. We all know a good southern “cook” flavors with love, experience, preference, and a tasting spoon. So honey, cook it down as presented and TASTE to make sure it’s hittin’ for you! There’s nothing wrong with an extra dash of seasoning or even a little less if that’s your preference! 

The reason why we are using frozen and not fresh green beans is that they come pre-measured to make things nice and easy to keep consistent. So if you were wondering how to cook frozen green beans, I got you! These stovetop green beans are so easy to prepare!

Fresh vs. Frozen Green Beans

You can definitely use fresh to make keto green beans but, clean those things properly and get those strings off! TRUST ME! I once had some fresh green beans at a gathering FULL OF STRINGS and in my country girl head was like…HUNTY! That ain’t how we do it! However, I’m sure it was an honest mistake because perhaps they didn’t know, so you’ve been warned!

I once had some fresh green beans at a gathering FULL OF STRINGS and in my country girl head was like…HUNTY! That ain’t how we do it!

I can tell you for the most part frozen ones tend to be pretty much tough string-free, but it depends on the brand. I have personally narrowed down my favorite brand when it comes to frozen green beans. The winner is….the Walmart brand because 98% of the time they are good to go with only the occasional woody or stringy bean, but it’s really rare from my experience. So if stringing beans ain’t your thang, cool, we are going to learn how to cook frozen green beans that are absolutely delicious without all the extra!

Easy Keto Green Beans with Bacon

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• Author: Bridgette Williams
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 8 1x

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

2 (12 oz bags) Frozen Cut Green Beans
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
Black Pepper (to taste)
6 strips of Bacon
1 tbsp Bacon Fat
3 tsp Sea Salt
2 cups Water

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Instructions

1. Cut up your bacon with kitchen shears directly into pot. Brown until crispy. Leave both bacon and fat in the pot.
2. Add green beans, onion and garlic powder, salt, a few cracks of black pepper, and water. Stir well lifting bits on bottom of the pan.
3. Cover and let simmer on medium for 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes open and stir, cook covered for another 7 minutes.
5. For last 5 minutes leave the lid off to reduce liquid and they should be tender and tasty. You want some liquid about 1/2 cup left.
6. Top it off at the end with an extra tbsp of bacon fat. If you don’t have bacon fat lying around like I do you can cook a little extra bacon.

• Prep Time: 2
• Cook Time: 33

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 93
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 NC
• Protein: 4 g

Keywords: green beans, sides, keto thanksgiving

Health Benefits of Green Beans

According to the USDA, 1 cup of green beans are a great source of vitamins A, C, K, along with other vitamins and minerals. See green bean nutritional values below from the USDA.

Green Beans Nutrition

• • Calories: 31
  • Fat: .22 g
  • Carbs: 6.97 g
  • Protein: 1.83 g
  • Sugar: 3.26 g
  • Vitamin A: 35 mcg
  • Vitamin C: 12.2 mg
  • Vitamin K: 43 mcg

What Main Dish Goes with Green Beans

Let’s look at just a few options for how you can pair these green beans as the side to your main dish.

1. 1. Baked chicken thighs
   2. Grilled pork chops
   3. Roasted or Fried Turkey

Want to make it feel a little more traditional? Pick one of the proteins above and pair it with not only our keto green beans but also some caulimash!

How To Store Green Beans

Yes! Feel free to double or even triple this recipe so that you have extra. It’s so simple. I recommend a freezer bag where you can remove as much air as possible, and freeze lying flat so you can save space once it’s frozen. Using freezer tape, label your bag with the name and date, and store for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re good to go for an upcoming meal. 

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