Go Back

Easy 5-Ingredients Crack Green Beans Recipe

This easy crack green beans recipe turns simple ingredients into a rich, savory side dish. Fresh green beans cook with smoky beef bacon, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a sweet-savory glaze that’s perfect for quick and comforting weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb green beans washed and trimmed
  • 6 slices beef bacon cut into pieces
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Lid

Method
 

  1. Wash and trim the green beans. If using French green beans, simply snap off the ends.
  2. Place a large skillet on medium heat. Cook the beef bacon pieces until golden and slightly crisp.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the green beans to the skillet and stir them through the beef bacon.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle the brown sugar over the beans.
  6. Stir everything together so the beans are evenly coated in the sauce.
  7. Cover the pan and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the beans are tender.
  8. Remove the lid and let the sauce thicken for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

If you only have canned green beans, drain them well and reduce the cooking time since they are already soft. For a lighter option, you can use lean beef bacon. To make the dish a little bolder, add a pinch of onion powder or black pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet.