Welcome to a culinary journey where Southern comfort meets modern convenience! This delightful recipe for Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon transforms a beloved classic into an effortlessly flavorful dish, all thanks to the magic of your electric pressure cooker. Imagine perfectly tender green beans and soft, savory potatoes, richly infused with the smoky essence of bacon, creating an irresistible side that will grace your table with warmth and tradition. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dish that promises to become a family favorite.
Effortless Instant Pot Side Dish Perfection
You heard it right – these flavorful green beans and potatoes are generously topped with crispy bacon! The journey to this soulful dish begins by sautéing bacon, rendering its savory fat to build a deep flavor base, and culminates by mixing those irresistible crispy bits back into the dish. Bacon isn’t just a topping; it’s a foundational element that elevates these Instant Pot green beans and potatoes from a simple side to a culinary masterpiece. It’s the ultimate combination: a delicious vegetable medley, a hearty potato side, and the unparalleled flavor of bacon, all expertly cooked in minutes using your Instant Pot. This winning combination guarantees a dish that’s both comforting and quick, perfect for any occasion.
The Timeless Appeal of Green Beans and Potatoes
The pairing of green beans and potatoes is a testament to timeless Southern cooking. It’s a side dish that fits seamlessly into any meal, from grand holiday dinners to simple weeknight suppers. The addition of bacon, however, is what truly sets this recipe apart, making it utterly irresistible. Its smoky, salty notes perfectly complement the earthy freshness of the green beans and the comforting starchiness of the potatoes. This dish is not only a delight for adults but also a fantastic way to encourage children to enjoy their vegetables. Our kids absolutely adore this recipe, making it a go-to for healthy and delicious family meals.
Mastering Your Instant Pot: The Key to Quick Comfort Food
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for preparing dishes like these Southern-style green beans and potatoes. Its pressure cooking function drastically cuts down cooking time, allowing you to create tender, flavorful vegetables in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. Beyond speed, the Instant Pot excels at infusing flavors. By sautéing bacon and aromatics directly in the pot, you build a rich flavor profile that permeates every bite of the green beans and potatoes as they pressure cook. This one-pot method also simplifies cleanup, making it ideal for busy individuals and families. The consistent heat and contained environment ensure that your vegetables cook evenly, retaining their nutrients and developing an incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes: Essential Ingredients
To create this incredibly satisfying Instant Pot Green Beans with Bacon and Potatoes, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that harmonize to deliver that authentic Southern taste:
- Bacon
- Red Onion
- Fresh Garlic
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Green Beans
- Chicken Broth
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Parsley
Selecting the Perfect Green Beans
When it comes to green beans, not all varieties are created equal, especially for a dish where tenderness and flavor are paramount. For this recipe, we highly recommend haricot vert green beans. Pardon our French, but this term literally translates to “green bean” and refers to the long, slender, and exceptionally tender variety often found in the produce section of gourmet markets or well-stocked grocery stores. These beans are harvested earlier in their growth cycle compared to traditional American green beans, resulting in a more delicate texture and concentrated flavor.
The pronunciation, for those looking to impress their dinner guests, is “air-ee-koh vair.” While saying “harry cot vert” in your head might be amusing, mastering the proper pronunciation adds a touch of culinary sophistication. If haricot vert are not available, regular fresh green beans will certainly work; just be sure they are crisp and blemish-free. Frozen green beans can also be used in a pinch, though fresh is always preferred for optimal texture and taste in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using frozen, as they may require a minute less under pressure.
Choosing the Best Potatoes for the Job
While most potato varieties can be used in this dish, selecting the right one can significantly enhance the texture and flavor absorption. Our top choice for this Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes recipe is the Yukon Gold potato. Their smooth, waxy texture allows them to absorb the rich bacon flavor beautifully, and their buttery taste complements the other ingredients perfectly. An added bonus? Their light, flaky skin means you don’t even have to peel them, saving you valuable prep time!
If Yukon Golds aren’t on hand, here’s our ranking of suitable alternatives, along with their characteristics:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Known for their golden flesh, waxy texture, and buttery flavor. Ideal for boiling, steaming, and pan-frying, they hold their shape well and are perfect for soaking up rich sauces.
- Red Potatoes: Featuring thin red skin and a waxy texture, red potatoes are excellent for boiling, steaming, or simmering in soups and stews. They maintain their shape and offer a slightly firmer bite.
- New Potatoes: These young, tender potatoes, with their thin yellow or red skins, are wonderfully waxy and versatile. They’re great for boiling, baking, frying, or roasting, providing a fresh, mild flavor.
- Fingerling Potatoes: Distinctive for their elongated, finger-like shape and varied colors, fingerlings have a delicate texture. They are best roasted whole or halved, adding an elegant touch and unique flavor.
- Russet Potatoes (aka Idaho potatoes): While more starchy, Russets can be used if other options are unavailable. They are best known for baking, mashing, or frying due to their fluffy interior. Be mindful that they might become softer in this recipe compared to waxy varieties, so a slightly larger cut might be beneficial to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes
You are just minutes away from enjoying incredibly flavorful Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes! Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious Southern-inspired side dish:
- Sauté the Bacon: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode for 20 minutes. Once the pot is hot, add your chopped bacon and cook until it’s wonderfully crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once perfectly crisp, remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but crucially, leave that flavorful bacon grease in the pot. This rendered fat will be the foundation of your dish’s rich flavor.
- Build the Aromatic Base: In the residual bacon grease, add the chopped red onions and minced fresh garlic. Sauté them until they are tender and fragrant, typically just a few minutes. This step creates a crucial aromatic layer that will enhance the overall depth of flavor.
- Brown the Potatoes: Add the halved potatoes to the pot, cut-side down. Cook them until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear. If needed, add a small drizzle of olive oil to assist with browning. This step adds texture and an extra layer of caramelized flavor to the potatoes before pressure cooking.
- Add Richness with Butter: Once the potatoes are browned, stir in the butter. The butter will melt into the bacon grease and potato juices, adding a luxurious, creamy element to the dish.
- Combine and Deglaze: Toss in the fresh green beans and stir everything together, ensuring the beans, potatoes, onions, and garlic are well combined and coated in the flavorful fats.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Pour in the chicken broth. This liquid is essential for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
- Natural Release and Season: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release. This means letting the pressure dissipate on its own for at least 10-15 minutes, or until the float valve drops. This natural release helps prevent the green beans from becoming mushy and ensures the potatoes are perfectly tender. Carefully open the lid away from your face.
- Final Touches: Season the dish generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the crispy bacon you reserved earlier, distributing it evenly throughout the green beans and potatoes. For a burst of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. Bon appétit on those delicious potatoes and haricot verts!
Pro Tip: For a simplified way to master all your Instant Pot basics, check out our Instant Pot Cheat Sheet!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Green Beans and Potatoes
These versatile Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes are a phenomenal side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. Their savory, comforting profile makes them a natural fit for hearty meats and poultry. Here are some excellent suggestions:
- Bottom of the Jar Chicken: A simple yet flavorful chicken dish that pairs beautifully with the rich side.
- Italian Bolognese: The robust flavors of a classic Bolognese find a fresh contrast with these tender vegetables.
- Cornflake Ranch Chicken: The crispy coating and tangy ranch flavor of this chicken dish are perfectly balanced by the smoky green beans and potatoes.
- Asian Sticky Slow Cooker Ribs: The sweet and savory notes of sticky ribs are wonderfully complemented by this earthy side.
- Smoked Prime Rib: For a truly elegant meal, the richness of prime rib is enhanced by the comforting simplicity of this side dish.
Expert Tips for Making Southern-Style Green Beans and Potatoes
Achieving the perfect Southern-style green beans and potatoes in your Instant Pot is easier than you think with these helpful tips:
- Choosing Your Instant Pot: If you’re new to the world of electric pressure cooking or looking to upgrade, we highly recommend this Instant Pot model. It’s the one we trust and use regularly at home for its reliability and consistent performance.
- Bacon to Green Bean Ratio: We’ve carefully crafted this recipe to achieve the ideal balance of flavors. A common question is whether the amount of green beans can be scaled back. We strongly advise against it, as we’ve found this specific green bean-to-bacon ratio to be the sweet spot for an amazing taste every time.
- Storing and Reheating Leftovers: Any leftover Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. Adding a tiny splash of chicken broth can help keep them moist.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with seasoning. Taste the dish after the natural release and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The bacon provides saltiness, so factor that in. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.
- Customization Options: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic profile. A small splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors and add a touch of tang, a common Southern technique.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes
Here are answers to some common questions about this popular Instant Pot recipe:
Can you cook just green beans in the Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely! Green beans can be cooked by themselves in the Instant Pot in as little as 2 minutes. Simply place your steamer rack in the Instant Pot, add your trimmed green beans to the pot, close the lid, and cook on low pressure for 1-2 minutes. After a quick release of pressure, you’ll have perfectly steamed green beans ready to enjoy!
Can I double this recipe?
If your Instant Pot is large enough to comfortably hold double the amount of ingredients without exceeding the “MAX FILL” line, then yes, you can double this recipe! You shouldn’t need to alter the cook time at all since you’re using a pressure cooker, which relies on consistent pressure rather than volume for cooking duration. Just ensure adequate liquid is added.
What type of bacon should I use?
You are welcome to use whatever your favorite type of bacon is for this recipe. We generally prefer cooking with traditional pork bacon for its classic smoky flavor and fat rendering. However, if you’re looking for an alternative, turkey bacon can also work. If you try it, please leave us a comment below letting us know how it turned out!
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans, though fresh haricot verts will yield the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. You may want to reduce the pressure cooking time by 1 minute, as frozen vegetables can cook more quickly under pressure.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
For Yukon Gold potatoes, which are our recommendation, peeling is entirely optional because their skin is thin and becomes tender during cooking. If you opt for other potato varieties with thicker skins, like Russets, you might prefer to peel them for a smoother texture, but it’s not strictly necessary for taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon. You can replace the bacon grease with a tablespoon or two of olive oil or a plant-based butter for sautéing the onions and garlic. For added smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the broth.
Conclusion: A Southern Classic, Simplified and Enhanced
In conclusion, these Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes with Bacon offer a delightful blend of rich, smoky flavor and incredible tenderness, all achieved with remarkable ease and speed thanks to your pressure cooker. This Southern-inspired side dish is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor comforting flavors, perfect for elevating any meal from a simple weeknight dinner to a festive holiday spread. The carefully selected ingredients, from delicate haricot verts to buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, combined with the irresistible crunch and flavor of bacon, create a dish that is both nourishing and utterly satisfying. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to impress your family and friends with a side dish that’s truly a cut above!
Discover More INSTANT POT RECIPES:
- Cuban Pasta Salad
- Instant Pot Southern Macaroni and Cheese
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- 2-Ingredient Instant Pot Applesauce
- Award Winning Instant Pot Chili
- Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Taco Soup
- ALL OF OUR INSTANT POT RECIPES!
Explore More EASY SOUTHERN RECIPES:
- Easy Macaroni and Cheese (Southern-Style)
- Easy Baked Beans Recipe
- Southern Sausage Breakfast Cake
- Cheesy Southern Grits
- Southern Grape Salad with Pecans
- Instant Pot Short Ribs with Carolina BBQ Sauce
- Southern English Pea Salad
- Southern Tomato Basil Pie
Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 8 Slices Bacon, chopped
- 1/2 Red Onion, chopped
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 6-8 Potatoes, small Yukon gold, halved
- Olive Oil
- 2 Pounds Haricot Verts, fresh, trimmed (or green beans)
- 3/4 Cup Chicken Broth
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Press Sauté and set for 20 minutes on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add the bacon and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally as needed. Remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate, leaving the grease in the pot.8 Slices Bacon
-
Place the onions and garlic in and sauté until tender.1/2 Red Onion, 1 Clove Garlic
-
Add the butter.1 Tablespoon Butter
-
Add the potatoes, cut side down and cook until golden, adding a drizzle of olive oil if needed.6-8 Potatoes, Olive Oil
-
Throw in the green beans and stir to combine.2 Pounds Haricot Verts
-
Add the chicken broth and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook,” high pressure for 6 minutes.3/4 Cup Chicken Broth
-
Allow a natural pressure release. Once the float valve drops, open the lid, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the reserved crispy bacon.Salt and Pepper
-
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley all over the top right before serving.Fresh Parsley
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
