Spicy Sauteed Green Beans

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Sauteed green beans with bacon, veggies and spicy peppers is delicious and easy to prepare. Make this recipe to replace green bean casserole!

I’m going to show you how to cook fresh green beans in a way that will wake up your taste buds. This veggie side dish is full of flavor, and it doesn’t take very long to make. 

Plus, it can be made ahead, saving you time on a busy holiday!

I created this recipe based on the Famous Dave’s green beans side dish. The flavor is outstanding!

Sauteed green beans vs. green bean casserole

I think some people make green bean casserole because they think they’re supposed to. After all, maybe it’s been a holiday side dish in your family for generations. 

But honestly, is it really necessary? Any side dish that takes away oven space from your sausage dressing and holiday turkey seems like more trouble than it’s worth. 

Sure, you can make slow cooker green bean casserole, but that steals kitchen counter space.

I hope you’ll try this green beans recipe. If not for a holiday like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, make it for dinner on a weeknight. Fresh green beans are definitely tastier than anything from a can.

And who knows? Maybe this will become your new favorite dinner side dish.

How to make the recipe

1. Cook the bacon

The quickest way to make this dish is to cook the bacon in a skillet on the stove (you’ll need the bacon grease, too). This allows you to make the entire recipe using just one pan.

However, if you plan on doubling or tripling this recipe, or you want to make the bacon in advance, then bake the bacon in oven.

Then, store the cooled grease in the fridge until it’s time to make the recipe. After that, chop the bacon and store it in a ziptop baggie in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

After it cooks, remove the bacon from the pan and place it onto a double layer of paper towels to drain. Leave the grease in the pan.

2. Add and cook the bell peppers, jalapeno and onions.

Use caution when placing the diced veggies into the pan; the bacon grease is hot and may splatter.

3. Stir in the green beans.

Although I haven’t tested it, you can try making this recipe using frozen green beans instead of fresh. According to this article, frozen veggies are just as healthy as fresh.

Regardless, I like to use fresh veggies whenever possible.

How to cook fresh green beans

Using fresh may seem like a chore, but it really isn’t difficult. The most difficult part is trimming the ends off, and guess what? You don’t have to snap them off one at a time!

To trim a bunch of beans quickly:

1. Place a handful of beans side by side on a cutting board. If possible, use use the ones that are similar in length.
2. Hold a sharp knife in one hand and use your other hand to hold the veggies down on the cutting board.
3. Carefully cut the tips off one end, then use your hand to turn the bunch around and trim the ends off the other side.

4. Stir in cooked bacon and serve!

How spicy is this side dish?

In my opinion, this dish has the perfect blend of spicy heat. Not a fan of spicy food? I promise, it’s not very spicy at all. We just use a pinch of red pepper flakes, and the salty bacon pairs perfectly with it.

Even my family members, who are not spicy food fans, love the spicy sautéed green beans.

Of course, if you are a huge fan of spicy food (ahem….like yours truly) then feel free to add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board:

• Grilled Green Beans
• Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
• Classic Roasted Carrots
• Sausage Dressing with Apples & Bacon

Originally published: 3/27/13 Updated: 10/13/20