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If you're looking to enhance your meal options, Instant Pot green bean recipes can be a game changer. These dishes are not only simple but also packed with flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. From the bright notes of garlic and lemon to the rich taste of green beans with bacon, there's something for everyone. Want to discover more delicious variations that could elevate your next dinner?
Key Takeaways
- Classic recipes like Garlic and Lemon Green Beans and Green Bean Casserole offer quick, flavorful sides for any meal.
- Spicy options such as Szechuan Green Beans and Green Beans with Bacon provide bold flavors and easy preparation for busy nights.
- Enhance flavor with sautéed garlic and customizable herbs or spices to suit personal preferences.
- Sweet and Sour Green Beans and Almonds with Shallots present unique taste profiles for variety in meals.
- Use fresh green beans for optimal texture and consider garnishing for beautiful presentation.
Classic Instant Pot Green Beans With Garlic and Lemon

Classic Instant Pot Green Beans With Garlic and Lemon is a quick and flavorful side dish that brings vibrant color and taste to any meal. The Instant Pot not only cooks the green beans to perfection in a fraction of the time, but it also locks in their nutrients, ensuring that you enjoy all the health benefits they've to offer.
This recipe combines the freshness of green beans with the bright zing of lemon and the savory depth of garlic, creating a dish that's sure to impress. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests, as it's incredibly simple to prepare.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have tender, flavorful green beans on your table in no time. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal that's both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Start by adding the vegetable or chicken broth to the Instant Pot, followed by the trimmed green beans. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the top, and drizzle with olive oil.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 2 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting to release the steam.
After all the steam has been released, carefully open the lid and add the lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss gently to combine all the flavors. Serve immediately as a vibrant side dish that complements any meal wonderfully.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider sautéing the garlic in the olive oil using the 'Sauté' function of the Instant Pot before adding the green beans and broth. This will enhance the garlic's aroma and taste.
Additionally, if you prefer your green beans to have a bit more crunch, reduce the cooking time to just 1 minute. Finally, feel free to customize this recipe by adding other herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor!
Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole

In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up a flavorful green bean casserole that's rich, creamy, and topped with crunchy fried onions. This dish is sure to please both traditionalists and newcomers alike, and the Instant Pot will guarantee that the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the green beans vibrant and fresh.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
Cooking Instructions:
- Start by adding the trimmed green beans to the Instant Pot. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together gently to guarantee the green beans are evenly coated.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- When the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and top with crispy fried onions. You can also place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a golden-brown topping if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or cooked bacon to the casserole mixture.
You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with other varieties like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different taste profile.
If you prefer a healthier version, try using low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reducing the amount of cheese.
Don't forget to adjust the seasoning to your preference, guaranteeing the dish is just right for your palate. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot green bean casserole!
Spicy Szechuan Instant Pot Green Beans

This recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious side dish that will impress everyone at the table. Serve these spicy green beans alongside steamed rice or your favorite protein for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns
- 1-2 tablespoons red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the vegetable oil.
Once hot, add the minced garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the trimmed green beans to the pot, followed by the red chili flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, quickly release the steam.
3. Carefully remove the lid and give the green beans a good stir. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions.
Extra Tips:
For an added layer of flavor, consider toasting the Szechuan peppercorns in a dry pan before adding them to the Instant Pot.
This will enhance their aromatic qualities. Additionally, if you prefer your green beans a bit softer, you can increase the cooking time by an extra minute, but be cautious not to overcook them to maintain their lovely crunch.
Enjoy experimenting with the spice levels to suit your taste!
Instant Pot Green Beans With Bacon

Instant Pot Green Beans with Bacon is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the freshness of green beans and the savory goodness of crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for a quick side dish that pairs well with any main course, making it an ideal addition to your weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
The Instant Pot makes the cooking process incredibly fast, preserving the vibrant color and crunchiness of the green beans while infusing them with the rich flavor of bacon. To enhance the taste even further, you can add garlic, onion, or your favorite spices. The combination of the smoky bacon and the natural sweetness of the green beans creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Plus, using the Instant Pot means less time spent in the kitchen and more time to enjoy your meal with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
To begin, set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, stirring occasionally. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the trimmed green beans to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine, making sure the green beans are coated in the flavorful mixture. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making certain the vent is set to sealing, and select the manual high-pressure cooking setting for 2 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid carefully, stir in the crispy bacon, and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your green beans maintain their bright color and crunchiness, avoid overcooking them in the Instant Pot. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can finish it off in a frying pan after removing it from the Instant Pot.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with seasoning by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Sweet and Sour Instant Pot Green Beans

Sweet and Sour Instant Pot Green Beans are a delightful side dish that perfectly balances tanginess and sweetness, making them a perfect accompaniment to your favorite main courses. The Instant Pot allows you to cook the green beans quickly while retaining their vibrant color and crunchy texture.
This recipe isn't only quick to prepare but also offers a burst of flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether you're serving them at a family dinner or a special occasion, these sweet and sour green beans are sure to impress.
In this recipe, we'll be using fresh green beans tossed in a delicious sweet and sour sauce made from pantry staples. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process incredibly simple, guaranteeing that you can have a tasty side dish ready in no time.
Let's plunge into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
- Start by adding the trimmed green beans to the Instant Pot. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Pour this mixture over the green beans in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, quickly release the pressure by turning the valve to venting. Carefully remove the lid and stir the green beans to make sure they're coated in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, opt for fresh green beans rather than frozen ones, as they'll maintain a better texture and flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste. Additionally, if you want a bit more crunch, consider sautéing some sliced almonds or chopped walnuts to sprinkle on top before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful Sweet and Sour Instant Pot Green Beans!
Instant Pot Green Beans With Almonds and Shallots

Instant Pot Green Beans with Almonds and Shallots is a delightful side dish that brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table. The combination of tender green beans, nutty almonds, and aromatic shallots creates a symphony of flavors and textures. This dish isn't only quick and easy to prepare, but it also showcases the vibrant green color of fresh beans, making it a visually appealing addition to any meal.
Using an Instant Pot guarantees that your green beans remain crisp-tender and packed with nutrients. Cooking them under pressure retains their bright color and fresh flavor, while the sautéed shallots and toasted almonds add depth and richness. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once hot, add the olive oil and sliced shallots, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add the sliced almonds and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the almonds are lightly toasted.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the pot, followed by the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 2 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Carefully open the lid and stir in the lemon juice if using. Serve immediately, garnished with extra toasted almonds if desired.
Extra Tips:
To elevate the flavor of your Instant Pot Green Beans with Almonds and Shallots, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
If you prefer a more pronounced shallot flavor, you can increase the amount used or add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
For a crunchier texture, you can also skip the sautéing step for the almonds and simply add them raw to the dish after cooking. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious green beans!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans in These Recipes?
Absolutely, you can use frozen green beans in these recipes! Just adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen beans may require less time to cook. They'll turn out delicious and convenient for your meal.
How Long Do I Need to Cook Fresh Green Beans?
You'll want to cook fresh green beans for about 4 to 5 minutes in the Instant Pot. This timing guarantees they remain crisp and vibrant, giving you the perfect side dish for any meal. Enjoy!
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftover Green Beans?
To store leftover green beans, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll stay fresh for about three to five days. Just reheat them when you're ready to enjoy again!
Can I Substitute Green Beans With Other Vegetables?
Just like a painter swaps colors, you can easily substitute green beans with other vegetables. Think crisp asparagus or vibrant peas. It'll add new flavors and textures, transforming your dish into a delightful masterpiece. Enjoy experimenting!
Are These Recipes Suitable for a Vegan Diet?
Yes, these recipes can definitely fit a vegan diet. You'll find that most ingredients used are plant-based, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without any animal products. Just double-check any sauces or seasonings for hidden ingredients.