Instant Pot Green Beans

These Instant Pot green beans are an easy southern side dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners!

Recently my mom and sister and I were talking about what our favorite vegetables were. Justin and I eat very healthy around here on a normal basis, so veggies are a big part of our diet.

But not all veggies are created equal and I don't love all veggies at a 10/10 if you know what I mean.

They were shocked to learn which veggies I didn't super love but I ate them because of #health. Is anyone else the same?! I know I am not the only one. Like broccoli - blah - don't love it. Would rather smoother it with cheese sauce and choke it down but I am not 5 anymore so I eat it steamed like a grown-up. But it is not my favorite thing in the entire world. 🙂

I know I am not alone on this! But they were so shocked at my list of just "meh....don't love it but I eat it" veggie list.

Platter of green beans with 3 white bowls and an instant pot in the background.

BUUUUTTTTTT.... my number 1 favorite veggie of all time is definitely green beans. I LOVE THEM!! Always have always will. My mom would can them from our garden growing up and I loved being able to go get a big can from the basement for dinner. They tasted SO GOOD!

I always have store-bought canned green beans stocked in our pantry because I love them so much and it's such an easy veggie side that I actually enjoy.

In the summers now I love getting fresh green beans from our CSA box and being able to recreate a small part of my childhood. Snapping the beans by myself isn't the same as sitting outside on a blanket with my grandmother and breaking bushels of beans from the garden, but it's close and a good memory that makes me smile.

These Instant Pot* green beans are an easy southern side if you are craving a little summer fresh veggie. You're only 4 ingredients and a pressure cooker away from a tender loving side!

Ingredients Needed

Fresh Green Beans - the star of the show! We get local green beans from our CSA box but you can also find fresh green beans from your farmers market, a friend's garden, or the grocery store in the summer. Any kind and style will work for this recipe.
Bacon Grease - the secret ingredient! I always have a mason jar in my fridge full of bacon grease like any good southern cook does. If you don't have reserved bacon grease, you can cook up a pound of bacon and use the grease (pro tip - toss the cooked bacon bits in the pot too to add more goodness to this recipe!), or in a pinch use olive oil - although it won't result in the same flavor.
Salt Freshly Cracked Black Pepper - for flavor and seasoning.
Water - add just enough water to cover the green beans + 1" in the Instant Pot - depending on your size of yours. It will be roughly 4-6 cups.

Bowl of green beans, salt, pepper, and bacon grease on a white table.

Steps to Make

STEP ONE: Prepare your fresh green beans by washing them first. Remove the ends off and snap/break each bean into roughly 1" pieces.
STEP TWO: Add the snapped green beans, bacon grease, salt, pepper, and water to the Instant Pot* (affiliate link). You want to cover the green beans completely + 1 inch with water (depending on the size of your Instant Pot).
STEP THREE: Secure and lock the lid. Turn on the "pressure cook" function for 45 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Once finished, release the steam valve and enjoy!

Tips on Instant Pot Green Beans

These are a couple of tips I have learned as I have experimented with cooking fresh green beans in a pressure cooker:

I have played around with the cooking time and landed on 45 minutes for my preferred time. I love a soft green bean. If you prefer your beans to have a bit of a crisp to them, you can cook them for 25-30 minutes. It also depends on the amount of water and beans you put in your pot. If you fill your pot with more volume, it will take longer to cook. So if you half, or double to triple the recipe keep that in mind. You will need to adjust your cooking time up or down by 10-15 minutes.
Do not use canned green beans. These are already cooked. If you're looking for a recipe to use canned green beans check out this recipe for Slow Cooker Green Beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Green Beans Instead of Fresh?

No, do not use canned green beans for this recipe - fresh only! Canned beans are already cooked and do not need to be pressure cooked. If you're looking for a DELICIOUS recipe to use canned green beans in this is an excellent one - especially for the holidays - Slow Cooker Green Beans.

How Long Do Instant Pot Green Beans Last as Leftovers?

Keep these covered in the fridge tightly for 3-4 days.

What if I Do Not Have a Pressure Cooker?

Two options... 1.) you can purchase one pretty much anywhere nowadays, here is one similar to the one I have off of Amazon (affiliate link) or 2.) you can use this recipe that uses canned green beans and a slow cooker instead and is so so good!

Instant Pot Green Beans in 3 white bowls with a napkin and a spoon.

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