Name: Easy Beef Green Bean Bundles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/4 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed; 6 slices beef bacon, cut in half; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish); Cooking spray

Green Bean Bundles are a culinary masterpiece that whispers of elegant dinners and joyful family gatherings. Who can resist the charm of vibrant green beans, lovingly tied into neat little packages, then bathed in a rich, savory sauce and crowned with a delightful crispness? It’s this delightful combination of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special that has captivated palates for generations. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a celebration on a plate, a testament to how thoughtful preparation can elevate the everyday. What makes these Green Bean Bundles so universally adored? It’s the perfect harmony of textures – the tender-crisp beans, the velvety sauce, and that irresistible crunch from a secret ingredient that elevates them from good to utterly unforgettable. Get ready to discover a recipe that will become your new go-to for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something wonderfully delicious.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
6 slices beef beef bacon, cut in half
1 teaspoon garlic salt (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt)
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Cooking spray

Preparation Phase

First, let’s get our green beans ready. You want to make sure they are all trimmed, meaning the tough ends are removed. If your green beans are on the thicker side, you can opt for thinner ones or even french green beans, also known as haricot vert, for a more delicate presentation. For this recipe, we’re aiming for about 1 1/4 pounds, which should yield a nice amount of bundles. A good tip is to wash them thoroughly under cool running water before trimming, and then give them a good pat dry with paper towels. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents steaming.

Next, we need to prepare our beef baconbacon. You’ll need 6 slices, and the key here is to cut each slice in half. This is important because we’re going to wbeef baconhese bacon pieces around our green bean bundles. Using half slices allows for better coverage and enbeef bacon that the bacon cooks up nicely and crisps around the beans without being too overwhelming. Make sure you’re not ubeef baconthick-cut beef bacon, as it won’t wrap as easily or cook as evenly. The thinner slices will provide a delightful salty and smoky counterpoint to the fresh green beans.

Cooking Phase

Now, let’s assemble these beautiful Green Bean Bundles. Take a small bunch of your trimmed green beans – about 8-10 beans per bunch works well, depending on their thickness. You want enough to create a nice, compact bundle. Lay one of tbeef baconlved slices of beef bacon across the middle of this green bean bubeef baconThen, carefully wrap the bacon around the beans, tucking in any loose ends if possible. Repeat this process beef baconthe remaining green beans and bacon until you have used up all your ingrediebeef baconYou should end up with 6 delicious bacon-wrapped bundles.

Once your bundles are assembled, it’s time to get them ready for the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent sticking and to help create a nice, slightly crispy bottom for your bundles. Arrange the green bean bundles in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a little bit of space between them. This allows fobeef baconn heat circulation, which will cook the bacon and tenderize the green beans perfectly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets.

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, garlic salt (or your combination of garlic powder and salt), and black pepper. This is our flavor powerhouse that will coat our green bean bundles. Once your bundles are arranged on the baking sheet, generously brush or drizzle this flavorful mixture over each one. Makbeef bacone to get an even coating on all sides of the bacon and beans. The brown sugar will caramelize during baking, adding a wonderful sweet and savory dimension to the dish, while the garlic salt provides that essential savory kick.

Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated ovbeef baconake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is nicely browned and crispy, and the green beans are tender-crisp. The exact cooking time will debeef baconon your oven and the thickness of your green beans and bacon. beef baconan eye on them during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil. We’re looking for that perfbeef baconalance of tender beans with wonderfully rendered, slightly crisp bacon.

Once they are done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Green Bean Bundles rest on the baking sheet for a minute or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes them easier to handle. If you’re using fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the top of the bundles just before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor. These are best served hot, as a delightful side dish to your favorite mabeef baconurses, or even as a flavorful appetizer. The combination of the crisp bacon, tender green beans, and the sweet, savory glaze is truly irresistible.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a simple yet elegant way to elevate your side dish game with these delicious Green Bean Bundles! We’ve walked through the steps to create these beautiful and flavorful bundles, perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to more formal gatherings. The vibrant green of the beans, the savory crunch of the beef bacon, and the hint of garlic create a delightful combination that’s sure to impress.

For serving, these Green Bean Bundles are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or beef, and also make a fantastic accompaniment to fish or vegetarian entrees. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary in your butter mixture for an extra layer of flavor. You can also try different types of cured beef, like beef pancetta, for a slightly different taste profile. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these bundles your own!

I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these Green Bean Bundles. They are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Green Bean Bundles ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the green beansbeef baconbacon ahead of time. Blanch the green beans and wrap beef baconwith bacon. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, you can pan-fry or bake them as directed, though they may need a few extra minutes to ensure they are heated through.

What ibeef baconon’t like bacon? Are there other options?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian optiobeef baconu can omit the bacon altogether. Instead, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts like slivered almonds or chopped pecans to the bundles before serving for added texture and flavor. You could also wrap them with thinly sliced beef prosciutto for a different cured meat option, or simply tie them with chives for a fresh, herbaceous touch.