Easy Green Bean Recipe

These delicious Sweet and Spicy Green Beans are quick, simple, and super flavorful! Crunchy bacon and tender green beans are coated in a delicious 4-ingredient sugar-free sauce that you’ll love. Top with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes for the perfect side dish for nearly any entree. With just 5 net carbs and fewer than 100 calories, this easy green bean recipe is the perfect side dish on a low-carb or keto diet.

Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Green Beans

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this recipe. Find exact measurements at the bottom of the page in the printable recipe card.

• Bacon – I prefer thick-cut bacon in this recipe because it gives a meatier bite that perfectly complements the green beans.
• Green Beans – Fresh with ends trimmed. I don’t recommend frozen or canned green beans as they won’t get that crisp texture we’re looking for in this recipe.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic has the most flavor, but you can use the pre-minced jar from the store to make the meal quicker.
• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar Monk Fruit, and Apple Cider Vinegar – Makes the flavorful sauce. Coconut aminos is a great soy-free alternative to soy sauce. Brown sugar Swerve or other alternative sweetener could be used instead of monk fruit. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, substitute champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar flavor.
• Optional: Sesame Seeds & Red Pepper Flakes – These are for garnish and add a great texture and flavor! If you don’t enjoy spicy foods, feel free to leave out the red pepper.

You’ll also need a small mixing bowl, a skillet, a slotted spoon, a paper towel lined plate, and a stovetop or hot plate.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Green Beans

In addition to the ingredients listed above you will need a large skillet, cutting board and knife. This is an easy side dish recipe that can come together in just 20 minutes! Here’s a step-by-step guide for making these tasty green beans!

Cook the Bacon

Warm a skillet to medium heat. While that’s warming up, cut your bacon into small pieces. Place the bacon into the hot pan and cook until bacon is crisp. Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel lined plate. Set it aside for now.

Add Green Beans

Pour off almost all of the bacon grease, but reserve 1 tablespoon for cooking the green beans. Add your trimmed green beans to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beans have begun to char, and they reach your preferred level of tenderness.

Toss in Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the garlic, soy sauce, sweetener, and vinegar. Pour this into the hot skillet and toss the green beans to coat. Add bacon, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper, then serve immediately.

Serve

We love these delicious green beans with an easy entree like Sesame Shrimp or this Slow Cooker Ginger Garlic Pork Tenderloin. To stretch the meal, you can add Cauliflower Fried Rice or Roasted Cabbage without weighing yourself down too much. These amazing Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts would make the best appetizer… The dipping sauce would be excellent with these green beans, too! Some other entrees include:

• Chili Garlic Salmon (2 carbs per filet)
• Air Fryer Asian Meatballs (2.2 net carbs for 5 meatballs)
• Air Fryer Chicken Legs (1.8 net carbs for about 2 drumsticks)
• Easy Asian Keto Lettuce Wraps (3.4 net carbs for 4-5 filled leaves)
• Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken (4.4 net carbs for about 1 cup)

Store

Allow these green beans to cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll last 3-4 days in the fridge. If you’re trying to prep this ahead of time, feel free to just cook the bacon, reserve one tablespoon of oil, and mix together the sauce ingredients. When you’re ready to cook, you’ll save another 5-10 minutes!

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. Cooked green beans don’t keep a very crisp texture in the fridge, so they’re likely to become soggy and a bit mushy after freezing and thawing.

Reheat

Fresh green beans are best reheated in a hot skillet (medium heat, 2-5 minutes, shaking or stirring frequently), in the oven (350 degrees, 5-10 minutes, cover if you’re concerned they’ll brown too much), or in the air fryer (350 for 2-5 minutes, preferably with a liner so you don’t lose the bacon in the bottom).

You can microwave them, but they do lose some crispness this way. If microwaving, consider blasting at 50% power to prevent them from changing texture too much.

If you like this easy side dish, check out these simple recipes!

• Crispy Green Bean Fries – These are easily breaded and quickly crisped up in the air fryer! Just 5.6 net carbs per serving.
• Foil Pack Green Beans – This recipe uses a similar sauce, but the green beans basically get steamed in the tightly secured foil pack. I love that the only cleanup required is throwing away the foil!
• Air Fryer Green Beans – Ready in about 10-12 minutes, this is such an easy, healthy recipe! Lemon juice adds a ton of flavor and perfectly complements this crispy veggie.
• Green Bean Almondine – Our favorite holiday side dish! The texture of slivered almonds on crisp, fresh green beans, all with a sugar-free, delicious sauce… It can’t be beat!
• Keto Bacon Wrapped Green Beans – These are SO flavorful with just steak marinade, a sugar-free sweetener, and a sprinkle of blue cheese!

Green Bean FAQs

Yield: 4 servings

Sweet and Spicy Green Beans

Print

These Sweet and Spicy Green Beans will be your new favorite keto side dish! This easy recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and has just 5 net carbs per serving.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 slices thick-cut bacon
• 12 ounces fresh green beans, ends trimmed
• 3 cloves garlic, very finely minced
• 2 teaspoons EACH soy sauce, brown sugar monkfruit, and apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut the bacon into small pieces and brown over medium heat. When the bacon is crisp, remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Pour off all of the bacon grease except 1 tablespoon. Add the green beans to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, 6-7 minutes until they have begun to char and reached your desired tenderness.
3. In a small bowl combine the garlic, soy sauce, sweetener and apple cider vinegar. Toss the green beans in the sauce until the beans are well coated.
4. Add the bacon, sesame seeds and crushed red pepper for garnish. Serve immediately.
   
   

Notes

• Brown sugar Swerve or another alternative sweetener can also work in place of the monk fruit.
• If you are not low carb you can use regular brown sugar in this recipe.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1/4 of skillet
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 77Total Fat: 3.6gCholesterol: 8.5mgSodium: 223.3mgCarbohydrates: 7.4gNet Carbohydrates: 5gFiber: 2.4gSugar: 2.9gProtein: 5g

To avoid any confusion I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it is not known to affect blood glucose levels. To calculate Keto recipes listed on this site carbs - fiber = net carbs. I use Nutrifox as my nutrition calculator. This nutrition information is an estimate based on the information provided by Nutrifox and the specific ingredients I used.

The post Sweet and Spicy Green Beans appeared first on The Best Keto Recipes.

BBQ Chicken and Smoked Sausage Skillet

This BBQ Chicken and Smoked Sausage Skillet is an incredibly delicious and easy keto dinner recipe! Tender chicken and your favorite smoked sausage are combined with Cajun seasoning, tons of veggies and a low carb BBQ sauce for a quick and easy dinner that is ready in just 20 minutes! Everyone at your table will love this flavorful meal, and you’ll love knowing that it’s only about 4 net carbs per serving!

This one pan dinner recipe is ready very quickly, serves a crowd and is a great healthy dinner idea. There’s a large amount of protein from the sausage and chicken and you’re going to get in a large serving of veggies. You can feel good about feeding this to your family! This keto recipe is also great for meal prepping- make a batch over the weekend and grab and go for an easy weekday lunch!

Ingredients in BBQ Chicken Skillet

As always, here is a quick overview of the ingredients used in our Chicken Skillet. For the complete recipe, just scroll to the bottom of the page.

• Smoked or Andouille sausage, chicken
• Green beans, cauliflower, bell pepper
• Minced garlic, olive oil
• Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder
• BBQ sauce- use low carb if keto

How do I make this Smoked Sausage recipe?

This one pan dinner is ready in only 4 simple steps!

1. Add your sausage and veggies to a bowl and toss with olive oil and Cajun seasoning.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika and garlic powder.
3. In a heated skillet, add your chicken. Allow to cook for 4 minutes, turning occasionally. Add the rest of your meat and veggies in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes. Stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until everything is cooked through.
4. Drizzle with BBQ sauce and toss to coat. You can serve this with additional sauce if desired.

Tips for the best one pan skillet dinner

• Try to cut your chicken, sausage and veggies into a similar size so they all cook evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked to 165 degrees
• If your skillet is large enough, try to cook everything in one single layer. This will make sure that everything gets a nice golden brown
• If you have some veggies that you need to use, add them to the meal! The carb count may change, so keep that in mind.
• Make sure to allow your chicken to cook before you add the other ingredients to the skillet- the chicken will take longer to cook than everything else

What should I serve with this BBQ Chicken?

One of the great things about this dinner is it’s really a main course and a side all in one! If you wanted to have other dishes on the table, I would recommend Roasted Cabbage, Zucchini with Parmesan or Stuffed Mushrooms.

Is this recipe good for keto meal prep?

This is a great keto meal prep recipe! Make ahead of time and keep in your favorite meal prep containers and just grab it out of the fridge on the way to work!

How to Store and Reheat this Smoked Sausage Skillet

To store this one pan dinner, place in a plastic or glass container with an airtight lid and store in the fridge. This meal will keep fresh for up to four days. To reheat, just warm in the microwave in 3o second increments until it’s hot enough for you. You can also warm up on the stove top.

Keto Dinner Recipes

• Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
• Air Fryer Shrimp
• Bacon Cheeseburger Bites
• Italian Sausage and Kale Skillet

Yield: 6

BBQ Chicken and Smoked Sausage Skillet

Print

This BBQ Chicken and Smoked Sausage Skillet is the perfect one pan dinner! This meal is loaded with veggies and protein and is about 4 net carbs!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) package Smoked Sausage or Andouille Sausage, sliced
• 1 pound chicken, cut into cubes
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut in half
• 2 cups cauliflower florrets
• 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning*
• 1 teaspoon EACH paprika and garlic powder
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (low carb if keto, see notes below)
• *You can also use your favorite all purpose seasoning blend

Instructions

1. Combine the sliced smoked sausage and vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning.
2. In another bowl add the cubed chicken, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining cajun seasoning, paprika and garlic powder.
3. Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium heat. Spray with cooking oil.
4. Add the chicken to the skillet first (it takes longer to cook than everything else). Cook 4 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Add the remaining meat and veggies to the skillet, trying to place everything in a single layer if possible.
   Cook the veggies 3 minutes without tossing, stir and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the sausage and chicken have browned and cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the skillet and toss to coat. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Check out this low carb BBQ sauce.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

About 2 cups
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 315Trans Fat: 21gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 1634mgCarbohydrates: 6.4gNet Carbohydrates: 4.3gFiber: 2.1gSugar: 2.8gProtein: 24g

The post BBQ Chicken and Smoked Sausage Skillet appeared first on The Best Keto Recipes.

Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

One Pan meals are the heroes of busy nights. This Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner delivers a hearty meal with minimal prep, ingredients or time! With just a few pantry staples, you can have dinner on the table in no time. This sausage dinner is only five simple ingredients!

This keto recipe is ready in only 30 minutes, and if you line your baking pan, then there is hardly any clean up! This sheet pan meal also requires very little prep- perfect for weeknights! I served ours with Keto Mashed Cauliflower and Lemon Poppy Seed Bars. Some of my favorite one pan dinners are this easy Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet, One Pan Cabbage Casserole or this insanely easy and delicious Lasagna Skillet! But this new Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner might just be a new favorite too! 

What ingredients do you need for an easy sheet pan dinner?

As always, here is a quick overview of the ingredients used in our Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner recipe. For the complete recipe, just scroll to the bottom of the page.

• Sausage links- I used Italian
• Green beans- fresh
• Butter
• Garlic
• Parmesan 

How do you make this keto Sausage recipe?

As written, all you need is a large baking sheet (I line mine for easy clean up). Dump your washed green beans on the sheet, drizzle with butter, garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Using your hands, work the garlic butter onto the green beans and spread them evenly on the pan.

Place the Italian sausage links on the sheet pan and that is it! Pop in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, removing once to turn the links so they brown evenly on both sides. Once the sausage is cooked through, remove from the oven and sprinkle with shredded parmesan. 

Substitutions for this sheet pan meal

You can easily swap this out for a different flavor profile. Some other ingredients that would also work for a low carb sheet pan meal are:

Different meats would work great in this recipe! Some types I would try are:

• Spicy Italian Sausage
• Brats
• Cheese Stuffed Brats
• Chorizo links
• Turkey or chicken sausage

There are several keto vegetables that would work in this meal. Some are:

• Cabbage
• Zucchini
• Asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Brussel sprouts
• Broccoli

What can I serve with this easy keto dinner?

Some amazing keto sides are these Keto Cheddar Garlic Biscuits, which are only  2 net carbs each! Another favorite is this Keto Asparagus, Avocado and Tomato Salad, which is super flavorful and only 4 net carbs a serving. Cheddar Roasted Broccoli or Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are also amazing keto side dishes! Some of my favorite low carb desserts are Keto Cake Mix Cookies and Keto Cheesecake Brownies, which would compliment this sheet pan dinner perfectly!

How many net carbs per serving?

This recipe calls for one package of Italian Sausage links. There are 5 sausage links per package, so this recipe serves 5 people with one sausage link and 3/4 cup of cooked green beans with parmesan. This recipe has 22 grams of fat and less than 6 net carbs, so it is a great keto meal option. 

Is this sheet pan dinner good for keto meal prep?

Absolutely! This Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for low carb meal prepping. Simply prepare your keto meal ahead of time and store in a glass or plastic container with an airtight lid- I use these containers for meal prepping, and place in the fridge. This sheet pan dinner will stay fresh for up to five days, making it ideal for the work week!

More easy keto dinner ideas

• Chicken Alfredo Zucchini Boats
• Asian Salmon (keto + low carb)
• Shrimp Con Queso
• The Best Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken

Yield: 5

Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

Print

This Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner is ready in 30 minutes, requires no prep and is less than 6 net carbs per serving! This will be your new favorite easy keto dinner recipe!

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 package Italian Sausage links
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. For easy clean up line a large baking pan with foil or parchement paper.
3. Dump the green beans on the pan. Top with melted butter, minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Using your hands, work the butter garlic evenly onto the green beans.
5. Add the Italian sausage links to the pan (note, they brown better if you put them directly on the pan and not ON TOP of the green beans)
6. Bake 15 minutes, remove from oven and flip the sausage and stir the green beans.
7. Bake 15 minutes more and top with parmesan.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 322Carbohydrates: 9.6gFiber: 3.7gProtein: 22g

The post Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner (keto + low carb) appeared first on The Best Keto Recipes.