How to Cook Yellow Beans

Learning how to cook yellow beans is super simple and produces a very tender side dish recipe.  My husband grows yellow beans and green beans in our garden every year for the last 30 years. 

We all look forward to the fresh beans coming out of the garden each year!  This boiled beans recipe is one that I have been making for over 30 years, so I know it is the perfect recipe! 

Yellow beans with their tender texture and delicate flavor, makes a delightful addition to any meal.  One of the tastiest ways to prepare them is by boiling them with bacon pieces, draining the water, and then tossing the beans with some melted butter. 

This method infuses the yellow beans with a smoky flavor from the bacon that is sure to please your taste buds.  Using this method will elevate your fresh yellow beans to a new level of deliciousness. 

Boiling yellow beans with bacon and finishing them with butter is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this seasonal vegetable. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for a family dinner or adding them to a special occasion meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

Garden Fresh Beans

We have been growing our fresh yellow beans and green beans in our backyard garden for over 30 years.  Check out my blog post about How to Create a Backyard Garden. 

You can also watch a video on how our garden came together and grew.  There is nothing better than locally grown beans but if you can’t grow your own, then check your local farmers markets or farm stands.  Supporting local farmers is a win-win for you both. 

Bacon for Boiled Beans

Using cooked bacon while boiling your yellow or green beans adds an extra layer of flavor to the finished recipe.  You can cook the bacon strips up ahead of time and crumble into small pieces. 

Using leftover cooked bacon is also another great option.  I prefer to purchase packets of REAL bacon bits, so I know that I have cooked bacon on hand and all I have to do is just pour in the amount that I want when cooking the beans. 

TIP: Do not use Imitation bacon chips or bits. 

Boiled Yellow Beans Ingredients

• Yellow Beans
• Bacon Bits (Precooked Bacon Pieces that are Crumbled)
• Salt
• Butter

How to Cook Yellow Beans

Prepare the Beans:  Trim the ends off the yellow beans and cut into 2 inch pieces.  Rinse thoroughly in cold water. 

Boil the Beans with Bacon:  In a large pot, combine the prepared yellow beans, real bacon bits, salt, and cold water.  Make sure to leave room for boiling.  Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.  Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the beans are tender but not overcooked. 

Drain and Toss with Butter:  After testing the yellow beans for doneness, drain all the water off the beans and the bacon.  Add the butter and gently toss until all the ingredients are combined.  If desired, season with salt and pepper or let your guests season their own. 

Serve and Enjoy:  Transfer the beans to a serving dish and enjoy them warm with your favorite main dish recipe. 

What to Do With Leftover Beans

If you have leftover boiled beans, you can use them in other recipes. Try my Swedish meatball recipe where I add canned beans or my leftover boiled yellow beans. This is such a great recipe that I make in a slow cooker and is a family favorite.

What to Serve with the Bacon Yellow Wax Beans

Boiled yellow beans with bacon and butter make a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas:

• Griddle Chicken: The smoky flavor of the beans complements griddled chicken beautifully.
• Butter Steak: Serve alongside a juicy steak for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Oven Walleye: The light, fresh taste of baked walleye pairs nicely with the rich, buttery beans.
• Pasta: Toss the beans with pasta, olive oil, and parmesan cheese for a quick and easy dinner.
• Smoked Chicken, Ribs, and Pulled Pork: They make an excellent side dish for barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or smoked chicken thighs.