Mission BBQ Green Beans Recipe

I love eating at Mission BBQ because they really know how to make vegetables taste amazing. Their green beans became one of my favorite things to order every single time I visit.

This dish quickly became popular with everyone who tried it at the restaurant. People kept asking what made these green beans so different from regular ones.

The flavor is smoky and a little bit sweet. The beans stay crispy but soft enough to eat easily.

You can taste the bacon in every bite, and there’s a nice kick of seasoning that makes your mouth happy. Many customers say these green beans are the best side dish at the restaurant.

Today I am sharing this Mission BBQ Green Beans Recipe with you. This copycat version tastes just like the restaurant makes it, and you only need simple ingredients from your local store.

You’ll Love This Copycat Green Beans Because…

1. Simple to Make: You only need seven ingredients. Most of them are already in your kitchen. The steps are easy to follow.

2. Fast Cooking Time: The whole recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You can make it on busy weeknights.

3. Budget-Friendly: Canned green beans cost very little. Bacon is the most expensive part, but you only need six strips.

4. Smoky Flavor: The bacon gives amazing smoky taste that makes plain green beans exciting.

What Makes Mission BBQ Green Beans Unique?

These green beans are not like regular steamed or boiled beans. The secret lies in how the bacon drippings coat every bean. The bacon cooks first and releases its smoky oils into the pan.

Then the onion and garlic cook in those same oils. This builds layers of flavor that soak into the beans. The steak seasoning adds a peppery note that you do not find in most green bean recipes.

The sugar balances everything by adding a gentle sweetness. Most people do not expect sugar in green beans, but it works perfectly here.

The beans simmer in their own juice, which keeps them tender and moist. Every bite gives you bacon, sweetness, and a little spice all at once.

What Type of Bacon Works Best for This Recipe?

Regular sliced bacon works perfectly for this dish. Thick-cut bacon gives you bigger, chunkier pieces that add more texture.

Thin bacon becomes extra crispy and breaks into smaller bits. Both types taste great. Choose based on what you prefer to eat.

Some people like turkey bacon because it has less fat. Turkey bacon still gives smoky flavor but stays lighter. Smoked ham can replace bacon too.

Cut the ham into small cubes and cook it the same way. The important thing is getting that smoky, salty flavor into the beans.

Stay away from pre-cooked bacon bits from a jar.

Mission BBQ Green Beans Ingredients

• Bacon (6 strips): Smoky strips of bacon bring a deep, savory flavor that balances the sweetness of sugar beautifully. Can swap with smoked turkey or ham for less fat.
• Onion (1 small): Fresh onion adds gentle sweetness and blends perfectly with bacon drippings for full, rich flavor. Yellow onion or shallot works as substitute.
• Garlic (1 tablespoon minced): Minced garlic gives strong, bold taste that turns mellow and fragrant once cooked. Garlic powder works in place of fresh.
• Green Beans (2 cans with juice): Tender canned green beans simmer in their own liquid, keeping them juicy and flavorful. Fresh beans can also be used if boiled first.
• Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Ground pepper adds light spice and warmth that keeps the beans from tasting too sweet. Can use white pepper instead.
• Steak Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Bold steak seasoning gives smoky, peppery flavor that ties all ingredients together. Cajun seasoning makes a good alternative.
• Sugar (1 tablespoon): Sugar balances savory flavors with a light touch of sweetness. Honey or brown sugar can be used as a substitute.

Recommended Equipment

1. Large Skillet – wide enough for even cooking.
2. Wooden Spoon – gentle stirring without scratching pan.
3. Sharp Knife – for chopping bacon and onion.
4. Cutting Board – safe surface for chopping.
5. Measuring Spoons – keeps seasoning amounts exact.
6. Can Opener – simple tool for green bean cans.

How to Make Mission BBQ Green Beans

Step 1 | Cook the Bacon

Put the large skillet on the stove. Turn the heat to medium. Chop the six strips of bacon into small pieces.

Add the bacon pieces to the cold skillet. Let the bacon cook until it becomes crispy. This will take about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir it sometimes so it cooks evenly.

Step 2 | Add the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion into the hot bacon grease. Cook for about 5 minutes until soft and see-through. Add minced garlic and stir for one more minute until fragrant.

Step 3 | Combine Everything

Pour in the canned green beans with their liquid. Add the bacon back to the skillet. Sprinkle black pepper, steak seasoning, and sugar. Stir everything well.

Step 4 | Simmer the Beans and Serve

Turn heat to medium-high until the liquid bubbles. Then lower to low heat. Let the beans simmer for 15–20 minutes so flavors mix. Serve hot.

Recipe Perfection Tips

• Crispy is Best: Make sure your bacon gets nice and crispy. This adds great texture and the most flavor.
• Do Not Drain the Cans: The liquid from the green bean cans is the base for your sauce. It helps all the seasonings blend together perfectly.
• Simmer Slowly: Letting the beans simmer on low heat is the key. Rushing this step will not let the flavors develop fully.
• Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste a bean. If you want it saltier, add a pinch more steak seasoning. If you want it sweeter, a tiny bit more sugar will do.

How to Serve Mission BBQ Green Beans

These green beans are best served hot as a side dish.

At Mission BBQ, they are often paired with smoked meats like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. The smoky and slightly sweet flavor balances the richness of barbecue.

At home, they work well with roasted chicken, pork chops, grilled burgers, or even a simple plate of rice.

You can serve them in a small bowl on the side of a barbecue plate or spoon them right over mashed potatoes for extra comfort.

Storage Tips

1. How to Store: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors get stronger overnight.

2. How to Reheat: Warm on the stove for 5 minutes or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Add a little water to keep them moist.

3. Freezing Instructions: Freeze for up to 2 months in sealed containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Mission BBQ Green Beans Recipe FAQs

1. What can I use if I don’t have steak seasoning?

No problem! You can make your own simple steak seasoning mix. Combine half a teaspoon of black pepper, a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder, a quarter teaspoon of onion powder, and a tiny pinch of paprika.

This will give you a similar smoky and peppery flavor that works very well in this Mission BBQ Green Beans Recipe.

2. My dish turned out too salty. What happened?

This can happen if your bacon or your steak seasoning was very salty. Different brands have different amounts of salt.

Next time, look for a low-sodium bacon and a low-sodium steak seasoning.

You can always add a little more salt at the end if you need to, but you cannot take it away once it is in the dish.

3. Why are my green beans watery?

This means the liquid did not reduce enough during the simmering step. Next time, make sure you bring the liquid to a good bubble before turning the heat down to low.

Also, let the beans simmer for the full 20 minutes with the lid off. This will allow extra water to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.

4. The sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If you want a thicker sauce, there is an easy trick. Before you add the green beans to the skillet, mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. Stir until it is smooth.

After you add the beans and seasonings, pour this cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Stir it in and let it simmer. The sauce will thicken up nicely as it cooks.

5. Why keep the liquid from canned beans?

The liquid contains natural flavor and salt that add depth to the dish. It helps the beans simmer without drying out.

6. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, just double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot. The cooking steps remain the same, but simmering may take a little longer.

7. What’s the best way to cook the garlic so it doesn’t burn?

Add minced garlic after the onions have softened. Cook for just about one minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Continue to Content

Mission BBQ Green Beans Recipe

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy this Mission BBQ Green Beans Recipe in 40 mins. Smoky bacon, tender beans, and sweet-savory flavor make it a perfect side dish.

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Ingredients

• Bacon – 6 strips – chopped into small pieces (or smoked turkey/ham as substitute)
• Onion – 1 small – finely chopped (yellow onion or shallot works too)
• Garlic – 1 tablespoon minced – can use garlic powder if needed
• Green Beans – 2 cans with juice – can substitute fresh boiled beans
• Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon – white pepper works as an alternative
• Steak Seasoning – 1 teaspoon – Cajun seasoning can be used instead
• Sugar – 1 tablespoon – honey or brown sugar can replace

Instructions

1. Place the large skillet on medium heat. Add chopped bacon pieces to the cold skillet. Cook for 7–10 minutes until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon, leaving grease in the pan.
2. Add chopped onion to the hot bacon grease. Cook 5 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Add canned green beans with their liquid. Return bacon to the skillet. Sprinkle in black pepper, steak seasoning, and sugar. Stir to combine.
4. Turn heat to medium-high until liquid bubbles. Lower heat to low and simmer 15–20 minutes, letting flavors blend. Serve hot.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 550mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 5g

This copycat Mission BBQ green beans recipe gives you that famous restaurant taste at home. The simple combination of bacon, beans, and a savory-sweet sauce is always a winner.

It has become a regular side dish on my family’s dinner table.