This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you need a fast, foolproof veggie that goes with just about every weeknight dinner, these Instant Pot green beans come together in minutes and turn out perfectly tender every single time. Whether you want them crisp-tender or nice and soft (just like grandma made!), this pressure cooker method is simple, reliable, and works with fresh or frozen beans.
For more green bean goodness, try my Cheesy Mushroom and Onion Green Bean Casserole, which is a favorite for the holidays! Looking for another easy Instant Pot side? I love making Instant Pot Corn On The Cob when sweet corn’s in season.
Why you’ll love this Instant Pot Green Beans Recipe!
Green beans have always been one of those simple weeknight sides that remind me of home. My mom used to make a big pan of them with butter, pepper, and just enough salt to make them taste like they simmered all afternoon. Now, with the Instant Pot, I can get that same cozy, tender taste in just a couple of minutes—perfect for those nights when I’m juggling kids, dinner, and a ballgame. I hope this quick version helps you get a delicious veggie on the table with zero stress.
- Just 2 minutes of cook time—These really are 2-minute green beans, making them one of the fastest real-vegetable sides I have in my entire rotation.
- Works with fresh or frozen green beans without changing the method.
- Totally customizable: buttery, garlicky, Southern-style, or topped with bacon.
- Perfect for busy nights—pairs with any main dish from chicken to pasta.
- Family-approved—simple flavors kids actually eat.
- Goes with everything: They’re great alongside all sorts of main dishes from Baked Spaghetti to Cast Iron Chicken Thighs and Roast Turkey, and you can even throw a handful of leftover beans into your favorite salad for extra texture.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Instant Pot Steamed Green Beans
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Green beans: Fresh works best, but frozen is totally fine—no thawing required.
- Water or broth: Just 1 cup helps them steam perfectly. Broth = bonus flavor.
- Butter or olive oil: For a flavorful finish.
- Salt & pepper: Start simple and season to taste.
- Garlic (optional): Powder or fresh; add after cooking to keep it bright.
- Bacon or onion (optional): For old-fashioned Southern-style beans.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Green Beans – Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic after cooking.
- Southern-Style – Add cooked chopped bacon + a splash of broth.
- Lemon Pepper – Finish with lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Asian-Style – Toss with soy sauce + sesame oil.
- Holiday Twist – Add toasted almonds or crispy onions.
How to Make Instant Pot Green Beans
- Warm the oil: In a frying pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the onions, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Then, stir in the garlic and the salt. Cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the green beans: Pour the broth into the pressure cooker, then add the steamer basket and green beans. Close the lid, and check that the venting knob is sealed. For crisper green beans, set the cooking time to 0 minutes on high pressure. For softer green beans, set the cooking time to 1 minute on high pressure.
- Vent: After the cooking time is finished, release the pressure. To do so, carefully switch the venting knob to the venting position, watching out for the release of the steam. Remove the green beans, stir in the onion and garlic mixture, garnish with almonds, and serve.
Cook Time Chart
If you’ve ever wondered how long to cook green beans in the Instant Pot, start with the 2-minute tender option—you can always adjust up or down.
| Texture | Cook Time | Release |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp-tender | 0–1 minute | Quick Release |
| Tender | 2 minutes | Quick Release |
| Soft “Southern-style” | 3–4 minutes | Quick Release |
Serving Suggestions
This is a simple side that goes well with so many dishes! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these beans:
- With turkey. I highly recommend adding this Instant Pot string beans recipe to your Thanksgiving menu with Roast Turkey.
- Ham. Serve this Instant Pot green beans recipe with slices of Honey Baked Ham and a pile of buttery Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
- Other vegetables. Add classic holiday sides like Sweet Potato Casserole or a Corn Casserole.
- Alongside a hearty main dish. Make a Chicken Pot Pie Casserole or Chicken and Dumpling Casserole with a side of green beans.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Store: Up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts or warm on the stove with a little butter.
- Freeze: Not recommended—texture becomes mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook on high pressure for 0 minutes for crisp-tender beans, or 1 minute if you’d like them softer.
Use the Pressure Cook (Manual) setting, not Steam, for more consistent results.
Yes! Add 1–2 extra minutes of cook time to this Instant Pot green beans recipe; no need to thaw first.
Quick release the pressure as soon as cooking time is up and remove beans immediately.
💌 Love easy recipes? Join my newsletter and get my Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes eBook FREE! Sign up here.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot
Instant Pot Black Beans (No Soak!)
Main Dishes
Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Instant Pot
Instant Pot Spaghetti
All Recipes
Instant Pot Rice
Need help with this recipe?
Click the buttons below to summarize it, adjust for diets, swap ingredients, or ask your own questions!
Instant Pot Green Beans
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 small yellow onion minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound green beans
- 1- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth or water
- Crushed almonds for garnish
Instructions
- In a frying pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened, then stir in the garlic and the salt. Cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside.1 clove garlic, 1 small yellow onion, 3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt
- Wash and trim the green beans.1 pound green beans
- For a 6-quart Instant Pot, pour 1 cup of broth or water into the inner pot. For an 8-quart Instant Pot, pour 1 ½ cups of broth or water into the inner pot.1- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth or water
- Place a steamer basket in the inner pot of the Instant Pot and add the green beans to the steamer basket.
- Close the lid and check that the venting knob is sealed.
- For crisper green beans, set the cooking time to 0 minutes on high pressure. For softer green beans, set the cooking time to 1 minute on high pressure.
- After the cooking time is finished, release the pressure. Carefully switch the venting knob to the venting position, watching out for the release of the steam.
- Remove the green beans from the Instant Pot, stir in the onion and garlic mixture, garnish with almonds, and serve.Crushed almonds
Notes
- Quick Release is essential—holding pressure too long overcooks the beans.
- Use a steamer basket for firmer beans that keep their shape.
- Start with just 2 minutes—you can always add time, but you can’t take it back.
- Broth adds big flavor without extra ingredients.
- Trim the ends for the best texture and presentation.
Looks so fresh and tasty!
This looks Yummy! Did you add parmesan cheese & pepper flakes? I did not see it in the recipe But it looks like a good finish.
We added crushed almonds on top, but you could garnish with whatever you like! We hope you give it a try. 😊