Directions:

Prepare the Bacon: Place bacon strips in the large skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be patient; perfectly crisp bacon is key!

Remove and Drain Bacon: Once the bacon is crisp, remove it from the skillet using tongs. Place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Set aside. Resist the urge to snack on all of it!

Reserve Bacon Fat: Carefully pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the skillet. That bacon fat is liquid gold, trust me.

Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning the garlic.

Add Green Beans: Add the trimmed and washed green beans to the skillet. Toss them with the onion and garlic mixture to coat them evenly with the flavorful bacon fat.

Cook the Green Beans: Sauté the green beans, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly browned. This typically takes about 8-12 minutes. Don't overcook them; a little snap is what you're after.

Crumble the Bacon: While the green beans are cooking, crumble the cooked bacon into smaller pieces. I like to use my hands for this; it's oddly satisfying.

Combine and Season: Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, add the crumbled bacon back to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt, as the bacon is already salty.

Serve Immediately: Transfer the sautéed green beans with bacon to a serving dish. Serve immediately and enjoy! Garnish with extra bacon crumbles, if desired. Seriously, who wouldn't want extra bacon?

Optional Step: If you are feeling fancy, add a splash of balsamic vinegar in the last minute of cooking to deglaze the pan and add a hint of sweetness!