Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon & Canned Green Beans

Craving comfort food without the chaos? This microwave meal turns pantry staples into a savory dish faster than you can say “lazy Sunday.” Five minutes, zero prep, and exactly one dish to clean—it’s the ultimate hack for hungry humans who prioritize convenience.

Pre-cooked bacon delivers smoky crunch while canned green beans bring earthy freshness. Together, they’re a salty-simple duo that’s shockingly satisfying when you’re low on time (or motivation).

We’ll walk through nuking bacon to crisp perfection, seasoning beans for max flavor, and avoiding common microwave mishaps. Expect tips on storage, texture tweaks, and lazy-approved upgrades.

What Do Pre-cooked Bacon and Canned Green Beans Taste Like?

Pre-cooked bacon packs that classic smoky punch with a chewy-crisp duality when microwaved right. Canned green beans? They’re softer than fresh-picked ones but carry a mellow earthiness that pairs beautifully with salty meats. Think “picnic basket vibes” without ants crashing the party.

Last summer, Sarah and Timmy begged for a backyard picnic… until thunder rolled in. We pivoted to this microwave combo, and guess what? They devoured it while watching rain race down the windows. Sometimes lazy meals taste better with a side of nostalgia.

Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon and Canned Green Beans

You’ll need just three staples: pre-cooked bacon strips (Oscar Mayer or Hormel work), 1 can of green beans, and black pepper. That’s it—no chef’s hat required. For those feeling fancy, we’ll talk upgrades later.

Pre-cooked Bacon Alternatives

• Turkey bacon: Lower fat, same crispy potential (microwave 20-30 seconds)
• Plant-based bacon: Soy or coconut options need 15-second bursts to avoid shrinking
• Pre-cooked pancetta: Saltier, richer, and perfect for tiny indulgent moments

Canned Green Bean Substitutes

• Frozen green beans: Microwave 2-3 minutes with 1 tbsp water
• Fresh green beans: Trim ends, nuke 4-5 minutes in a covered dish with ¼ cup water
• Canned asparagus: Drain well and expect a bolder, grassier flavor

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s zap these ingredients into something worthy of licked-clean plates.

How to Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon

We’ve all been there—hungry, impatient, and one hand already in the bacon package. Microwaving pre-cooked bacon is faster than texting “OMW,” but nailing the crisp requires strategy. Let’s turn those rubbery strips into salty shards of joy. One trick to achieve the perfect bacon is to microwave it without creating a mess. Using a simple method can help keep your microwave clean while delivering that crispy goodness.

Step-by-step Instructions for Crispy Results

1. Place 2-4 bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels (prevents grease splatter)
2. Cover with another paper towel to contain the bacon’s enthusiastic sizzling
3. Microwave on high power, starting with 20 seconds per slice
4. Check crispness—repeat in 10-second bursts until edges curl like a satisfied cat

Pro tip: Arrange strips like sun rays around the plate’s edge. No overlapping = even crisping. I learned this after nuking a bacon bouquet that fused into one chewy medallion. When practicing with paper plates, it’s important to consider their suitability in the microwave. Paper plates can generally withstand heating without releasing harmful chemicals, as long as they’re not coated with plastic.

Optimal Microwaving Times for Pre-cooked Bacon

Number of Slices	Initial Time	Additional Bursts
1-2	20 sec	10 sec
3-4	30 sec	15 sec
5+	45 sec	20 sec

Watch closely after 30 seconds—bacon transitions from “almost perfect” to “carbon souvenir” faster than a toddler’s mood swing. If you’re curious about quicker and easier alternatives, cooking bacon in the microwave can save you time and cleanup. Just a few minutes on a microwave-safe plate can yield crispy bacon without the hassle of frying.

Also See: Healthy Microwave Zucchini Boats: Quick Bake Recipe

How to Microwave Canned Green Beans

Green beans from a can aren’t glamorous, but they’re the Clark Kent of veggies—unassuming yet packed with potential. Let’s transform that tinny tang into something worthy of your fork. One way to elevate green beans is by giving them a delicious glazed green beans finish in the microwave with a touch of balsamic vinegar. This quick method not only enhances their flavor but also adds a lovely shine that makes them a standout side dish.

Do Canned Green Beans Need Water for Microwaving?

Surprise! They’re pre-hydrated. Drain the can liquid first—unless you enjoy soggy bean soup. I learned this the hard way during a “steamy” kitchen incident involving an overzealous microwave.

For best results:

• Rinse beans under cold water to reduce sodium by up to 40%
• Pat dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of texture)

Adjusting Texture in Microwave-prepared Green Beans

Want crunch? Microwave 1 minute uncovered. Prefer tender? Cover with a damp paper towel and nuke 90 seconds. For garlicky goodness, toss with ¼ tsp garlic powder pre-zapping. It’s an easy way to add flavor when you’re lazy microwave cooking.

My roommate once mistook cayenne for paprika. Let’s just say her “fiery beans” paired well with milk. Season cautiously!

Also See: Creamed Rice Recipe in Microwave  – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

Combining Microwaved Bacon and Green Beans

Now comes the magic: crumbling crispy bacon over warmed beans. The fat from the bacon seeps into the beans like a flavor blanket. For extra lazy points, mix directly in the bacon plate—fewer dishes! If you love bacon, a microwave bacon recipe can help you achieve that perfect crispiness while saving you time and cleanup.

Try this: Stir in 1 tsp of the bacon’s residual grease. It’s like giving your green beans a smoky spa treatment. Not health food… but happiness food. For an even quicker way to enjoy bacon, consider cooking it in the microwave. Microwave bacon can save time while still delivering delicious flavor.

Up next: We’ll tackle storing leftovers (because even lazy chefs sometimes overestimate their appetite). With the right techniques, leftovers can be transformed into gourmet meals using simple microwave tricks. These methods not only save time but also enhance flavors and presentation, turning your meals into something special.

How to Store Leftover Microwaved Bacon and Green Beans

Leftovers? We’ve all stared at that half-eaten plate wondering if it’s worth saving. With this duo, proper storage keeps flavors intact and textures from turning tragic. Let’s talk bacon resurrection strategies.

Store bacon and green beans separately—their moisture levels are frenemies. Use airtight containers or wrap bacon in foil. Green beans thrive in shallow bowls covered with plastic wrap. Both last 3 days max in the fridge, according to USDA guidelines. Beyond that, you’re flirting with foodborne drama.

Last week, I lazily tossed everything together. The result? Soggy bacon that wept into the beans. Learn from my lazy sins: segregation is salvation.

• Bacon: Layer between paper towels in a container (absorbs grease)
• Green beans: Leave ½ inch headspace for steam expansion
• Bacon grease gold: Strain into a mason jar, refrigerate, and use within 1 month for frying eggs or potatoes

Freezing works too! Bacon freezes beautifully for up to 1 month. Green beans? Blanch fresh ones first, but canned beans can go straight in freezer bags for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just be sure to thaw bacon properly in microwave to avoid uneven cooking.

Reheat bacon on a paper towel-lined plate for 15 seconds. Beans need 30-45 seconds with a splash of water to revive their vibrancy. Pro tip: Crumble cold bacon over salads—it’s like edible confetti. It’s a handy trick, especially when you’re using lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon.

Now that your leftovers are secured, let’s dodge those common microwave mishaps that turn meals into memes. Microwaving might seem straightforward, but many people get it wrong with certain foods. It’s essential to know which items to avoid or treat differently to ensure your meal is safe and delicious.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

We’ve covered everything from microwaving pre-cooked bacon to perfecting canned green beans in minutes. The best part? You can customize this lazy meal with your favorite seasonings or mix-ins.

Give this quick microwave combo a shot next time hunger strikes – just don’t blame us when it becomes your go-to lazy dinner! Remember to start with shorter cook times and adjust based on your microwave’s power.