When you're looking for quick and tasty side dishes, canned green beans can be surprisingly versatile. You might not think much of them beyond a simple steam and serve, but there are five standout recipes that can transform this pantry staple into something special. From the savory delights of Garlic Butter Green Beans to the festive appeal of Green Bean Casserole, each recipe offers a unique twist. Curious about how to enhance your meals effortlessly? Let's investigate these dishes and discover how you can bring more flavor to your table.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Garlic Butter Green Beans are a delightful and easy way to boost your side dish game. This recipe takes canned green beans and transforms them into a flavorful dish that's perfect for any meal, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.
The combination of garlic and butter brings out the natural sweetness of the green beans while adding a rich, savory depth that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of green beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Next, add the drained green beans to the skillet, stirring well to coat them in the garlic butter. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and slightly tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
For best results, make sure to use good-quality butter as it greatly improves the flavor of the dish.
If you're looking for a bit of crunch, you can sauté some sliced almonds or crispy bacon and sprinkle them on top before serving. This dish can be easily customized by adding other spices or herbs, such as red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or thyme for an earthy flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans!
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic dish that brings together the earthy flavors of green beans with the rich creaminess of a mushroom sauce, topped off with crispy fried onions for added texture.
This comfort food is perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, and using canned green beans makes it a quick and easy recipe to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious side that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of cut green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup of crispy fried onions
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
If you're using cheddar cheese, fold in half of it at this stage. Pour the mixture into a greased 1.5-quart baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions on top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some fresh garlic or onions in butter before mixing them into the casserole.
You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different taste. If you prefer a crunchier topping, add more fried onions during the last few minutes of baking.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge. Enjoy your delicious green bean casserole!
Spicy Green Bean Stir-Fry
Spicy Green Bean Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that brings a kick to your table using canned green beans. This recipe combines the vibrant texture of green beans with a zesty sauce and a touch of spice, making it a perfect side dish or a light main course.
With minimal prep and cooking time, it's a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a delicious and colorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of green beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1-2 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced chili peppers, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the drained green beans and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, making certain they're well coated with the aromatics.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar, then pour this mixture over the green beans. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Extra Tips:
For an extra crunch, consider adding some toasted peanuts or cashews just before serving.
You can also customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the number of chili peppers or adding a splash of sriracha for an additional kick.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, verify that the soy sauce is plant-based. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Mediterranean Green Bean Salad
Mediterranean Green Bean Salad is a revitalizing and vibrant dish that showcases the flavors of the Mediterranean while utilizing convenient canned green beans. This salad isn't only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrition, thanks to the fresh vegetables and zesty dressing.
Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a potluck favorite, this salad is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and delightful taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of green beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, diced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to guarantee everything is evenly coated. Allow the salad to sit for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider roasting the cherry tomatoes or adding grilled vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
You can also customize this salad by incorporating other ingredients like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even avocado.
For a heartier version, toss in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas.
This dish can be made ahead of time; just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crunch of the vegetables.
Enjoy your Mediterranean Green Bean Salad as a delightful and healthy addition to any meal!
Green Bean and Potato Bake
Green Bean and Potato Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender green beans with creamy potatoes, all baked together for a delightful side that pairs well with any main course.
This recipe is perfect for utilizing canned green beans, making it a quick and easy option for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying experience that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of green beans, drained
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained green beans, sliced potatoes, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the potato and green bean mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating some cooked bacon or ham into the mixture.
You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a unique twist.
If you prefer a slightly crunchy texture, you might want to broil the dish for the final few minutes of cooking.
Ultimately, don't hesitate to add in other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious boost!