12 Easy Canned Green Beans Recipes
Looking for some new ideas for delicious canned green beans recipes? Look no further! Here are 12 of the best.
Elevate your meals with our handpicked collection of the best canned green beans recipes. From savory side dishes to flavorful casseroles, discover creative ways to make the most of this pantry staple. Explore now for easy and delicious ideas that will leave your taste buds craving for more!
Canned green beans, also known as string beans, are a classic staple food.
And there are so many canned green beans recipes out there. Canned beans are great because they can be prepared quickly, go in a variety of food from around the world, and can be kept for a long time in a pantry.
Plus, green beans are filled with Vitamins A and K, among other nutrients, and have a mild flavor which makes them great as a “hidden vegetable” for picky eaters. When canned green beans are cooked well, it will be difficult to distinguish between them and fresh green beans.
Are Canned Vegetables Good for You?
The short answer is that they are. The longer answer is that they are more processed than frozen vegetables in order to stay fresher. This is done by adding a lot of salt to the vegetable water/oil that they remain soaked in until the can is opened. Luckily, that salt mostly rinses off. So just make sure they get a good wash before putting them in a salad or hot dish. Obviously, fresh vegetables will always be the best. But canned vegetables are not as unhealthy as the reputation they sometimes get.
Are Canned Green Beans Cooked or Raw?
The beans are raw when put into the cans but are “cooked” in the sense that they won’t go bad like fresh vegetables due to the canning process, which destroys microorganisms that make food spoil. They’re safe (and delicious) to eat straight from the can or to cook up in a variety of dishes.
Different Types of Canned Green Beans
- Cut green beans are, you guessed it, cut into small pieces. They are probably the most common type of canned green beans that you will see on the grocery shelf.
- Whole green beans have the ends trimmed off.
- French cut green beans are thinly cut and take a lot less time to cook compared to whole green beans because of their thinner size.
For most recipes, it won’t matter which type of green bean you use. Just be aware that the cooking times will vary between them since they are different sizes. The simpler the ingredients are on the can, the better the green beans taste after being cooked. For example, if a can has just water and salt listed, it will be better than a can that has more (unnecessary) ingredients.
How to Cook Them
There is a way to “cook the can out of the beans” by cooking them at a high enough temperature and for long enough that they no longer taste as though they came from a can and taste as good as fresh green beans do. Some people prefer to dump out the canned liquid, wash the beans well, and use broth or fresh water in the recipe instead.
Depending on your preference, you can do that. Or you can leave the canned liquid in the recipe, not add additional salt to the recipe (since it’s already in the liquid) and cook the beans long enough to “cook the can out” of the flavor. How you decide to cook your green beans is entirely up to your preference.
Best Canned Green Beans Recipe
1 — Canned Green Beans with Bacon
This Southern-style canned green beans with bacon recipe brings hearty flavor with drained canned green beans simmered in savory bacon drippings. Seasoned with garlic and onion, the beans absorb rich, smoky notes from crispy bacon. And in 30 minutes, you’ve created a simple yet delicious side dish perfect for any comforting meal.
2 — Pan Seared Canned Green Beans with Cashews & Garlic
This pan-seared canned green beans with cashews and garlic recipe combines tender green beans with crunchy cashews and aromatic garlic for a quick, savory side dish. Sautéed until slightly crisp, the beans are tossed with toasted cashews, adding a nutty texture and rich flavor. It’s an easy, elegant dish perfect for adding a little flair to weeknight meals.
3 — Garlic Parmesan Canned Green Beans
This garlic parmesan canned green beans recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans tossed in melted butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The beans are warmed to perfection, allowing the savory garlic and nutty Parmesan to coat each bite. This easy dish adds a delicious twist to everyday green beans, ideal for weeknight dinners or special meals.
4 — Green Beans & Potatoes
Comforting and flavorful, this green beans and potatoes recipe combines tender green beans, baby potatoes, and smoky bacon in a rich broth. Simmered with onion, garlic, a touch of sugar, and savory spices, the vegetables absorb deep, hearty flavors that make this dish truly satisfying. Perfect as a stand-alone meal or a side, it’s a delicious way to enjoy classic ingredients with a Southern twist.
5 — Tater Tot Casserole
There are two ways to make this casserole phenomenal, and both are delicious. The first is to use canned soup as the base. The second way is to make your own sauce (it’s easy but time-consuming) and add in some caramelized onions to make the flavor pop even more. This tater tot casserole recipe is made from a combination of ground meat (your choice of animal), canned green beans, canned corn, tater tots, and cheddar cheese. It starts on the stovetop but ends in the oven. It is creamy and packed with great vegetables and tastes. It’s also easy to sneak in extra veggies without picky eaters noticing, thanks to the cream and tater tots!
6 — Three Bean Salad
A classic, the three green bean salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines canned green beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas in a tangy vinaigrette. Tossed with onions and bell peppers, the salad offers a balance of flavors and textures with a hint of sweetness. Perfect as a side or light main, it’s a make-ahead favorite for potlucks and picnics alike.
7 — German Green Bean Salad
German green bean salad, or Bohnensalat, is a tangy, refreshing dish made with tender green beans tossed in a zesty vinegar dressing with onions and fresh herbs. Served warm or cold, the salad is balanced with hints of sweetness and spices, making it a perfect side for grilled meats or hearty German fare. This classic, flavorful salad brings a taste of Germany to any meal.
8 — Cold Canned Green Bean Salad
This cold green bean salad is so easy and great for long road trips and camping. The sauce is just oil, vinegar, and mustard. Pour it over some canned green beans and top with almonds for extra protein and nutrients. It couldn’t be easier!
9 — Sausage and Green Bean Potato Bake
This baked dish will have the whole family asking for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths. It only has a few ingredients: olive oil and spices, green beans, potatoes, and sausage. But it is chock-full of nutrients. If you have picky eaters who hate their veggies, this is a great dish to hide some spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes in too.
10 — Ham Green Bean and Potato Soup
Ideal for chilly days, this easy-to-make ham, green bean, and potato soup is perfect for using leftover ham and creates a satisfying, wholesome meal. With a mix of savory spices and aromatics, each spoonful offers rich, warming flavors.
11 — Green Bean Casserole
An all-time classic is the green bean casserole. Green bean casseroles are a fantastic dish for Thanksgiving meals or a potluck where you need crunchy yet creamy food. Plus, they’re quick (40 minutes to bake), easy to make, easy to keep, and definitely easy to eat.With a can of cream of mushroom soup, whole milk (or cream if you so desire), green beans, pepper, and some crispy fried onions to top it off, this recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Simply mix the first three ingredients together, pop them into a casserole dish, add the onions and bake.
12 — Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Want to take the classic green bean casserole to the next level? Try the cheesy green bean casserole with tender green beans smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. Blending rich flavors of sharp cheddar and smooth cream, each bite is warm and satisfying. Perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, this casserole is an irresistible twist on a favorite side.
More Easy Side Dishes to Try
If you’re looking for an easy snack, a quick side dish to take to a dinner party, or a delicious dinner plate, canned green beans are a staple food to have around. With these canned green bean recipes, you are sure to have a can for every occasion! For more side dishes, check out some of our favorites below —
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