18 Green Bean Recipes That Are Anything But Bland
Green beans might seem simple, but they can be turned into some truly delicious dishes. From fresh salads to comforting casseroles, there are so many ways to make green beans the star of your meal.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish, a soup, or a hearty main course, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy this humble vegetable.
Green Bean Soup
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In my home country, this recipe is called “mahuna,” which simply means green beans. It’s a delicious and simple soup made with green beans, tomatoes, and potatoes. You can use fresh or canned ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Rustic Green Bean Soup {Mahuna}
Green Bean Casserole
The dish consists of tender green beans smothered in a homemade mushroom sauce, made without any “cream of” soup. It’s a flavorful side option, topped with crispy fried onions for an added crunch.
Get The Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Bacon Mushroom Green Bean Pasta
This simple pasta dish brings together the richness of real cream, the savory indulgence of bacon, and the freshness of green beans. The combination of these high-quality ingredients results in a simple yet exquisite pasta that is full of flavor.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Mushroom Green Bean Pasta
Fasolka Szparagowa (Polish Green Beans)
The dish Green Beans Polonaise, also known as Fasolka Szparagowa, highlights the natural flavor of green beans. It consists of green beans topped with toasted buttery breadcrumbs, offering a simple yet delicious side dish option.
Get the Recipe: Fasolka Szparagowa (Polish Green Beans with Buttery Bread Crumb Topping)
Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Here’s a different take on the classic green bean casserole – a homemade bacon and green bean casserole recipe that doesn’t use cream of mushroom soup. This easy-to-follow recipe includes perfectly cooked tender green beans, golden brown caramelized onions, a creamy homemade sauce with garlic and Parmesan cheese, and plenty of tasty, crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Best Bacon Green Bean Casserole
Chinese Garlic Green Beans (Din Tai Fung Copycat)
These Chinese-style garlic green beans are like those famous ones from Din Tai Fung that everyone’s talking about online. They’re crunchy and full of flavor from the garlic and soy stir fry, making a great side dish for Asian meals. And the best part? You only need 4 ingredients, and you don’t have to deep fry them!
Get The Recipe: Chinese Garlic Green Beans
Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
These oven-roasted green beans wrapped in bacon offer a flavorful mix of salty, sweet, and buttery tastes. They make a versatile side dish that complements just about any main course, from chicken and steak to your holiday ham.
Get The Recipe: Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Green Beans Almondine
Sautéed green beans with buttery, toasted almonds create a classic French side dish that’s both easy to make and perfect for special occasions. Known as Green Beans Almondine, or haricots verts amandine in French, this dish is often saved for holiday meals, but its delicious flavor makes it worth enjoying all year long!
Get The Recipe: Green Beans Almondine
Beefy Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots
This family-friendly casserole combines the comforting flavors of a traditional hamburger hotdish with a unique twist. Featuring green beans, ground beef, and a layer of crispy tater tots on top, this dish offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty casserole that brings together tender vegetables, savory meat, and crunchy potatoes, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.
Get The Recipe: Beefy Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots
Green Bean Potato Salad
This easy summer side dish features tender new potatoes and perfectly cooked green beans as its base, creating a satisfying combination. Bell peppers and red onion add a pop of color, a nice crunch, and an extra layer of flavor. Everything is then tossed in a light lemon-dill dressing that brings it all together. It’s a fresh, vibrant, and delicious addition to any meal, perfect for enjoying during the warmer months.
Get The Recipe: Green Bean Potato Salad
Flank Steak, Haricot Vert, and Potato Salad
This steak, green bean, and potato salad is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring juicy steak, fresh green beans, and roasted potatoes. It’s topped with crumbled blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor and finished with a vinaigrette dressing that ties all the ingredients together. This salad is perfect for a filling lunch or a light dinner, combining all the elements of a great meal in one bowl.
Get The Recipe: Flank Steak, Haricot Vert, and Potato Salad
Green Beans With Bacon
The green beans are cooked until they are tender and then tossed in a flavorful sauce with crispy, smoky bacon. The combination of fresh green beans and bacon makes for a delicious and easy dish that’s sure to be a hit at any meal.
Get The Recipe: Green Beans With Bacon
Sauteed Green Beans with Tomatoes
This classic combination of green beans and tomatoes is made even better with a topping of Parmesan cheese crisps, adding a delicious crunch to each bite. The mix of fresh vegetables with the savory cheese crisps creates a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any dinner.
Get The Recipe: Sauteed Green Beans with Tomatoes
Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
Southern-style green beans and potatoes combine tender green beans with hearty potatoes for a comforting dish that’s full of flavor. The beans are usually slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and sometimes a bit of bacon or ham, infusing them with a rich, savory taste. The potatoes add substance, making this a satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, from fried chicken to barbecue.
Get The Recipe: Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
Italian Green Beans
Italian green beans are made with tender green beans, seasoned with Italian seasoning and dressing for a flavorful sauce. Grape tomatoes add a burst of color and a bit of tartness, while Parmesan cheese brings a savory finish that complements the vegetables perfectly.
Get The Recipe: Italian Green Beans
Spaghetti with Green Beans
Spaghetti with green beans and tomatoes is a simple yet delicious dish that combines tender pasta with fresh green beans and juicy tomatoes. The ingredients come together with a light sauce, making for a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Get The Recipe: Spaghetti with Green Beans
Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad
An Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad is a timeless potluck favorite! This simple recipe features green beans, white beans, and kidney beans, all mixed in a tangy, slightly sweet, and herb-filled dressing. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly, making it a great choice for cookouts, picnics, BBQs, or even for meal prep during the week.
Get The Recipe: Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad
Mexican Green Beans
Mexican green beans are a vibrant vegetable dish bursting with bold flavors and a fresh, spicy kick. The green beans are sautéed with onions, jalapeño, and bell peppers, creating a quick and easy side that’s ready in under 20 minutes. This versatile dish pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Green Beans