Green Beans

Perfectly tender, flavorful and fresh green beans that make an amazing side dish recipe. Learn how to cook them 2 ways – sautéed or roasted in the oven.

These are such a classic and easy side dish recipe that pair perfectly with almost any main dish. They’re one veggie that everyone in my family loves, as well as parmesan roasted broccoli and roasted potatoes and carrots.

Sometimes it’s nice to take it back to the basics, and that’s exactly what this green bean recipe does! It’s a classic, easy and delicious side dish that I’m sure many of you make at home. My favorite way to cook them is either to sauté or roast them in the oven. They turn out perfectly tender, flavorful and taste so fresh.

Do you have to cut the ends off?

I recommend trimming them prior to cooking them. The ends are a bit tough and fibrous, so trimming helps to create a tender and delicious green bean. I typically cut about 1/4 of an inch off of the ends.

Seasonings

There are plenty of ways to season them based on preference. One variation that we love is to add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle 1/4 cup parmesan cheese on top. It adds the perfect twist!

• Lemon juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top once they’re done cooking for a zesty flavor.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Add some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Onion: Feel free to add in some minced onion with the garlic if you have some on hand.
• Garlic: Adding fresh garlic or garlic powder adds a great flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Keep it simple and season with S&P. It adds plenty of flavor and showcases their natural freshness.

How to cook green beans

I love them sautéed, however roasted are equally as delicious and a bit more crispy! I’ve included both methods below, so feel free to cook however you prefer. Make sure to serve fresh while hot for the best taste!

• Sautéed. In a large skillet, add green beans and cover with 1/3 cup water. Cover skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Then remove lid and let water evaporate. Add butter (or olive oil), minced garlic and lemon pepper, then cook additional 3 to 5 minutes until tender. S&P to taste.
• Roasted. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place green beans on pan and drizzle with oil and sprinkle with S&P. Roast until edges are slightly brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Favorites to serve with

• Steak: Steak cooks up nice and juicy in the oven. It’s rich flavor pairs perfectly with the fresh, crisp green beans.
• Chicken: This is our favorite marinade for grilling chicken. So easy and delicious!
• Ham: This ham recipe is cooked in the slow cooker with the best glaze. Perfect for holidays!
• Baked ziti: We love pasta and this dish is one of our favorites. It’s full of flavor and extra filling.
• Pork tenderloin: The pork is tender and juicy and takes less than 30 minutes to make.

How long do they last?

If you have them sitting in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about a week. They make a great vegetable to keep on hand to whip up throughout the week. Once sautéed or roasted, they’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.

More veggie recipes to try:

• Roasted asparagus
• Maple roasted vegetables
• Glazed carrots
• Roasted butternut squash
• Baked zucchini fries