This delicious Canned Green Beans Recipe is an easy and affordable way to get your greens in!
You know those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking? How about when you just can’t bring yourself to spend a ridiculous amount of money eating out? I get it, and I’m here to solve all your problems with this quick, easy, oh-so-affordable recipe that gives you “gourmet” with almost none of the effort.
I grew up in a large family with a small budget. My parents had four kids to feed, worked long and odd shifts as first responders, and, sometimes, they just didn’t have it in them to cook full-on feasts for us. What they were great at was coming up with creative, delicious, good-for-us recipes that didn’t break their banks or backs to make. My sisters and I lived off boxed, canned, and frozen foods with a hint of my parents’ flair to make them all more appetizing. One of my favorites back then—and even now as an adult—was canned green beans.
Now, these weren’t your average canned veggies. These green beans had a few key ingredients added to make them dazzle my siblings and me. With just a little butter, garlic, and Parmesan, my mom took a simple can of green beans and turned it into a flavorful, delectable side that we didn’t just enjoy—we adored! I mean, we BEGGED for canned green beans with every meal!
Adding a few simple household ingredients to the easy-to-find canned food was a total game changer for us growing up. And honestly, it still is! I make these all the time to impress my dinner guests or when I’m craving some tasty greens. My mom’s canned green beans recipe is rich, salty, and savory in all the best ways!
Are Canned Green Beans Healthy?
These canned green beans are a low-calorie dish that encourages kids and adults alike to not just eat their greens, but to love them, too. And this sought-after side isn’t just low in calories; it’s also a source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and many other important nutrients. This dish is also vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ditching the cheese and subbing the butter for a vegan-friendly option.
You Can Can, and You Should!
There’s a bit of a misconception around canned foods that they’re not as “good for you” as fresh food is. Don’t get me wrong, I love fresh produce, especially green beans! (Just check out this recipe for an amazing Green Bean Casserole.) But that doesn’t mean I don’t also love and see the value in canned produce. Canning can actually preserve nutrients such as minerals, proteins, and antioxidants. Canned foods are also a great budget-friendly option, and they last for years in the pantry!
How to make ahead and store
Once cooked, you can store your green beans in an airtight plastic or glass container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Green beans have a lower acid content compared to other canned vegetables, so they tend to perish faster than other foods.
Serving Suggestions
This slightly elevated version of canned green beans makes for an amazing side dish with entrées like this Smoked Pork Tenderloin I’ve been loving, or this stunning Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast.
I also love these canned green beans for big family dinners, parties, and festive gatherings. With the holidays quickly approaching, I’d recommend adding canned green beans to your own list of Healthy Thanksgiving Sides!
Ingredients
- 2 can 14.5 ounces each green beans drained
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, tossing occasionally, until the beans are tender and infused with garlic flavor, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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