Green beans, with their vibrant color and crisp texture, are a side-dish staple that offer endless culinary possibilities. Sure, you can do a quick boil of fresh-from-the-store green beans or throw a handful of frozen ones into a stir fry, soup or stew, but their versatility means they can be seamlessly incorporated into a wide range of menus.
A green bean is a type of legume, which refers to plants that produce edible seeds enclosed in pods (despite the fact that the French word “legume” translates to “vegetable” in English).
Beyond their visual appeal, green beans offer a wealth of nutritional benefits as a good source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate, potassium and fiber, among others — all wrapped into a relatively affordable package.
Cooking green beans is a snap, with a variety of cooking options that maximize flavor and texture, ensuring each creation feels new and exciting. Top green bean cooking methods include:
- Steaming for a tender-crisp finish
- Sautéing with aromatic spices to enhance taste
- Roasting for a caramelized finish
For French beans, how to cook remains the same. Alternatively known as “haricot verts” in French, this slender variety can be used in any recipe below.
Whether you’re selecting fresh beans at your local farmer’s market or grabbing a convenient package in the freezer section of the supermarket, check out these green bean recipes that allow you to experiment with different spices and preparation methods for a new presentation every time.
SUPREME GREEN BEANS
This foolproof recipe relies on blanching green beans to allow them to retain their beautiful green hue and crunchy texture. Blanching is an easy technique to master: You’ll briefly cook the beans in boiling water, then drain them immediately and plunge them into cold water. This recipe is finished with a tablespoon of McCormick Perfect Pinch Gluten Free Salad Supreme Seasoning — they have to live up to their name, after all — along with B-vitamin-rich red onion.
BASIL-GARLIC GREEN BEANS
Elevate these boiled beans with a trio of tasty spices you probably already have on hand: McCormick Basil Leaves, McCormick Minced Garlic and McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper. A combination of butter and salt will round out the flavor profile, making this an easily approachable dish for even the most reluctant veggie eater.
ROSEMARY & THYME GREEN BEANS
Here’s another similar variation that gets a tangy note via balsamic vinegar, combined with McCormick Whole Rosemary Leaves, McCormick Whole Thyme Leaves, McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper and a dusting from your McCormick Sea Salt Grinder. It makes a delicious, feel-good accompaniment to any meal.
LEMON HERB GREEN BEANS
This recipe is similarly delicious, but it gets its satisfying pep from zesty grated lemon peel, blended with a mix of staple spices: McCormick Basil Leaves McCormick Oregano Leaves, McCormick Basil Leaves and McCormick Oregano Leaves.
SLOW COOKER BROWN SUGAR GLAZED GREEN BEANS
In this Asian-inspired recipe, the green beans simmer gently in the slow cooker, allowing the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar and umami-rich soy sauce to meld into a delectable glaze that coats each stalk perfectly.
CREAMY GREEN BEAN & TOMATO CASSEROLE
There’s a reason this traditional side dish has graced the majority of Thanksgiving tables since seemingly the beginning of time. And while grandma’s recipe might invite nostalgia, you’re more apt to excite taste buds with this updated version that features colorful grape tomatoes and a crumbly topping. A silky cheese sauce that gets its zing from cubed cream cheese makes this casserole seem way more decadent than it is.
CAJUN GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
Ready to spice up the table? This zesty alternative presents a fiery twist on the classic. It’s infused with the bold bite of McCormick Perfect Pinch Cajun Seasoning to pack a punch with just the right degree of heat. You’ll also detect a hint of smokiness from chopped bacon, along with the celery, onion and bell pepper you’ll sauté in the flavorful drippings. But don’t worry, it retains many of the time-honored ingredients you know and love, from the richness of canned mushroom soup to a French's Original Crispy Fried Onions topping for added crunch.
Can't Get Enough Green Bean Recipes?
Try more green bean recipes from our kitchen and learn how to cook your green beans.
