Green beans bring a crisp, tender bite to all kinds of dishes, from holiday casseroles to weeknight skillet meals. This list brings together bold side dishes, comfort food classics, slow-cooked favorites, and air fryer shortcuts that show off the full range of what green beans can do. Whether roasted, simmered, or stir-fried, each recipe layers in big flavor with garlic, bacon, tomatoes, or cheese for a fresh take on a dependable vegetable.
Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes
Fresh green beans and cherry tomatoes are roasted with garlic until blistered and tender. The mix is bright and juicy with a caramelized edge. It’s a colorful side dish that pairs with just about anything. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes
Old-Fashioned Green Beans
These simmered green beans are slow-cooked until tender, often with onion and bits of bacon or ham. The flavor is savory and deep. A classic side for Southern meals. Best served warm in a big bowl.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Green Beans
Green Bean Tomato Salad
Crisp green beans are mixed with juicy tomatoes and a light vinaigrette. It’s fresh, cool, and great for warm weather. Add feta or red onion for extra flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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Green Beans with Garlic Butter
Sautéed in a skillet, these green beans are coated in a simple garlic butter sauce. The result is rich and savory with just a hint of crispness. A fast and flexible side dish. Serve right from the pan.
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Green Bean Mushroom Casserole
A twist on the classic, this casserole includes earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce. Topped with fried onions or cheese, it’s baked until golden. A favorite during holidays and gatherings. Comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Mushroom Casserole
Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
This version is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to meld over time. The beans stay tender while the sauce thickens slowly. A great option when oven space is tight. Serve hot from the crock.
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BBQ Green Beans
Green beans are baked in a smoky barbecue-style sauce with bacon or onions. It’s sweet, tangy, and a little sticky. Perfect as a picnic or potluck side. Best served warm.
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Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Long-cooked green beans soak up flavor from bacon, onion, and broth. They’re soft, rich, and full of Southern flavor. Make a big batch and serve with cornbread. A reliable favorite for comfort meals.
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Southern Green Beans
Simmered low and slow with ham or smoked meat, these beans take on bold, meaty flavor. Soft and savory, they’re often seasoned with pepper and onion. A side dish that holds its own. Serve with mashed potatoes or fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
This classic French side dish adds crispy bacon to butter-toasted almonds and green beans. It’s nutty, salty, and crisp all at once. Serve warm for maximum crunch. A refined take on a pantry staple.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
Ground pork and green beans are stir-fried with Thai flavors on a hot griddle. It’s fast, spicy, and packed with umami. Serve with rice or noodles. Great for outdoor cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Roasted in the oven and sprinkled with Parmesan, these beans come out golden and crisp. A little garlic or chili flake adds extra flavor. Serve warm with lemon on the side. Easy and oven-friendly.
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Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Ground beef and green beans are baked with a creamy or tomato-based sauce. It’s hearty and filling, often topped with cheese. A full dinner in one dish. Serve with bread or a side salad.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Worcestershire Green Beans
A splash of Worcestershire sauce gives these green beans a tangy, savory edge. Cooked in a skillet, they’re quick and punchy. A great last-minute side. Add onions or garlic to layer in more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
These green beans are tossed with lots of garlic and finished with crispy onions. The mix of soft and crunchy textures stands out. Serve hot or warm. Great for holiday meals or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Screaming Skillet Green Beans
These beans are cooked in a blazing hot skillet for charred edges and bold flavor. A splash of vinegar or hot sauce adds punch. Serve fast and sizzling. Pairs well with grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Air fryer Green Bean Casserole
This version skips the oven and uses the air fryer for a crispy finish. The green beans cook quickly with minimal prep. Add fried onions and cheese for a golden topping. A modern take on a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Air fryer Green Bean Casserole
Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
Straight from the freezer to the fryer, these beans come out crisp with just a bit of oil. Season after cooking for best flavor. A convenient side dish. Serve hot with a dipping sauce if desired.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans
Green Bean Casserole
The classic blend of green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions. It’s a holiday staple for a reason. Rich, familiar, and always well-received. Serve straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
