Green beans might not always be the first thing you think of when planning a meal, but they hold their own in a surprising number of dishes. Whether you’re roasting them with garlic, tossing them on the grill, or baking them into a creamy casserole, they work well as both a side and a key ingredient. This list covers everything from quick stovetop versions to slow-cooked casseroles and even restaurant-style favorites. With options that include cheese, bacon, potatoes, and more, green beans can be as simple or as bold as you want them to be, no need to keep them plain.
Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes
These roast in the oven until the beans are crisp-tender and the tomatoes burst with flavor. Garlic brings out the best in both. It’s a bright, colorful side that pairs with just about anything. Simple, but never boring.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes
Old-Fashioned Green Beans
Cooked low and slow, these green beans are soft and full of flavor from broth, onions, and sometimes a bit of bacon. They’re a throwback dish that’s still worth making. Serve them with cornbread or alongside roasted meats. Comfort food all the way.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Green Beans
Green Bean Hamburger Casserole
Ground beef, green beans, and a creamy base come together in this baked casserole. It’s rich, filling, and made to feed a crowd. The beans keep it from feeling too heavy. A full meal in one dish.
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Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
This version swaps the usual soup base for a cheesy sauce that melts into the beans and onions. Bakes until bubbly with a golden top. It’s a twist on a classic that still brings the comfort. Great for potlucks or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Grilled Green Beans
Tossed in oil and seasonings, then grilled until lightly charred, these bring a smoky note to the table. They hold up well to high heat and develop a bit of crunch. Easy to make alongside whatever else is on the grill. No need to fuss.
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Green Bean Mushroom Casserole
Mushrooms add depth and earthiness to the traditional green bean bake. The sauce is rich, and the topping is crispy. It’s a little more grown-up without changing the basics. Still a crowd favorite.
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Green Bean Tomato Salad
Blanched green beans and fresh tomatoes get tossed in a vinaigrette for a cool, refreshing side. It’s crisp and colorful with a little tang. Great for warm days or to balance heavier mains. Serve chilled or at room temp.
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Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
A classic almondine with the added bonus of crispy bacon. The nuts add crunch while the bacon adds smoky depth. Finished with a bit of butter and lemon. Works for holidays or everyday meals.
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Blackstone Green Beans
Cooked on a flat-top grill, these come out blistered, tender, and full of savory flavor. A quick toss with soy sauce or garlic butter finishes them off. They’re great as a side or snack. Perfect for outdoor cooking days.
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Crack Green Beans
These are baked in a sweet-savory glaze made with bacon, brown sugar, and soy sauce. The beans soak up all the flavor in the oven. It’s a bold side that’s easy to make in big batches. People usually go back for seconds.
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Green Beans with Garlic Butter
Sautéed quickly in a pan, these are tender and coated in garlic butter for flavor. Just a few ingredients, but they go a long way. Ready in minutes. Ideal for a last-minute side.
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Green Bean Casserole
The classic dish with creamy soup, green beans, and crispy fried onions on top. It’s a staple for a reason. Bake until golden and serve hot. Always reliable on any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Inspired by the restaurant favorite, these are stir-fried quickly with garlic and high heat. They’re crisp, bold, and full of flavor. Serve as a side or with rice for something simple and satisfying. They don’t need much else.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Green Bean Salad
A chilled salad with blanched green beans, a tangy dressing, and maybe a few extras like onions or cheese. It’s fresh and holds up well in the fridge. Easy to prep ahead. Great for cookouts or lunches.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad
Green Beans and Potatoes
Cooked together with broth, onions, and maybe a little bacon or ham, this dish is hearty and homey. The potatoes soak up the flavor and make it more filling. It’s a full side on its own. A classic that works with just about anything.
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BBQ Green Beans
These bake in a sauce that’s sweet, smoky, and tangy — like baked beans, but with green beans. Bacon adds a savory edge. They’re different but still familiar. A fun side for anything off the grill.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans
Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Slow cooked until tender, this version takes the classic casserole and makes it hands-off. Just layer everything in and let it go. The texture is a little softer, but the flavor stays the same. Saves oven space for bigger meals.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
These are sautéed with garlic and topped with crispy onions right before serving. A mix of tender, savory, and crunchy. They come together fast but still feel like a real side dish. Good for weeknights or dinners with guests.
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Cheesy Baked Green Beans
Topped with a layer of melted cheese and baked until bubbly, this version feels more like a gratin. The beans stay slightly crisp under all that cheese. Add breadcrumbs for a little crunch. A nice alternative to the usual casserole.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baked Green Beans
Garlic Green Beans
Simple and fast, just green beans tossed in a hot pan with garlic and oil. Cooked until just tender with a little bite left. No extras needed. They work with almost any main.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Green Beans
