7 Best Canned Green Bean Recipes

Canned Green Beans are a great way to ensure there’s always something nutritious in your pantry. Here are 7 easy canned green bean recipes to make this popular canned veggie taste even better than the fresh ones! From Sauteed Garlic Green Beans to Green Bean Casserole to Parmesan Canned Green Beans, these recipes are easy, flavorful, and quick to prepare.

Just like Canned Chicken, canned green beans should be a staple in any pantry because they’ll keep for a long time and can be prepared so quickly in a pinch. When done right, you won’t even be able to distinguish them from fresh vegetables. Keep reading for some tips and tricks on how to turn canned green beans into your next trusted go-to.

Green Beans, or String Beans, are loaded with nutrients like Vitamin K and A. They have a mild and pleasant flavor, making them pretty appealing to even the toughest veggie critics. They’re an easy way to add a little green to any meal.

How Can I Make Canned Green Beans Taste Better?

The key to making your canned green beans taste better is to add some simple ingredients to bring out the flavor, and there are so many easy and cheap ways.  If you have a little more time on your hands, simmer your green beans in bouillon or broth to let them absorb the flavor – you can even do this in a slow cooker!

You can try cooking them with a butter base, adding the seasoning of your choice, like an onion powder. Or, opt for an olive oil base and once again, season to your taste – garlic is always a great option here. For nights when you have a little extra time to get creative, try one of the recipes below.

Are Canned Green Beans Good for You?

Canned vegetables require more processing than frozen ones to ensure they stay fresh. This means canned green beans do have a fair amount of salt added to them, which you can mostly rinse off before use. They’re still an excellent and easy way to get in your vegetables. Given the choice between canned and fresh, fresh is going to be best. But if you need to keep something in your cupboards for those days when the fridge is empty, canned vegetables are great!

Are Canned Green Beans Raw?

The canning process does ‘cook’ them in a way, by destroying the microorganisms that cause food to spoil. They are completely safe to eat right out of the can, and they go great in cold salads!

7 Best Canned Green Bean Recipes

1. Canned Green Bean Casserole

This creamy yet crunchy casserole is a great side dish for your holiday meals, or nights when you have a little extra time to prepare a special dinner.

2. Fried Green Beans

Bacon makes everything better. So why not toss it into your green beans? This fried recipe takes about 30 minutes to make and is well worth it.

3. Canned Green Beans with Bacon

Another recipe adding bacon into the mix, but this one takes a different approach. Simmering! If you have the afternoon at home to let your green beans cook slowly, fully absorbing all the flavors, give this recipe a try.

4. Green Beans and Onions

If you get frustrated by all of the leftover oils you often have from cooking your meats, this is the recipe for you. A simple can of green beans can use up any food waste and turn it into a delicious side dish.

5. Garlic Parmesan Canned Green Beans

This super simple recipe adds garlic and parmesan for a cheesy side dish that is sure to get eaten up by even the pickiest eaters.

6. Pan-Seared Canned Green Beans with Cashews and Garlic

If the texture of green beans isn’t your favorite, this is the recipe for you. Cashews add a nice crust to the beans, making a great, crunchy option.

7. Sauteed Garlic Green Beans

Using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this cooking method will give you green beans that have nice crispiness and are full of flavor.

How Do You Eat Canned Green Beans?

You can eat canned green beans in so many ways. Give them a good rinse and use them just like fresh green bean in most recipes. If you’re really looking for a quick meal, you can even just eat them straight out of the can!

Canned Green Beans Brands

There are many brands and they’ll vary widely depending on your area. Del Monte and Green Giant are popular choices you’ll likely find anywhere, but your local grocery store will probably carry independent brands as well.

Canned Green Beans Nutrition Facts

A cup of Canned Green Beans has just 28 calories but 2.6 grams of fiber. The beans are packed with a ton of nutrients like calcium and magnesium, and vitamins like K and A. Canned green beans do have a fair amount of salt in them though, so be sure to rinse them if you’re watching your sodium intake.