Can you make canned green beans taste better? Yes, you absolutely can! There are so many different ways to create a delicious side dish from pantry staples that everyone will love! I’ve improved green beans in a wide variety of ways, and all of them have been big hits at our dinner table.
Transforming Canned Green Beans into a Delicious Side Dish
Canned green beans are a staple in my pantry because of their convenience and long shelf life. However, they lack the flavor and texture of fresh or frozen options. With just a few simple ingredients and very little effort, you can elevate canned green beans into a savory side dish that will complement any meal.
Ingredients
You only need a few ingredients to improve the flavor. Here is what I use when I’m in a hurry:
- 1 can of green beans (14-15 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (optional)
Use whatever style of green beans you prefer. I’ve made this recipe with cut and French style, and they both come out great!
How to Improve Canned Green Beans
This process is super easy and doesn’t take much time at all. If you’ve followed my recipes in the past, you know that I find shortcuts that anyone can do.
Preparation: Start by draining the liquid from the can of green beans.
Seasoning: Transfer the drained green beans to a small saucepan. Add in the butter, which will bring richness and depth to the dish.
Next, sprinkle the garlic and onion powders evenly over the beans. These spices are key as they infuse the beans with a savory flavor that mimics the aroma of freshly sautéed vegetables. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider leaving out the salt, as the spices alone provide plenty of flavors.
Cooking: Place the saucepan over medium heat. This will help the butter to melt and evenly coat the beans while allowing the spices to activate their flavors under the gentle heat. Stir the mixture periodically to ensure the beans are evenly coated and do not stick to the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial for achieving an even flavor distribution and preventing any burnt spots.
Simmering: Once the butter has melted, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the beans simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This gentle cooking process helps the beans absorb all the flavors from the butter and spices, enhancing their natural texture without making them too soft or mushy.
Serving: Serve the green beans hot. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can add a few pats of butter on top just before serving. This not only adds a visual appeal but also gives a final boost of creamy flavor.
Tips for Success
There are so many ways to improve any canned vegetable. Here’s a list of some tips to get you started if you want more than the basic recipe in this post.
Enhance with Extras: Feel free to personalize this recipe by adding a dash of black pepper, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even a few almond slivers for added texture and flavor. Canned green beans are the perfect option for this deluxe green bean casserole.
Pairing: These seasoned green beans pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Try them alongside a roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even as part of a vegetarian spread.
Make Ahead: You can prepare these green beans ahead of time and simply reheat them when ready to serve. They keep well in the refrigerator for a couple of days and reheat beautifully.
More Green Bean Dishes
There are more ways to serve green bean than I have space to write them. Here are just a few that we enjoy:
Stovetop Cheesy Green Beans: Although basic green beans are delicious, the cheese lovers in my family enjoy these cheesy green beans.
Green Beans Au Gratin: If you like down-home flavor but a sophisticated touch, make these green beans au gratin. The recipe is easy, and it delivers all the flavor you could want from this simple veggie.
Sheet Pan Green Beans and Potatoes: For a wonderful side dish with lots of elements, texture, and flavor, make this recipe from Call Me PMc. That girl can cook!
Air Fried Green Beans: When you have any kind of time constraints, such as a busy weeknight, do what I do. Pop some green beans into the air fryer. You’ll get delicious, crispy, caramelized flavor every time!
Easy but Tasty Side Dish
Using these simple steps, you can transform canned green beans from a bland pantry item into a flavorful side dish that everyone at the table will enjoy. Not only does this method boost the taste, but it also retains the nutritional benefits of green beans, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Enjoy your cooking and the lovely meal that follows!
How to Make Canned Green Beans Taste Better
Elevate the flavor of canned green beans by adding just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 can green beans (14-15 ounce can)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Drain the liquid off the canned green beans. Pour the beans into a small saucepan.
- Add the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the beans. Turn the heat on medium.
- Stir periodically to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- After the butter melts, turn the heat to low and put a lid on them. Cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot. If you love butter, you may add pats of butter to the top of the heated green beans.