Depending on which way you make them, these easy green beans recipes are simple enough for any weeknight meal or holiday feast!
Green beans have become a staple in my grocery cart this fall and it’s NOT because I’m testing new recipes for Thanksgiving. It’s because 2 out of my 4 have taken to liking the crunch and sword-like qualities green beans have to offer. We are in a ninja-fighting phase [hello Lily and Michael] so that’s where the extra activity at dinner comes in. From steamed to roasted to sautéed, we’ve been eating LOTS of green beans around these parts, and it couldn’t make this Mom’s life any easier. And really, no matter how you prepare green beans, they are a simple side dish that takes minimal time and effort to prep, cook, and enjoy! Unless you do the casserole thing, then that will take more than 10-15 minutes.
Easy Green Beans: The Holiday Side Staple
Because Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I figured I’d share a couple of our favorite easy green beans recipes. And lucky for my Mom we’ll have something on the Thanksgiving table besides rolls and marshmallow topping the boys will eat! Although Joey claims he’s going to eat turkey and mashed potatoes….you know I’ll report back!
Easy Green Beans #1: Roasted Garlicky Green Beans or Sesame Green Beans
- 3 cups fresh green beans, trimmed [about 1 pound]
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Preheat oven to 425. Place green beans in large resealable plastic bag. Add remaining ingredients [sauce] to the bag. Shake until green beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add beans to roasting pan or large baking dish. Roast for 12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve immediately.
Easy Green Beans #2: Sautéed Green Beans and Mushrooms
- 3 cups fresh green beans, trimmed [about 1 pound]
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Put green beans in a microwave-safe bowl with water. Cover tightly and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Remove cover, drain, and set aside.
- While the beans are cooking, melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté
- onions, mushrooms and garlic until tender and mushrooms begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add green beans and stir to combine and warm the beans. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
More Easy Green Bean Recipes
I guess this post could be titled easy green beans {3 ways} because our other go-to recipe right now is steamed green beans mixed with melted butter, salt and pepper- pictured above. But if you’re in the mood for a little something extra, especially for a holiday feast, then give one of these two easy green beans recipes a try! And don’t be surprised if you look away and your kids are having a sword fight with the beans.
