How to Season Canned Green Beans For Maximum Flavor
Share and Spread Healthy Recipes!
Canned green beans are a convenient pantry staple, but they often lack much flavor straight from the can. Fortunately, with a few simple ingredients and easy cooking techniques, I’ll show you how to season canned green beans into the perfect side dish that tastes just as good as fresh green beans.
Whether you’re making southern green beans for a special occasion or simply trying to find a great way to enhance the taste of canned beans, this is the most flavorful canned green beans recipe.
Before I lost 125 pounds, I rarely ate vegetables and if I did I covered them in cheese sauce. Part of the problem was they didn’t have much flavor, but now that I eat a plant-based diet, my tastes have changed and I love vegetables. I prefer fresh, but canned vegetables are great in a pinch and knowing how to season them is crucial.
Before I show you how to season canned green beans, please take a quick second to subscribe to the Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get a free acid/alkaline chart to show you which foods you should eat for optimum health.
Why Choose Canned Green Beans?
Fresh produce is great, but cans of green beans are a convenient alternative when fresh isn’t available. They have a long shelf life, require minimal prep, and can be found at any local grocery store.
The key to making the best canned green beans recipe is knowing how to season them properly. Since canned beans can sometimes taste bland or too salty, seasoning them with the right ingredients can elevate them into a flavorful dish that your whole family will love.
Ingredients to Season Canned Green Beans
Seasoning a can of green beans is an easy way to make a simple vegetable taste amazing. These ingredients are the perfect way to season.
- Canned Green beans, drained and rinsed
- Olive oil – you can omit and add a tablespoon of vegetable broth if you prefer.
- Onion – yellow or white
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder – even though we’ve added onion, adding onion powder adds even more depth of flavor.
- Black pepper
- A little salt, soy sauce, or liquid aminos – this is optional since canned green beans are usually high in sodium; however, liquid aminos or soy sauce is a simple ingredient that enhances umami flavor.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat
If you like a lot of spice add a little sriracha or chili sauce to cooked green beans.
If you want a healthier version of Southern-style green beans, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke and a little olive oil.
Different Ways To Cook Canned Green Beans
Seasoning is what takes your simple vegetable from bland to amazing side dish. Here are some of the best ways to season and cook them:
Stove-top Method (Quick & Easy)
If you want flavorful canned green beans, consider sautéing them. This method enhances their texture and infuses them with seasonings.
- Heat olive oil or vegetable broth in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the canned beans and seasonings.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm as an easy side dish for any family dinner.
Instant Pot Green Beans
If you prefer pressure cooker cooking, the Instant Pot is a great way to cook canned green beans. This simple recipe creates tasty green beans with a softer texture.
- Add the canned beans and diced onion to the pot with 1/4 cup vegetable broth or fresh water.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and soy sauce.
- Cook on high pressure for 1 minute, then quick release.
How to Make Crock Pot Canned Green Beans
This is a simple way to add depth of flavor with minimal effort.
- Drain and rinse the green beans and add them to your slow cooker.
- Add in chopped onions.
- Add seasonings and drizzle with olive oil (if using).
- Add 1/4 cup of vegetable broth.
- Cover and cook: Low for 2-3 hours or High for 1 hour.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
More green bean recipes:
Green Bean Casserole Appetizer
Simple Roasted Vegetables for Meal Prepping
How to Store Leftover Green Beans
If you have leftover green beans, store them properly to maintain their delicious flavor:
- Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, store in a resealable freezer bag and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. I don’t recommend freezing because it will change the texture since the green beans have been cooked.
For more information about food safety and storage, go to www.foodsafety.gov.
You’ve tried everything… with the Beginner’s Guide to Plant-Based Eating, you can uncover a better way forward.
If you enjoyed learning How To Season Canned Green Beans or have tried any other recipe at Intentionally Eat, please leave a ⭐star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝comments below. Thanks for visiting, and be sure to get instant access to new recipes, weight loss tips, plus a FREE alkaline food chart here.
How to Season Canned Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 can green beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup white onion, diced
- 1 tsp liquid aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 pinch black pepper
Optional
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable broth
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
Instructions
- Heat oil or vegetable broth in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes
- Stir in the canned green beans and seasonings. Saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Other Cooking Methods:
How to Make Crock Pot Canned Green Beans
- Drain and rinse the green beans and add them to your Crock Pot.
- Add in chopped onions.
- Sprinkle in all your seasonings and add ¼ cup of veggie broth.
- Cover and cook: Low for 2–3 hours for deep flavor or High for 1 hour
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Cook Canned Green Beans in the Instant Pot:
- Add the canned green beans and onions to the pot with 1/4 cup vegetable broth.
- Add seasonings and gently stir.
- Cook on high pressure for 1 minute, then quick release.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Store this Canned Green Beans Recipe
-
- Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. I do not recommend freezing canned green beans, the texture will not be the same, however, you could try it.
- To reheat, warm them on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
How To Season Canned Green Beans
In addition to the seasonings used in the recipe, you could add others. Here are a few ideas:- Add Extra Spices: If you like spicy food, add cayenne, sriracha, or chili powder. You could also add fresh garlic, more liquid smoke, or smoked paprika.
Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese to 125-pound lighter -and how you can reach your goals, too!
Hungry for more?
How To Pack a Charcuterie Board
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
Pin this for later
I hope you enjoyed learning how to season canned green beans and found it delicious!
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
Any idea how much broth?
Hi Gail, Thanks for the question and catching my omission on the recipe card. I have corrected it. You can use 1 Tablespoon of vegetable broth instead of oil if you are sauteing in a skillet. If you are making them in the Instant Pot or Crock Pot its 1/4 cup of vegetable broth. Enjoy!