20 Green Bean Recipes That Go Way Beyond Basic

Green beans are one of those ingredients that always seem to be hanging out in the fridge or freezer, waiting for a purpose. They’re quick to cook, easy to flavor, and show up in everything from cold salads to bubbling casseroles. This list brings together a variety of ways to make them the kind of side people actually look forward to baked, sautéed, slow-cooked, or even air-fried. Whether you’re looking for something comforting, fresh, cheesy, or bold, these green bean recipes have enough variety to keep things interesting without getting complicated.

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

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Straight from the freezer to the air fryer, these come out crisp on the outside and tender inside. A little oil and seasoning is all they need. No thawing required. A fast option when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

Slow cooker with green bean casserole topped with fried onions. — Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A slow cooker version of the classic, this one frees up oven space while still delivering the same creamy flavor. Layer it in, let it cook, and add the crunchy top before serving. Good for holidays or when you’re cooking for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Pan-sautéed green beans get tossed with garlic and finished with crispy fried onions. The texture contrast is what makes them stand out. Easy to make in a pinch. A solid go-to when you need a quick side.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Crack Green Beans

Covered in a glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, and bacon, these bake until sticky and packed with flavor. It’s not subtle, but it works. A good balance of sweet, salty, and savory. Best served hot with something simple on the side.
Get the Recipe: Crack Green Beans

Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter. — Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Inspired by the restaurant favorite, these are stir-fried at high heat with garlic until blistered and bright. They’re crisp, savory, and simple. No extras needed. Best served hot and fast.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Green Beans and Potatoes

An image of green beans in a serving bowl with a spoon resting on it. — Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cooked together in broth or seasoned water, the beans and potatoes soften and take on all the flavor. It’s hearty and simple. Serve it as a side or even as a light meal. Works well in a Dutch oven or slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Tied together and wrapped in bacon, these roast until the edges are crispy and the beans are soft. The maple glaze caramelizes in the oven. They look good and taste even better. Ideal for special dinners or holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese

This version adds sweet, savory, and tangy in one dish. The cranberries pop against the richness of bacon and goat cheese. The beans hold it all together. Great for holiday spreads or a fancier dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

Creamy, crispy, and nostalgic, this one brings the classic combo of green beans, mushroom soup, and fried onions. Baked until golden on top. It never really goes out of style. Always gets cleaned out at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with almonds on a white plate. — Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Toasted almonds and crispy bacon give these green beans a rich, nutty bite. A bit of lemon or butter brings it all together. It’s a classic combo with a salty twist. Good for holidays or dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Melted cheese brings a rich twist to the usual casserole base. It adds gooey texture and more flavor without changing the method. Bakes into something warm and comforting. Great if you want something extra.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

BBQ Green Beans

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham. — BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Baked in a smoky, sweet sauce with bits of bacon, these taste like a cross between baked beans and a green bean casserole. They’re bold and full of flavor. Great with grilled meats or as a side at any potluck. The oven does all the work.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sautéed quickly, these beans are coated in a simple garlic butter sauce that soaks in without overpowering. A great match for roast chicken or steak. Ready in under 10 minutes. No extra steps needed.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

Garlic Green Beans on a sheet pan. — Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Roasting brings out a bit of sweetness in the tomatoes and adds char to the green beans. Garlic ties it all together. It’s colorful and tastes just as good as it looks. Serve warm or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

Green Bean Mushroom Casserole

This version adds mushrooms for a deeper, more savory flavor. It still has the creamy sauce and crunchy top but feels a little richer. Great when you want a twist on the traditional. Still easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Mushroom Casserole

Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Green bean casserole being served with wooden spoon. — Green Bean Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

A full meal in one dish, this combines ground beef, green beans, and a creamy or cheesy base. It’s baked until bubbly and satisfying. The green beans give it some balance. Good for feeding a group without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Hamburger Casserole

Old-Fashioned Green Beans

A dish of cooked green beans sprinkled with seasoning and bits of bacon, served with a fork on the side. — Old-Fashioned Green Beans. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Simmered until soft with onions and sometimes a little bacon or ham, these are all about slow flavor. They soak up whatever they’re cooked in. A reminder of home-style cooking. Works with cornbread and just about anything else.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Green Beans

Green Bean Salad

This chilled salad mixes blanched green beans with a tangy vinaigrette and a few fresh add-ins. It’s crisp, light, and easy to make ahead. A good change of pace from hot sides. Works well on its own or next to grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fresh tomatoes and blanched green beans get tossed in a simple dressing. It’s juicy, crunchy, and light. Perfect for summer meals or to break up heavier dishes. Comes together fast and holds well.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Cream cheese makes this version smoother and a little more indulgent. It melts into the beans and sauce, giving it a thicker texture. Still topped with crispy onions. A small change that makes a big difference.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese