When it comes to frozen vegetables, green beans are a top choice for many home cooks. They’re affordable, nutritious, and versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a hearty main course, there are plenty of frozen green bean recipe ideas to choose from.
One of the best things about frozen green beans is that they can be cooked in a variety of ways. You can boil them, steam them, sauté them, or roast them. They’re also a great addition to soups, stews, and casseroles. No matter how you cook them, frozen green beans are a delicious and healthy way to add some extra vegetables to your diet.
Easy Side Dishes
If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish, frozen green beans are a great option. Simply boil them for a few minutes until they’re tender, then drain them and toss them with some butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add some chopped garlic or onions for extra flavor. For a more flavorful side dish, try sautéing the green beans in olive oil with some chopped bacon or ham.
Another easy side dish idea is to roast frozen green beans in the oven. Toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet and roast them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly browned. You can add some chopped nuts or seeds to the roasted green beans for extra crunch.
Hearty Main Courses
While frozen green beans are often thought of as a side dish, they can also be used to make hearty main courses. One popular option is to make a green bean casserole. This classic dish is made with frozen green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for a cold winter night.
Another hearty main course idea is to make a green bean stir-fry. Simply stir-fry the frozen green beans with some chopped vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and carrots. Add some cooked rice or noodles, and you have a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor. You can also add some protein to the stir-fry, such as cooked chicken, beef, or tofu.
Creative Salads
Frozen green beans can also be used to make creative salads. One popular option is to make a green bean salad with bacon and almonds. Simply combine the frozen green beans, cooked bacon, and chopped almonds in a bowl. Add a simple vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. For a more flavorful salad, try adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Another creative salad idea is to make a green bean salad with goat cheese and cranberries. Combine the frozen green beans, crumbled goat cheese, and dried cranberries in a bowl. Add a simple vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. For a more flavorful salad, try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans.
