Make the most of canned green beans by slow-simmering them in butter to create a tender, flavorful side dish with minimal effort.
Recipe
Slow Simmered Green Beans
Slow-simmered green beans are an easy, comforting side that transforms canned beans into something rich and silky. Gentle heat, a bit of butter, and time let the beans absorb flavor and become tender without becoming mushy. This method is particularly useful when you want a hands-off side for busy days or holiday dinners.
Mary Ann
5 mins
4 hrs
4 hrs 5 mins
Side Dish
American
6 servings
123
Ingredients
-
38
ounces
Blue Lake green beans, canned, undrained -
4
tablespoons
butter
Instructions
- Place the canned green beans into a medium saucepan or a slow cooker. Do not drain the beans; the canning liquid helps with simmering. Add the butter, distributing it evenly over the beans.
- Heat the pan over medium until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. If using a slow cooker, set to low. Let the beans cook slowly for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Add a tablespoon or two of water if the beans appear to be drying out during cooking.
Nutrition per serving
Calories: 123 cal
Carbohydrates: 13 g • Protein: 3 g • Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 77 mg • Fiber: 5 g • Sugar: 6 g • Net Carbs: 7 g
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Slow simmering rounds out the flavors of canned beans and softens their texture. To elevate this simple preparation, try finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of black pepper, or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for crunch. For a savory twist, add a small diced onion or a clove of minced garlic when you first heat the beans.
If you prefer a firmer texture, shorten the cooking time and check the beans after 1–2 hours. Conversely, a longer, gentler simmer will yield very soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth beans that pair well with roasted meats and mashed potatoes.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.
This recipe scales easily: use more or fewer cans and adjust the butter to taste. For a lighter option, reduce the butter and finish with a drizzle of good olive oil instead.