What To Do With Leftover Green Beans?

what to do with leftover green beans

Leftover green beans?

Don’t worry, you’re not stuck with eating them plain or reheating them for the hundredth time.

Take a look at my ten ideas to help mix things up a bit.

From main dishes to side dishes to appetizers, there’s sure to be something here that will appeal to you.

So get creative and enjoy those leftovers.

Make a green bean casserole

Making a green bean casserole is a great way to use up your leftovers.

Whether it’s your grandma’s traditional recipe or a version with a twist you can’t resist, there are lots of recipes out there for this classic Thanksgiving dish.

The simplest way is to just add a can of cream of mushroom soup to the leftover and heat.

Then, you can enjoy the dish.

Make a green bean salad

Green bean salads are a delicious, crunchy addition to any lunch.

They’re especially good for those of us who want something that’s both filling and tasty.

To do this, you’ll want to add a little bit of sugar and apple cider vinegar to the leftover.

Also, don’t forget to add chopped onions or red pepper slices for extra flavor.

Add them to another soup or stew

If you have leftovers but don’t feel like making anything else out of them, just add them to your next soup or stew.

This is a great way to use up the vegetables and turn a regular dish into something with a little bit more variety.

I like this method because it’s a great way to make something new from existing ingredients.

Make green bean casserole burgers

Green bean casserole burgers are an awesome way to take everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish and make it into something you can enjoy all year round.

To make green bean casserole burgers, start by making patties out of the leftover and leftover stuffing.

Then, you can fry them up in a pan with butter and serve on buns or rolls.

Add them to your favorite stir-fry recipe

Stir-fries are a great way to enjoy leftover vegetables or meat.

Plus, they’re quick and easy to make so you can have dinner on the table in no time.

To do this, just add the beans, onion powder, pepper flakes, salt, and soy sauce to your favorite stir-fry recipe.

You can also add leftover cooked beef, pork, or chicken to make it a heartier meal.

Make green bean casserole risotto

Risotto is a hearty dish that’s filling enough to be the main focus of your dinner.

It’s also easy to make vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for beef broth.

To do this, just add the beans to your risotto and substitute cream of mushroom soup for broth.

Add a little salt and pepper and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

Use the leftovers as part of your lunch for tomorrow

One of my favorite things about green beans is how long they last.

I’m a huge fan of having a simple lunch every day and the easiest way to make sure I eat something healthy is to make a big batch of green beans the night before.

To do this, just heat some oil in a pan and sauté the leftover beans.

Add some salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste.

For added flavor, you can add potatoes or mushrooms as well.

Mix with eggs and bacon for breakfast burritos

Green beans are a great addition to breakfast burritos because they add lots of healthy fiber.

This is also an easy way to eat them if you don’t feel like making anything else.

To do this, just combine some leftovers with eggs and bacon in a flour tortilla.

Don’t forget the cheese.

Steam them in the microwave and top with cheese and herbs for a tasty snack

what to do with leftover green beans

Steaming leftovers and mixing them with salt, pepper, and olive oil is an easy way to enjoy the vegetables as a light snack.

You can also top it off with crumbled feta cheese or shredded mozzarella for something more filling.

Put them on pizza instead of pepperoni or sausage

Green beans are a delicious substitute for pepperoni or sausage on a pizza.

And it’s a healthier alternative as well.

To make a green bean pizza, just add the beans and some salt to your favorite homemade pizza dough.

Add sauce and cheese for another layer of flavor.

Bake until cooked through and enjoy.

Sauté them with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt

Sautéing your leftovers is another easy way to enjoy them.

Plus, it’s a great way to make a simple vegetable the star of your meal.

To do this, just sauté them in olive oil on medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Make sure they get tender but not soggy.

Add garlic powder and salt to taste.

Roast them by coating them lightly in olive oil or butter

I love veggies that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, which is why I roast a lot of them in my oven.

Some of my favorites include brussels sprouts, broccoli, and green beans.

To do this, just coat some beans lightly in olive oil or melted butter and roast at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.

You can add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or sea salt for extra flavor.

How long are leftover green beans good for?

They are best if eaten within the first 3 days and can be kept for about a week or more in the fridge. (source)

Can you can leftover green beans?

Yes, you can.

You can also freeze them and they will keep for about a month. (source)

What is the best way to reheat green beans?

The best way to reheat them is by roasting or sautéing them with a little oil.

What to do with green beans that are old?

Old beans are best if eaten within the first three days.

They can be kept for about a week in the fridge and also frozen, which is another good way to preserve them.

Do green beans go bad in the fridge?

Yes, they do go bad in the fridge after about a week.

Can you freeze green beans after they are cooked?

Yes, you can freeze them after they are cooked.

To freeze them, you need to blanch them first so they will retain their color and texture.

After that, you can freeze them and they will last for about a month in an air-tight container.

How do you know if green beans have gone bad?

You can tell if the beans have gone bad if they are slimy, moldy, or smell off.

If the ones you are using are slimy or moldy, discard them immediately.

If they smell off or taste bitter once cooked, don’t eat them.

Can you cold pack green beans?

Yes, they can be cold-packed.

To do this, just blanch them first and then pack them in a jar.

Add some boiling water or brine to cover them and put on a new lid that has been boiled in hot water.

Then, let it cool off naturally before storing it in the fridge.

Is it safe to water bath green beans?

Yes, you can water bath green beans and they will last for about a year in an air-tight jar.

Remember to wipe the jars before putting on a new lid and boiling them.

What do green beans go bad from?

They can go bad from being exposed to air for too long, which is why it’s important to check if they have gone bad or not.

Another reason they go bad is by growing mold due to over-moisture.

Can you eat dried green beans?

Yes, you can eat dried green beans.

You can also rehydrate them or add them to a soup.

Why are my green beans rubbery?

They are rubbery because they have been overcooked or they were cooked in water that was too hot.

If you are cooking green beans, make sure to cook them on low heat for a long time so they don’t become rubbery.

Can I pickle overripe green beans?

Yes, you can pickle the overripe ones if they are not too mushy.

To do this, make a brine using vinegar and water and add some spices like coriander seeds, mustard seeds, peppercorns, thyme, cloves, allspice berries among others.

Put them in a jar and pour the brine over them, completely covering the beans.

Then, let it sit for about one week before eating.

They will last for up to six months in an air-tight jar.

Conclusion

There are endless ways to enjoy leftover green beans, whether you want a simple side dish or something more filling for dinner.

I’ve provided some of my favorite ideas, but there are plenty more where that came from.

So get creative and have fun with your leftovers.

Tamara Pierce

Tamara Pierce is a food writer at Elapasony, passionate about exploring diverse cuisines and sharing recipes and food experiences. From trendy restaurants to local hotspots, she's always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

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