Easy Roasted Green Beans

Roasted green beans are such a tasty side to include alongside your main dish for dinner. With very simple prep needed and tasty results, they are my version of a perfect vegetable dish – no hassle and delicious! Personally, I love adding these roasted green beans to a roasted chicken dinner or slow cooker beef roast, but whatever you serve them with, all you need to know is that they will be an easy, quick, and yummy recipe for you to create.

Green beans are a well-known vegetable that we often think of in connection with Thanksgiving or other holiday meals, especially in a green bean casserole. Many people seem forget how tasty this vegetable can be by itself though with only a few ingredients to enhance it. I love giving veggies a chance to stand out in my dinners. Plus, it really adds to the flavors of a meal and helps me keep meal prep simple especially if we are cooking for guests or have had a busy day.

Roasting is just one method you can use to cook raw green beans. Other options include sautéing them in a skillet, steaming them on the stove, or even boiling them in water or broth. However, I have found that oven roasting these veggies is actually the most hands-off approach, and it still provides a flavorful result.

One of my favorite things about roasting green beans is that you have so many options for changing up the flavors to match what you are serving them alongside. For example, if you used rosemary on the beef roast you are making for dinner, then you could also use rosemary for the green beans. The dishes would compliment one another because of the similarity, and you could do the same thing with many seasonings or herb combinations. However, if you have never used a particular spice or herb before, then maybe try it in a small amount to see if you like it first. Other than that, feel free to experiment!

Many recipes with green beans also have bacon or ham to help add a salty, savory flavor. With this recipe, you could chop up some cooked bacon or ham to add it to the sheet or skillet, or you could follow the recipe as is and serve the green beans without bacon or ham. For my family and just for the sake of simplicity, we usually have these veggies by themselves, but I do enjoy adding bacon to green beans during the holidays just to make it a special dish.

When I roast green beans, I most often use a cookie sheet with sides, but I have also used a cast iron skillet, as pictured, which is a great option as well. Whichever way you decide to cook them, be sure to check them throughout your cooking time. You can cook them a little less and get more of a crunch, or you can cook them more and have them a little softer but with a different depth of flavor. It is all up to you and your family’s preferences.

Are green beans good for you?

Green beans have a lot of health benefits, which can make them really good for you. They have the potential to fight inflammation in the body, and they are a good source of potassium, folate, and fiber. Vitamin C is also present, which is a great way to help boost our immune systems and fuel our bodies. (American Heart Association)

Can green beans be eaten raw?

Absolutely! Green beans can be eaten raw and are actually a delicious snack. I think they are tastiest when harvested fresh, so the best thing to do would be to grow them yourself or head to the nearest farmer’s market to grab some. If you can’t get them from a local source, then you can eat them raw from the grocery store, but be sure to give them a good wash first!

When are green beans cooked?

It can be hard to tell when green beans are actually cooked all the way. The best way I have found to tell if they are done is to stick them with a fork and check the texture. If you want more crunch, then it should be more firm when you poke it with the fork. However, those who enjoy softer green beans should wait until the bean has a softer texture.

Why are green beans good?

There are so many reasons why green beans are good. Green beans can be eaten in many different ways and pair well with a plethora of flavors. You receive many health benefits from them, and they are relatively easy to grow, which means they are not extremely expensive in most cases. While some people do not enjoy these veggies canned, you can also have them raw, cooked in the oven, sautéed on the stove top, or so many other ways. Whether you are a newbie to green beans or you have had them all your life, you should be able to find a way that you can enjoy this tasty and nutritious vegetable.

Ingredients:

• Raw Green Beans
• Olive Oil
• Italian Seasoning
• Black Pepper
• Salt
• Lemon Juice

How to Make Oven Roasted Green Beans:

Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees.

While the oven preheats, wash the green beans and trim the tops. I usually just do this by hand and string them if needed as well. Place the clean, trimmed beans in the skillet or on the sheet pan.

Drizzle the olive oil over the top. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt onto the beans. Use a pair of tongs to mix until all of them are evenly coated.

Put in the oven and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the green beans reach your desired texture.

Take the pan out and place on heat pads on the counter. Let cool for a few minutes.

Pour the lemon juice over the top, and use the tongs to mix thoroughly. Serve right away!