Green Beans and Mushrooms

A pan of green beans and mushrooms sauteed in garlic butter is a utility player of a side dish that’s healthy and tasty served with almost anything. Crisp-tender green beans pair with earthy mushrooms, both elevated by a touch of garlic and butter, creating a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Seasoned simply, this recipe lets the natural flavors of the beans and mushrooms take center stage. It’s a versatile side dish that’s fresh and nutritious, ready to elevate any meal with modest effort.

Ingredients for Green Beans and Mushrooms

• Green beans: Fresh green beans with a crisp-tender texture are the main ingredient for this dish. You can use a combination of green beans and wax beans, if you have them.
• Mushrooms: Sliced fresh mushrooms add an earthy depth and umami richness that complements the sweetness of the beans. Cremini and button mushrooms are inexpensive and tasty, but you could use oyster, shiitake or trumpet mushrooms too.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy texture and helps to saute the mushrooms and garlic to perfection. Feel free to substitute plant-based butter to make a vegan version of this recipe.
• Onion powder: Onion powder provides a subtle, sweet onion flavor, with no chopping required.

Directions

Step 1: Blanch the green beans

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Place the trimmed green beans in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the saucepan and simmer the beans for 8 to 10 minutes or until they’re crisp-tender.

Step 2: Saute the mushrooms

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While the beans are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, then saute them until they’re tender and fragrant, five to seven minutes.

Step 3: Combine the green beans and mushrooms

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Drain the cooked beans and add them to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Sprinkle in the salt, onion powder and pepper, then stir everything together until the beans are evenly coated and heated through.

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Green Beans and Mushrooms Variations

• Add a splash of soy sauce: Enhance the umami flavor of the mushrooms by adding a little soy sauce during the sauteing process.
• Sprinkle with cheese: Top the finished dish with grated Parmesan for a savory, cheesy twist.
• Toss in some toasted almonds: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor by mixing in toasted almond slices before serving.
• Add a dash of acidity: Drizzle balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the dish for a tangy touch.
• Start with bacon: Saute a couple of chopped slices of bacon in the skillet, then cook the mushrooms in the bacon fat. The bacon makes this side dish more substantial, smoky and savory.

How to Store Green Beans and Mushrooms

To store leftover green beans and mushrooms, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can you freeze green beans and mushrooms?

Yes, you can freeze green beans and mushrooms. To do so, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing it to prevent freezer burn. Frozen green beans and mushrooms can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Green Beans and Mushrooms Tips

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Are there any health benefits to eating green beans and mushrooms?

Yes, there are several health benefits to eating green beans and mushrooms. Green beans are low in calories but rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber, which supports digestive health. Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, B vitamins and essential minerals like selenium and copper, which support immune function. Additionally, both green beans and mushrooms are low in fat and cholesterol, making them heart-healthy options.

Can I use canned or frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned or frozen green beans instead of fresh for this green bean and mushroom recipe. If you’re using canned green beans, be sure to drain them thoroughly and skip the step of boiling them, as they’re already cooked through the canning process. Frozen green beans likely also don’t need as long a cooking time as fresh green beans. Just boil them until they’re heated through and tender. Both alternatives can be a convenient and time-saving option while still providing good flavor and nutrition.

What other dishes pair well with green beans and mushrooms?

Roast chicken, seasoned with herbs and garlic, pairs wonderfully with green beans and mushrooms, balancing the rich, savory flavor of the chicken with the earthy mushrooms and fresh green beans. Grilled steak is another excellent choice, as its robust flavor complements the umami from the mushrooms and the crispness of the green beans; a garlic butter sauce can tie everything together. Creamy pasta dishes, such as salmon fettuccine Alfredo, provide a great base for green beans and mushrooms, with the vegetables adding texture and flavor to the creamy or garlicky pasta.