Turn Canned Green Beans Into A Comforting Side Dish With One Ingredient

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Most Americans have at least a few canned goods stowed away for a last-minute meal addition or quick side dish. Preserved green beans are one of those pantry staples that are great to have on hand, but the flavor and texture aren't always everyone's favorite. The good news is all it takes is the addition of barbecue sauce to transform this canned staple into a noteworthy dish that everyone will love.

For those who are apprehensive about canned vegetables, you'll be pleased to know that they actually contain quite a high amount of nutrients (comparable to frozen veggies). But if it's the distinct flavor and texture of tinned green beans holding you back, this barbecued version is worth a try. The savory, zingy, and slightly sweet flavors in barbecue sauce pair well with the salty, earthy flavor of preserved green beans. Meanwhile, the thick sauce nicely coats the veggies. Just make sure to properly drain them beforehand to ensure the best texture and bold flavor. 

While you can easily make your own three-ingredient barbecue sauce, you can also pick up many store-bought options, like this Organic Texas True Barbecue Sauce from Whole Foods. Many recipes call for ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and onions for added flavor and a balanced bite. To help with the sometimes off-putting texture of the green beans, you can add other elements like bacon fat, or butter to create a creamier balance in your final dish. As for other seasonings, you could also throw in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce for an added kick of heat. 

When it comes to cooking green beans with barbecue sauce, there are a few methods to try. For those who prefer a low-and-slow pace, you might want to get your Crock-Pot involved. This process allows your beans to slowly meld with the savory flavors of your barbecue sauce. For those who enjoy green bean casserole, you may try an oven-baked barbecue option that draws out caramelized flavors. 

You can easily achieve a speedy, delicious result on the stovetop too. Heat your store-bought barbecue sauce or its various ingredients, such as ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, until they thicken into a rich sauce. Once warmed, you can combine your green beans with this mixture directly over heat. And considering that every recipe is different, you may consider when it's best to use frozen or canned vegetables for your cooking method of choice.

Adding other ingredients to your saucy green beans can also result in a more well-rounded dish. For instance, Southern green bean recipes often incorporate bacon as it plays nicely between the vegetal and smoky flavors of each ingredient. This component can either be incorporated as a chewy addition during the cooking process, or added on top for a crunchy garnish. If you don't want to use bacon, you can always use ham or a vegan meat alternative instead. If you're looking for a way to add a bit of citrusy brightness to your canned green beans recipe, mix orange marmalade into your green beans for an unforgettable side. There's really no way to go wrong with barbecued green beans, so test out a few options and see what you like best.