Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes

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If you’re like us, you’re always looking for a special side dish that is a twist on a classic. Well, here you go.

There is just everything to love about this deeply flavorful side dish. The fresh beans are braised until they are tender and infused with warming spice. The dish is gorgeous and is perfect for any holiday feast. Or, just an easy meal at home! And it comes together very quickly!

An overhead view of a stainless skillet filled with braised green beans with tomatoes with a large wooden spoon inserted into the middle.

How To Make Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes

When you see how easy this dish is to prepare, you’ll want to run out and get the ingredients immediately.

And you can prepare the dish (up to braising) well in advance of serving.

One word of warning: Be prepared for folks asking for the recipe. It’s always a crowd favorite.

 

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How To Cook Green Beans

Fresh green beans are loaded with farm fresh flavor and are loaded with health benefits.

But you may be wondering: “how do you keep green beans from being rubbery?”

That’s easy! Braising is the key to soft, tender, flavorful green beans.

EXPERT TIP: When purchasing fresh green beans, make sure they are bright green and not brown in spots and beginning to shrivel. If they have stems at the end of them, simply clip them off. If you prefer short green beans (like what you get in a can), just slice the beans in half with your knife.

A person using a metal spatula to stir fresh green beans with sautéd onions in a large silver skillet.

What Can I Add to Green Beans for Flavor?

This is where we are going to transform the everyday green bean into a dish that is layered with warming flavors.

Once the green beans have begun to soften, you’re going to add the following seasonings:

  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Ground Cumin
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper

EXPERT TIP: The addition of diced tomatoes will add even more flavor and will serve as the perfect ingredient to braise the seasoned beans. A final splash of red wine vinegar brings it all together. You’ll want to make sure you start with a large skillet (or Dutch oven) with a lid for the braising process.

A person transferring diced tomatoes into a stainless steel skillet filled with sautéed green beans and onions.

When and How To Serve Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes

This has become a staple side dish for our Easter table. It really is the perfect accompaniment to our Slow-Cooker Spiral Ham or Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham.

Other classic holiday dishes:

EXPERT TIP: For added flavor and a little crunch, we like to sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of the beans. For even more flavor, you could toast them, but keep an eye on them, they burn easily!

A close-up view of a wooden spoon inserted into a skillet filled with braised green beans with tomatoes.

If you’re looking for a new twist on a classic side dish, this is one you’ll want to try.

The flavors aren’t exotic, but just comforting, tender, and so delicious.

Always a favorite at the table. And it’s ideal for holiday feasts or just an easy weeknight dinner at home. Perfect in every way!

A large white serving dish filled with braised green beans with tomatoes and topped with almond slices.

An overhead view of a stainless skillet filled with braised green beans with tomatoes with a large wooden spoon inserted into the middle.

Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes

Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes is a wonderful twist on a familiar vegetable. The ground cinnamon gives a bit of warmth and the cumin and red pepper flakes add an amazing depth of flavor. Perfect for your holiday table or just a simple meal at home.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Vegetable - Side Dish
Cuisine: American / Italian
Keyword: easy Easter side dish, how to add flavor to green beans, how to braise green beans
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 122kcal

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch saucepan (or Dutch oven) with lid

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or more, to taste
  • lbs green beans fresh, ends trimmed
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with their juice
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup almonds sliced, toasted, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Over medium heat, in a large skillet (with lid) or a Dutch oven, warm the olive oil.
  • Add the onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes.
  • Add the green beans and stir them to coat with the spices.
  • Cook, stirring often, until beans are barely tender, about 4 minutes.
  • Stir in tomatoes, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until beans are very tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Stir in the vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with almond slices/slivers (if using).

Notes

See the video near the top of the blog post for visual guidance. If you liked the video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. 
The dish can be made in advance up to braising.  30 minutes before serving, add the tomatoes with juice and then follow the recipe as written.
In a pinch, three (3) 14.5 oz. cans of green beans (drained) can be used in place of fresh.  Follow the recipe as written, but remember, beans will be very, very soft (but still delicious). 
The entire dish can be made in advance (up to 12 hours), chilled, and then reheated on the stove until heated through and simmering.  You may need to add a little vegetable broth or water if the beans are a little dry. 
Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat. 

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 398mg | Potassium: 325mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 813IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 2mg
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POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in April 2014, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe with new tips and photography and a fabulous new video in April 2022!

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