These Cajun Green Beans are so super delicious, it's a simple recipe to make and full of flavor. Perfect as a side dish for your next meal.
They're especially perfect as a Thanksgiving side dish. Or Christmas side dish. Due to the fact they're so easy to make, it will help you focus on the more tricky dishes (like the turkey!)
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If you like these Green Beans then you'll like this Cajun Cornbread or these Cajun Fries. They're all great South Louisiana inspired side dishes.
What makes this recipe so yummy
The simplicity of this recipe, only 3 ingredients and you have a side that is full of the flavors of the south, and who doesn't like another easy recipe to add to your list of great sides.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card for quantities at the bottom of this post.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Trim the green beans and cut them into the size you prefer.
- Step 2: Place beans in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam over medium-high heat until almost cooked (about 10 minutes).
- Step 3: While the green beans are steaming add the chopped bacon to a large 12" skillet over medium heat and cook bacon until almost done. Drain most of the bacon grease (you can use paper towels if you like).
- Step 4: Transfer the green beans to the skillet with the bacon and fold into each other.
Sprinkle the Creole Seasoning all over and fold in again.
Hint: I use a homemade Creole Seasoning always to add Cajun flavor. I find it's easier to tweak how I like and you'd be surprised how easy it is and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry. Check out my recipe here.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Chicken Broth - when steaming the green beans you could try steaming with chicken broth or chicken stock. Or if you are boiling the vegetables boil them with chicken broth.
- Canned Green Beans - if you don't have access to fresh green beans, or just prefer the canned version go ahead and add them at the same time as you would the fresh, to the bacon.
- Smothered Green Beans - The term 'to smother' would mean I'd have to cook the green beans for quite a while, along with the bacon and some other ingredients. This is why I don't call my Cajun Green Beans "smothered green beans.
- Cajun Seasoning - Use a teaspoon Cajun seasoning if you have it, it's about the same as Creole Seasoning. Or if you have another 'Season All' type of seasoning use that and maybe add a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic cajun spices.
- Bell Pepper - Add some bell pepper with the bacon.
- Brown Sugar - if you like to add a little sweetness go ahead and sprinkle some brown sugar.
- Sweet Onion - another great vegetable you could add for more flavor.
- Red Potatoes - a lot of folks like potatoes with their southern green beans. It is delicious that way.
- Leftover Meat - If you have any leftover meat (like pork chops) you can add that to this great side dish. A perfect way to use up those leftovers.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
There's not much needed. A steaming basket and large pot with a lid and a large 12" skillet.
If you have a large Dutch oven you could use that too.
I've actually added some affiliate links in the recipe card at the bottom for recommendations.
How to store leftovers
Once cooled these Cajun Green Beans should be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can freeze this dish too. Just add to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
More Southern Recipes
- Cajun Cornbread
- Cajun Rice Dressing
- Stewed Potatoes
- Southern Sweet Hush Puppies
- Pinto Beans Recipe
- Cornbread Pudding
Check out this list of more than 20 Mouthwatering Cajun Holy Trinity Recipes.
Mel's kitchen notes
Expert Tip: If you want your green beans to be as beautiful green as in my pictures you're going to need to blanch them. When you have gotten them almost cooked remove them and put them straight into an ice bath (a large bowl of ice water). It will shock the green beans and they'll retain that beautiful color.
Do this before you add them to the bacon.
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Cajun Green Beans
Video
Equipment
- 4.5 Quart Pot
Ingredients
- 24 Ounces Fresh Green Beans trimmed and cut to size
- 10 Slices Bacon chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning
Instructions
- Trim and cut the green beans to the size you prefer.24 Ounces Fresh Green Beans
- Place in the basket of a steamer (that already has boiling water underneath). Steam for 10 minutes.
- While the green beans are steaming chop the bacon and add to a large 12" skillet and cook until almost done (about 5 minutes). Drain most of the bacon grease.10 Slices Bacon
- Remove the green beans from being steamed and add to the skillet with the bacon. Fold into each other to combine.
- Sprinkle the Creole Seasoning all over and fold in again.1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you want your green beans to preserve this pretty green color you'll need to blanch them. To do that, once you have steamed them for 10 minutes quickly add them to an ice bath. It will shock the green beans and they'll preserve this beautiful green color. Then add to the bacon.
- Depending how spicy you like your green beans will determine how much seasoning you add. One tablespoon gives it just a little kick. If you like more feel free to add more spice.
- Cajun seasoning is pretty much the same as Creole seasoning. It's the same ingredients.
- If you don't have a steaming basket you can boil the green beans instead, but I feel you lose a little of the flavor when you do that.
- If you don't have any fresh green beans then canned green beans will be fine. Just drain them and add them to the bacon at the same time as you would do the fresh. You'll just want to cook them through.
Nutrition
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