Easy Cajun Green Beans
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Spice up your side dish game with these Easy Spicy Cajun Green Beans—a smoky, savory, and perfectly tender dish that brings a punch of Louisiana flavor to your dinner table in minutes. Pair them with my roasted chicken for the ultimate comfort meal!
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For a long time, when I was growing up, green beans were just... there. Maybe they were steamed with a little butter or tossed in a casserole once a year, but they rarely stole the show.
I love green beans, so when I got older, I started to experiment. I’ve been making these Cajun Green Beans forever because they are so easy, and they have sooo much flavor. They are proof that green beans don’t have to be bland, but can be flavor bombs and even a meal on their own.
The magic is in the combination of the bacon, onion, and especially the Cajun seasoning. There are a million recipes with bacon, onions, and green beans. The Cajun seasoning is what makes these stand apart.
By simmering frozen beans in a flavorful stock with the bacon and onion, every single bean absorbs that smoky, salty goodness. It’s a nurturing, "low and slow" style of cooking condensed into a quick weeknight timeframe. You absolutely can’t mess this up, and you will have dinner on the table in under an hour.
Why I Know You’ll Love These Cajun Green Beans
Minimal Prep: Using frozen cut green beans saves you the hassle of trimming and snapping. Of course, you can absolutely use fresh, but when they aren’t in season, or you can’t get them frozen, they are perfect.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything happens in one sauté pan, meaning cleanup is a breeze.
Adjustable Spice: You control the Cajun kick!
Ingredient Spotlights
Thick-Cut Bacon: This provides the fat for sautéing the onions and a deep, smoky undertone that permeates the stock.
Cajun Seasoning: This is your powerhouse. The version I use is called Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning (I know Cajun and Creole cooking is different. I call these Cajun because of the spice and the bacon). It simply contains salt, red and black pepper, chili powder, andgarlic powder. If you’re watching your salt, look for a salt-free blend or make your own!
The Stock: Using chicken or vegetable stock instead of water is an instant flavor upgrade for the beans.
Variations
If you want to change things up, try adding a can of diced tomatoes (drained) for a hit of acidity and extra color. For those who love a "Tex-Mex" twist, use tomatoes with green chilis. If you’re vegetarian, simply swap the bacon for a tablespoon of smoked paprika and olive oil to keep that smoky depth without the meat.
What You Need to Make These Cajun Green Beans
Tools
Sauté pan with a lid
Wooden spoon for scraping up those delicious browned bits!
Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
1 slice Thick-cut Bacon
1 small Onion
Chicken or Vegetable Stock
1 bag Frozen Cut Green Beans
Cajun Seasoning
Here’s the Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should I store leftover Cajun green beans?
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: While you can freeze them for up to 2 months, the texture may become softer upon thawing.
Note: These should not be left on the counter for more than 2 hours.
What is the best way to reheat my Cajun green beans?
I recommend reheating them in a small skillet over medium heat with a splash of extra stock to keep them moist. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals.
My Cajun seasoning is very salty. What should I do? Always taste your seasoning first! If it’s high in sodium, skip adding extra salt to the dish until the very end, after you’ve tasted the finished beans.
Can I make my own Cajun spice?
Absolutely! Mix 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar flavor profile.
How do I make sure the green beans aren't mushy?
Cook them covered for 10 minutes, then finish simmering uncovered. This allows you to monitor the tenderness—you want them tender but not falling apart!
Did you add tomatoes or extra spice? Let me know how yours turned out!
As the creator of Appetite for Life, Jen Vondenbrink combines years of culinary passion and experience with a mission to help others find joy and confidence in the kitchen. Whether she is developing savory weeknight meals or indulgent baked treats, every recipe is meticulously crafted and kitchen-tested to ensure reliable, delicious results for her readers. Jen is dedicated to sharing these proven techniques and practical tips so that every home cook can achieve professional-quality results in both cooking and baking.
Perfect side dish!