Potatoes and Green Beans are a simple, comforting side dish that brings together tender potatoes and fresh, crisp green beans, all seasoned to perfection and cooked together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal accompaniment. This dish is a perfect balance of earthy, savory potatoes and bright, slightly sweet green beans.
I first made Potatoes and Green Beans when I wanted a quick, wholesome side to serve with a main dish, and it became a go-to favorite. The potatoes get crispy and golden on the edges, while the green beans retain their crisp-tender bite, making each bite perfectly balanced. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, yet it feels so satisfying with minimal ingredients.
What’s great about this dish is its versatility. You can add garlic for extra flavor, toss in some lemon zest for a refreshing twist, or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a savory finish. Whether served with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or as part of a vegetable medley, Potatoes and Green Beans are a classic, delicious side that pairs well with just about any meal!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Holiday meals
- Weeknight dinners
- Grilling season
- Potato and veggie lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Potatoes and Green Beans will become your go-to side dish:
- Simple and Wholesome: This dish is packed with nutritious vegetables and easy-to-follow ingredients.
- Perfect Flavor Pairing: The combination of tender potatoes and fresh green beans creates a satisfying side.
- Herb-Infused Goodness: The garlic, rosemary, and thyme bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- Versatile: Works well with any protein, whether it’s chicken, steak, or fish.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready in under an hour.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite spices or a drizzle of olive oil to adjust the flavor to your liking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that’s bound to be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
- Healthy and Filling: A great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Oven-Baked for Crispy Potatoes: Roasting the potatoes gives them a crispy texture that complements the tender green beans.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal option for meal prepping.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 7g
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Green Beans:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Highlights
- Baby Potatoes: Their small size and creamy texture make them perfect for roasting.
- Green Beans: Crisp and tender, they provide a fresh contrast to the roasted potatoes.
- Herbs: Rosemary and thyme infuse the dish with fragrant, earthy flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Potatoes: Toss the halved potatoes in olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast Potatoes: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Prepare the Green Beans:
- Blanch Green Beans: In a pot of boiling water, blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Green Beans: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and thyme, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Cook Green Beans: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic and oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper, cooking for 3-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Assemble the Dish:
- Combine: Once the potatoes are done, add them to the skillet with the green beans, tossing them together to combine and heat through.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Potatoes and Green Beans:
- As a Side for Roasted Meats: Serve alongside roasted chicken, beef, or lamb for a hearty meal.
- With Grilled Fish: The light and fresh flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to grilled fish.
- With Steak: Pair this dish with a juicy steak for a balanced meal.
- In a Salad: Toss the roasted potatoes and green beans with a light vinaigrette for a warm salad.
- For Holiday Meals: A great addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spreads.
- For Meal Prep: Store individual portions for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
- With a Drizzle of Balsamic Glaze: Add a touch of sweetness with balsamic glaze over the top.
- For BBQs: This dish pairs beautifully with grilled burgers or hot dogs.
- With a Side of Sour Cream: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
- As a Vegan Option: Serve as a main dish with a side of quinoa or rice for a full plant-based meal.
Additional Tips
- Add Garlic for Extra Flavor – Roasting potatoes and green beans with garlic cloves enhances the savory taste and adds depth to the dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs – Sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or oregano add a fresh, aromatic touch when roasting or sautéing potatoes and green beans.
- Parboil the Potatoes – To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, parboil them for a few minutes before roasting or pan-frying.
- Season with Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest brings a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the earthiness of potatoes and green beans.
- Try Different Potato Varieties – Experiment with different types of potatoes (like red, fingerling, or Yukon gold) for varying textures and flavors.
- Add Crunch with Almonds – Toasted slivered almonds or other nuts add a nice crunch when sprinkled over the dish right before serving.
- Use Olive Oil for Roasting – Opt for extra virgin olive oil for roasting potatoes and green beans to add richness and flavor.
- Sauté with Beef Bacon or Pancetta – For a savory twist, sauté green beans and potatoes with crispy beef bacon or pancetta bits for extra flavor.
- Add a Dash of Vinegar – A small amount of balsamic or red wine vinegar can help balance the richness of the potatoes and add a tangy kick.
- Top with Parmesan – A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking adds a salty, umami flavor that complements both the potatoes and green beans.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Toss the roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh garlic for a cheesy variation.
- Spicy Green Beans: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the green beans for a spicy kick.
- Lemon and Herb Potatoes: Toss the potatoes with lemon zest and fresh parsley for a zesty twist.
- Pesto Potatoes and Green Beans: Toss both the potatoes and green beans in basil pesto for added flavor.
- Vegan Option: Skip the butter and cheese for a fully plant-based side.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For roasting the potatoes evenly.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: For sautéing the green beans.
- Large Pot: For blanching the green beans.
- Tongs or Spatula: For flipping the potatoes while roasting.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just ensure to blanch them well before sautéing. - How long will this dish last in the fridge?
The dish will keep for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. - Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can roast the potatoes and blanch the green beans ahead of time, then simply sauté them together before serving. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, onions, or bell peppers for a more colorful dish. - Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well in place of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor. - What can I serve this with for a complete meal?
Serve with grilled or roasted meats, tofu, or a simple grain like quinoa for a balanced meal. - Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, adding chili flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper will add some heat to the dish. - Can I use dried green beans?
It’s best to use fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe to maintain the right texture. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or oven. - Can I use red potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, red potatoes are a great alternative and will work just as well.
Conclusion
Potatoes and Green Beans is a simple, wholesome dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. Tender, roasted potatoes are paired with crisp, vibrant green beans, and tossed in a savory seasoning blend to bring out the best of both vegetables. You can roast them together or cook the potatoes and green beans separately for a perfectly balanced side dish.
Customize it by adding garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with almost any main course, from grilled meats to roasted chicken, or even as a light vegetarian meal when served with quinoa or rice.
I can’t wait to see how your Potatoes and Green Beans turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this dish your own!