The classic, comforting combination of Green Beans and Tomatoes is taken to the next level with a garnish of Parmesan cheese crisps for a satisfying crunch.

Sauteed green beans and tomatoes on a gray platter, with a spoon scooping them up.

Sauteed Green Beans and Tomatoes

Many cultures in the Mediterranean and Middle East serve a version of stewed or braised green beans with tomatoes. It’s a comforting, homestyle dish that is a great addition to Sunday dinner or a holiday meal.

With it’s vibrant colors and bold but familiar flavors, this Green Beans and Tomatoes recipe is amazing as-is, but I’ve taken it to the next level by crumbling Parmesan cheese crisps over the dish as a final garnish. It adds a satisfying crunch!

Why you’ll love sauteed Green Beans and Tomatoes

  • The sweetness of the tomatoes balances perfectly with the green beans, creating a dish with familiar flavors that perhaps even picky eaters will love.
  • It pairs well with a wide variety of main courses, from grilled meats to roasted chicken to vegetarian entrees.
  • The crispy cheese fricos add a textural contrast and a salty, rich flavor that keep things interesting.
Ingredients on a rustic wood surface, including haricot verts, canned tomatoes, cheese crisps, onions, garlic and spices.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

  • green beans – fresh green beans are the main component of this dish.
  • unsalted butter – for sauteeing the garlic and onion.
  • yellow onion – adds a aromatic sweetness as a base flavor for the sauce.
  • garlic – enhances the depth of flavor.
  • paprika – adds color and depth of flavor.
  • red pepper flakes – adds a hint of spiciness and complexity to balance the sweet tomatoes.
  • diced tomatoes – we’ll be using a can of diced tomatoes and their juice to make the sauce that will coat the beans.
  • tomato sauce – a small can of pureed tomato sauce thickens the sauce.
  • salt and pepper – seasons the garlic Parmesan green beans.
  • Parmesan cheese crisps – this garnish adds a crunchy texture and salty, cheesy flavor. I usually just buy a bag of Parm Crisps or Whisps brand cheese crisps, but it’s also incredibly easy to make homemade cheese fricos if you’re in the mood for that.

How to make Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

A white Dutch oven filled with sauteed onions and spices.

1. AROMATICS. Cook the onion in butter in a large Dutch oven until it’s golden brown. Stir in the garlic, paprika and red pepper flakes and cook briefly.

A white Dutch oven filled with sauteed onions, canned tomato products and spices.

2. TOMATOES. Add the diced tomatoes and their juice, tomato sauce and the salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil.

A white Dutch oven filled with green beans and tomatoes.

3. BEANS. Stir in the green beans, then cover the pot and reduce the heat.

A white Dutch oven filled with stewed green beans and tomatoes.

4. SIMMER. Cook for 40 minutes or until the beans are very tender.

An oval gray platter filled with Parmesan green beans and tomatoes.

5. GARNISH. Transfer the beans to a serving platter and garnish with roughly crumbled cheese crisps.

An oval gray platter filled with garlic Parmesan green beans and tomatoes, with a spoon scooping some up.

How to Saute Green Beans with Tomatoes

If you’d like this dish to come together a bit faster, or you prefer crisper green beans as opposed to softer ones, you can simply saute the green beans until they are tender-crisp, then stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt and pepper and serve at this step.

The beans won’t be as soft as if they were covered and simmered, but if you’d like crisper green beans, this is the way to go.

How long to Saute Green Beans and Tomatoes

If you’d like to saute the green beans instead of cover and stew them, add the beans to the skillet at the same time you add the onions (Step 1 in the recipe card below).

Saute for 8 to 10 minutes or until beans are tender-crisp. You can also add a splash of water to the skillet towards the end of cooking time to soften the beans a little bit more.

When the beans are cooked to your liking, add the rest of the ingredients to the skillet and simmer until the tomato sauce is slightly thickened.

An oval gray platter filled with green beans with tomatoes.

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans Home Chef Tips

  • Trim your green beans before using them by snapping off the ends with your fingers, or simply cutting the ends off with a knife.
  • If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes in this green beans and tomato recipe.
  • If you enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
A dinner plate filled with a dinner roll and sauteed green beans and tomatoes.

How to store Parmesan Green Beans

To store leftover sauteed green beans and tomatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days.

How to reheat this Sauteed Green Beans and Tomato Recipe

To reheat, microwave the green beans and tomatoes for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Or, warm them in a skillet over medium heat, with a touch of water, until hot.

An oval gray platter filled with a green beans and tomato recipe.
Sauteed green beans and tomatoes on a gray platter, with a spoon scooping them up.

Sauteed Green Beans and Tomato Recipe

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 48 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

The classic, comforting combination of Green Beans and Tomatoes is taken to the next level with a garnish of Parmesan cheese crisps for a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes and their juice
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1-1/2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese crisps

Instructions

  1. In large Dutch oven, heat butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. 
  2. Stir in garlic, paprika and red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes and their juice, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Heat mixture to boiling over medium-high heat.
  4. Stir in green beans, then cover pot and reduce heat to medium-low. 
  5. Cook 40 minutes or until beans are very tender.
  6. Transfer beans to platter and garnish with roughly crumbled Parmesan cheese crisps. Serve immediately. 

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 186Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 684mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 6gSugar: 13gProtein: 6g

This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. Nutrition information does not include any optional ingredients or toppings. You should calculate the nutrition information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

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