Southern-Style Green Beans with Tomatoes and Parmesan

These Southern-style green beans are simmered with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings, then finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A savory, comforting side dish that brings depth of flavor and a touch of Southern charm to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and hearty: Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to tenderness.
• Rich flavor: Garlic, onions, and tomatoes bring depth to simple green beans.
• Easy to make: Uses pantry-friendly ingredients and requires minimal prep.
• Pairs beautifully: Works well with grilled meats, roast chicken, or holiday dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Onion, diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Olive oil or butter
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

directions

1. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and soft.
2. Add vegetables: Stir in green beans and halved tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
3. Simmer: Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until green beans are tender.
4. Finish: Remove the lid and allow excess liquid to cook off if needed. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use canned green beans?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 10–15 minutes since they’re already soft.

What other vegetables can I add?

Diced carrots or bell peppers can be added for extra color and flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or use a plant-based Parmesan.

How can I make it more Southern-style?

Add cooked diced bacon or ham for a traditional Southern twist.

Can I use Italian-style canned tomatoes?

Yes, but drain them slightly and chop before adding.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently.

Can I serve it cold as a salad?

Not typically, but it could work if chilled and tossed with vinaigrette.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and texture.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes—adjust to your taste.

Can I cook it in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours after sautéing the aromatics.

Conclusion

Southern-Style Green Beans with Tomatoes and Parmesan offer a flavorful, veggie-rich side that fits any dinner table. Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this easy dish brings homemade comfort and wholesome flavor to every bite.

Southern-Style Green Beans with Tomatoes and Parmesan

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A Southern-inspired side dish featuring tender green beans simmered with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, then finished with a savory sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Add the green beans and stir to coat them in the tomato mixture.
6. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until green beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh green beans for the best texture, but frozen can be substituted if needed.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
• For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 3mg