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Green Beans in Tomato Sauce

September 12, 2018 By Patricia 76 Comments

Green Beans in Tomato Sauce is a straightforward side dish that is rich and colorful. The best part about this recipe was using fresh green beans from my mom’s garden. If you still have green beans or can find them at the market, give this dish a try.

Fresh is best for this side dish of Green Beans in Tomato Sauce.

I mentioned recently that I was headed back to Ohio for my high school reunion. It was a great time of year to be there: the air was crisp, the sun was shining for most of the time, and the very tips of the leaves on the trees were just starting to turn color. It was the perfect setting for a homecoming. (I originally posted this recipe in 2015.)

Use fresh green beans to make a flavorful side dish: Green Beans in Tomato Sauce

Given the time of year, my mom was starting to wrap up her garden. She had vegetables ready for canning, and a few miscellaneous veggies on her counters for meals for the week ahead. I saw a basket of the last of the green beans, but at the time, I didn’t know I’d be using them to make Green Beans in Tomato Sauce.

Save this recipe for Charred Green Beans with Burrata and Peaches for the summer season. It’s so good, and using fresh peaches makes it so tasty! 

The reunion was so much fun! I visited with great friends, many of whom I don’t see often, or really, at all (Facebook doesn’t count). People came from far and wide for the festivities (including our exchange student who traveled from Sweden), and many of us hung out together over the course of several days.

Dig your fork into Green Beans in Tomato Sauce. It makes a great side dish!

Eventually, the fun and my trip came to a close, and it was time for everyone to return home again. I was heading back to Phoenix soon, and already missing the fall weather that was settling into Ohio.

If you know Italian mothers, you know they always send you home with food in your bag. It could be a sandwich for the flight, or in my case, a few bags of vegetables for your suitcase. As I was packing, my mom handed me a bunch of fresh-picked green beans and bundle of banana peppers for the road.

If you have fresh veggies on hand, consider making my Sautéed Peppers, Tomatoes & Zucchini dish. It’s so easy to make and you can switch it up with whatever veggies you have.

When I got home, I decided that I’d use the green beans for a side dish that my mom makes often. Green Beans in Tomato Sauce sounds simple – and it is – but the flavors are so vibrant and rich.

Keep Green Beans in Tomato Sauce in mind as you get ready for your holiday side dish choices!

I tossed this simple side together but ended up using it as the centerpiece for a light meal I served with cheese, olives, and Italian bread (great for dipping into the sauce, by the way). Consider these green beans as an idea for a light, Meatless Monday meal, too.

Fresh green beans are also wonderful in my recipe for Fresh Green Bean and Tomato Salad in Creamy Garlic Dressing.

Think about adding Green Beans in Tomato Sauce to your list of sides for the upcoming holiday season. It doesn’t disappoint!

Green Beans in Tomato Sauce is a simple, straightforward, and delicious side dish. You'll love the fresh flavors and colors combined in this veggie dish.

 

Serves 4

Green Beans in Tomato Sauce

This simple dish of Green Beans in Tomato Sauce makes a vibrant and flavorful side dish. Keep it in mind as you prepare your holiday menus!

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5 based on 3 review(s)

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped in half
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup onion, cut into thin strips
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds and membrane removed, diced
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup water, reserved from cooking the green beans

Instructions

  1. Cook the green beans in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain (reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water), then place the green beans in a bowl of ice water to stop them from continuing to cook. Drain and set aside.
  2. Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to soften.
  3. Add the garlic and jalapeño and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add the tomatoes in juice, the tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, and stir.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-high, and add the green beans. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans begin to soften and the sauce thickens. If you feel you need to add more liquid to the mixture, add the reserved water, 1/4 cup at a time (you may only need 1/4 cup).
  6. Serve warm.
7.8.1.2
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https://www.azgrabaplate.com/green-beans-in-tomato-sauce/

Nutrition

Calories: 122 cal
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 358 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 5 g

Filed Under: Dinner, Gluten Free, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: Green beans, Italian recipes, light meals, Meatless Monday recipes, side dishes, vegetables, vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth Conte-Vitullo says

    October 12, 2015 at 5:02 pm

    These are the best, even when I omit the jalepeno!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:30 pm

      I love these, jalapeno or not!
      Reply
  2. Tonia from TheGunnySack says

    October 12, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    What a delicious idea! I've never thought to put tomato sauce on green beans!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:30 pm

      Thanks so much, Tonia! Hope you give these a try and enjoy!
      Reply
  3. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says

    October 12, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    OMG!!!! This is something so similar to what my grandma used to make...Happy Dance!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:30 pm

      I love it when that happens!! Hope it made you smile - thanks, Michelle!
      Reply
  4. Julia says

    October 12, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    I make something similar called Lebanese Green Beans and just adore it. I love that you used jalapeño in yours--never thought to do that! This would be so good over rice.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:29 pm

      Hi Julia! You're the second person to mention a Lebanese/Middle Eastern version AND serving over rice :) Love how this can be so versatile! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  5. Levan @ Crazy Vegan Kitchen says

    October 12, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    Not usually a fan of green beans BUT you make them look so enormously tasty. Yummy!!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:28 pm

      Thanks so much, Levan! Well...maybe you'll give these a try and you'll be turned into a green bean lover ;)
      Reply
  6. Shelley says

    October 12, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    yummy!! It was so great to see you!!! xoxo
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:28 pm

      Hi Shelley! You too!!! What do you think about me renaming these as "Reunion Beans?" Ha!
      Reply
  7. Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says

    October 12, 2015 at 11:37 pm

    Oh now this looks amazing!! I could gobble this up as the main course! Saving and sharing! oxo
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:27 pm

      Hi Gwen! That's what we did -- ate it as a main dish along with crunchy bread, cheese & olives. Yum! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  8. Kristyn says

    October 12, 2015 at 11:46 pm

    This sounds so delicious and so simple! Love the idea of using it for Meatless Monday!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks, Kristyn! Definitely easy, and definitely flavorful!
      Reply
  9. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    October 13, 2015 at 12:59 am

    I love this recipe! I make a similar dish with a Middle Eastern twist, but I'm going to try yours as well. I know my family will love it!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:26 pm

      Hi Michelle - I'm glad you like this! A Middle Eastern version sounds like a good idea, too! Thanks for coming by!
      Reply
  10. Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says

    October 13, 2015 at 2:31 am

    That's how my mother makes green beans!! This must be delicious!! Pinned!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:25 pm

      How cool, Neli! Is she Italian by chance?! ;) Hope you try them soon!
      Reply
  11. Nutmeg Nanny says

    October 13, 2015 at 2:38 am

    Yum! I always end up serving beans the same old way so it's nice to see something a little different. This whole dish looks packed full of flavor!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:25 pm

      Thanks so much! These aren't too crazy, out-of-the ordinary, but I love the flavors together! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  12. Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says

    October 13, 2015 at 4:40 am

    easy and simple but so tasty!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:24 pm

      Thanks so much, Gerry!
      Reply
  13. Christina @ Christina's Cucina says

    October 13, 2015 at 5:21 am

    One of my favorite family meals (I usually have it as a main dish)! I also love to throw in some Borlotti beans for more protein (as you mentioned, great for meatless Mondays)! I agree, big on flavor and so simple to make!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:23 pm

      Hi Christina! Love the idea for added beans! Another reader suggested serving over rice for a main dish. I love the flavors! Thanks for popping over!
      Reply
  14. Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says

    October 13, 2015 at 5:47 am

    That's great that you got to catch up with your high school friends! We had a HS reunion last year, but unfortunately, I was in England at the time! Guess I'll have to wait a few more years for the next one!These green beans look so tasty, Patricia!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:22 pm

      Hi there, Lisa! Aw, too bad you missed yours (but how fun to be traveling)! Thanks for your kind words!
      Reply
  15. Joanne Karm says

    October 13, 2015 at 11:22 am

    This dish was wonderful. I love the little kick from the peppers. As a main dish, it is great served over rice. We loved it.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:21 pm

      Hi Joanne! So glad you tried this and enjoyed it! Excellent idea to serve it over rice. Thank you!
      Reply
  16. Christie says

    October 13, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    What a delicious vegetable dish. I love the ease of preparing it too.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:20 pm

      One of the best parts! Thanks so much, Christie!
      Reply
  17. Christine | Vermilion Roots says

    October 13, 2015 at 4:57 pm

    I love green beans and have recently acquired a taste for long beans again. I'm sure this recipe will work very well with long beans too.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:20 pm

      Hi Christine! Yes, I bet it will! Thanks!
      Reply
  18. Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) says

    October 13, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    I really love the flavor of green beans with tomatoes! I must try this one soon!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:19 pm

      Hi Jaren & thanks for stopping by! I hope you do try this soon!
      Reply
  19. Mary says

    October 13, 2015 at 6:30 pm

    I've been enjoying the crisp fall weather in Chicago. I'm glad you got to experience a bit of it. I love simple dishes like this. So fresh and light and lovely.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:19 pm

      How nice, right, Mary? We can enjoy it while we can! Thanks so much!
      Reply
  20. Kam Kay says

    October 13, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    Added to my Thanksgiving dinner list. It looks yummy!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 13, 2015 at 9:18 pm

      That's exciting, Kam! Hope you like it, and thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  21. Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says

    October 14, 2015 at 12:01 am

    We were so delighted with how well our green beans did in our garden this year (lots of firsts for this transplanted Canadian family :D ) -- I was able to feed our family of 4 repeatedly with them - practical/economical and delicious - and yes! they are still coming up from the ground :) I love the tomato accent in this recipe... so lovely with garlic and complementary seasonings. Great idea, thanks Patricia!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 17, 2015 at 2:28 pm

      How great, Kelly! You're lucky you can have such a productive garden! I love green beans - hope you give this a try with what might be the season's end of green beans :)
      Reply
  22. lakisha says

    October 14, 2015 at 2:27 am

    OMG that looks so good. Finally a dish I can make myself lol
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 17, 2015 at 2:27 pm

      Always love a simple recipe (and tasty one, too)! Thanks so much!
      Reply
  23. Des @ Life's Ambrosia says

    October 14, 2015 at 7:04 am

    I love love LOVE green beans and tomatoes together. It is one of my favorite combos. Such gorgeous color too!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 17, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      Hi Des - Thanks!
      Reply
  24. Katalina @ Peas & Peonies says

    October 15, 2015 at 12:31 am

    This caught up my attention on pinterest, I have never had beans in tomato sauce, but the combo sounds so good!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 17, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      Hi Katalina! Thanks so much - hope you give it a try - it's so easy to make :)
      Reply
  25. Kirsten @ Treat Yourself Sweeter says

    October 15, 2015 at 9:40 am

    Oh ya!!! This is going to be a dinner next week... I LOVE beans and this looks awesome (who am I kidding... I think I love all food!)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 17, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      Haha! Me too, Kirsten! Hope you enjoy this easy-to-make dish! Thanks!
      Reply
  26. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

    October 15, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    My grandmother used to make something like this with fresh green beans from her garden. I have never been able to find a similar recipe but definitely need to try this one!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 17, 2015 at 2:25 pm

      Hi Ashley! That's really cool. I hope you give this one a try and it tastes like something good you remember!
      Reply
  27. ZazaCook says

    October 31, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    Looks super delicious! I am definitely going to try this recipe.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 1, 2015 at 4:42 am

      Thanks so much! Hope you like it!
      Reply
  28. Jessie says

    November 8, 2015 at 10:00 pm

    This is one of my grandmother's signature dishes. I like the idea of adding peppers!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 8, 2015 at 10:35 pm

      Love it, Jessie! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  29. Mimi says

    September 12, 2018 at 9:26 am

    I love green beans, they are one of my favourite sides, need to try this
    Reply
  30. Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says

    September 12, 2018 at 9:33 am

    This looks so yummy, such a great recipe for the holiday coming up
    Reply
  31. Molly Tullis says

    September 12, 2018 at 11:44 am

    Definitely need to give these a try!
    Reply
  32. Maartje says

    September 12, 2018 at 11:53 am

    So easy to make and yet so delicious! This is definitely one of my favourite meals to make. :)
    Reply
  33. Laurel @ mommability.blog says

    September 12, 2018 at 11:55 am

    This is a wonderful idea! Everything my toddler eats has to be in "sauce" of some kind, so I've been struggling with green beans. Perfect, thanks!
    Reply
  34. Candace says

    September 12, 2018 at 4:50 pm

    What a wonderful recipe I make something like this with some chili pepper and it is absolutely amazing I will try this recipe naps I have saved . -xoxo Candace
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  35. Eimear says

    September 12, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    I love the idea of this dish for a Meatless Monday. With olives, french bread and some cheese as you suggest, it would be perfect!!
    Reply
  36. Luci says

    September 12, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    This looks rather tasty. I've never have tried tomato sauce with greens beans, will have to add this the next I'm I have them.
    Reply
  37. Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says

    September 13, 2018 at 12:26 am

    This looks yummy and easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
    Reply
  38. Cassie says

    September 13, 2018 at 8:11 am

    Love this side dish! Looks yummy and so glad it's got jalapeno in it! What a great way to spice it up a bit.
    Reply
  39. Jennifer Baick Oliak says

    September 13, 2018 at 9:11 am

    This recipe looks really delicious. For sure, my hubby would love this green beans in tomato sauce. I will definitely give this a try.
    Reply
  40. Latasha Peterson says

    September 13, 2018 at 12:18 pm

    This dish looks amazing and sounds like a perfect added side meal for my family. :) I am totally saving it to my Recipe Pinterest board. :)
    Reply
  41. Cindy Ingalls says

    September 13, 2018 at 2:21 pm

    I've never been the biggest green bean fan but I think this recipe might change that. I love the idea of adding more flavor with tomato sauce and peppers.
    Reply
  42. Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins says

    September 13, 2018 at 10:11 pm

    I would never have thought of making green beans this way but it looks delicious!
    Reply
  43. Natasha says

    September 13, 2018 at 10:28 pm

    Now where has this dish been hiding all my life lol! This looks so delish and simple enough to make. Gonna add this to my meal plan as I’m trying to add in more veggies!
    Reply
  44. aditi says

    September 14, 2018 at 10:08 am

    I have never tried green beans in tomato sauce though beans are a family favorite. Saving this to make soon. Thanks.
    Reply
  45. cassy | blissfully her says

    September 14, 2018 at 11:47 am

    i've never tried this, but it looks so good! i think my toddler might even like it! will definitely have to try this soon!- cassy | blissfullyher.com
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  46. Julia Renninger says

    September 28, 2018 at 1:53 pm

    Yum, my favorite way to eat green beans! Nate and I make beef tips in a tomato sauce that would taste awesome with this. I know you don't eat a lot of meat, but you should try it. I'll have to get you the recipe. Pat would love it anyhow!
    Reply
  47. Carolyn Cobb says

    December 29, 2019 at 11:29 am

    This is the way most people make them in San Antonio, TX. Only with bacon, too. It’s thought to be a Mexican recipe.carolyn
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 8, 2020 at 4:59 pm

      How interesting! I love how similar cultures can be! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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