Corn and Green Beans

Classic simplicity sometimes gets overlooked, but this recipe proves that a simple duo of corn and green beans can absolutely take center stage. They’re sauteed in butter and oil, delicately seasoned, and on the table in minutes, making them a dependable weeknight go-to that comes in handy when the main dish is still taking shape. These veggies are wonderfully versatile, too: You can dress them up with extra herbs, sauces or even a fancy flavored butter if you’re feeling dramatic. Whether you’re serving a roast chicken, a grilled steak or just trying to get some greens on the plate before calling it a day, this corn and green beans recipe fits right in.

Ingredients for Corn and Green Beans

• Frozen cut green beans: Using thawed frozen beans means you get tender green beans without the prep work of trimming and washing fresh ones. They cook well and soak up flavor quickly.
• Frozen corn: Thawed frozen corn gives you sweet pops of flavor in every bite. It also heats through quickly, making this a true weeknight-friendly side.
• Butter: Adding butter enhances the richness and helps the vegetables develop a golden, lightly caramelized finish.
• Canola oil: This neutral cooking oil raises the smoke point of butter, preventing it from burning and ensuring the vegetables brown evenly. It keeps the veggies from sticking while giving them a silky gloss. You can use olive oil instead for a healthier dish.
• Dried thyme: This pantry herb adds its warm, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with green beans and corn. Even a small amount adds depth and aroma. Fresh thyme is an excellent option if you have it on hand, but you may need a little more of the fresh herb than the dried one.
• Salt: A small sprinkle of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies.
• Pepper: A dash of pepper adds subtle spice and rounds out the flavors so they don’t taste flat.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the vegetables

In a large skillet, saute the green beans and corn in the butter and oil until they’re tender.

Editor’s Tip: Heat the oil first and melt the butter before adding the vegetables. They’ll brown better when the fats are hot. If your skillet feels crowded, saute the vegetables in two batches so they brown rather than steam.

Step 2: Season the mixture

Stir in the thyme, salt and pepper, and toss to mix everything together.

Corn and Green Beans Variations

• Add more flavor to your butter: Toss in a compound butter for a finishing flourish. Try garlic-chive butter, lemon-dill butter or a smoky paprika butter that melts into the veggies.
• Use an onion: Add sauteed onions or shallots to build layers of sweetness and make the dish taste more complex.
• Sauce it up: Stir in a spoonful of pesto or chimichurri right before serving the corn and green beans to add big, bold flavor with almost no effort.
• Make it meaty: Mix in crumbled bacon or pancetta for salty, savory richness with each bite.

How to Store Corn and Green Beans

Store leftover corn and green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator once they’ve cooled completely. They keep well and maintain their texture for a few days, making them great for meal-prep lunches or quick reheats during the week. If the vegetables release a little moisture as they sit, give them a quick stir before reheating them.

How long do corn and green beans last?

Corn and green beans typically last three to four days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Corn and Green Beans Tips

Can you use canned vegetables for corn and green beans?

You can use canned corn and green beans, but be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Fresh green beans and corn also work; just blanch the beans then saute them with the corn kernels until they’re tender before adding the seasonings.

What main dishes can you serve with corn and green beans?

You can serve corn and green beans with almost anything! Main dishes include roast chicken, baked pork chops, seared salmon or grilled steak. They’re neutral and versatile enough to pair with hearty casseroles, pasta dishes and even comfort classics like meat loaf or pot roast.